Markita Goines
Record-breaking Girl Scout cookie salesman, youngest Guinness World Record holder for sales
Markita Goines rose to prominence in the 1980s as a record-breaking Girl Scout entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California. At just 10 years old, she demonstrated exceptional sales acumen by selling an astounding 3,500 boxes of Girl Scout cookies in a single year—a feat that captured national media attention and earned her a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. Her success was built on innovative marketing strategies unusual for a child her age, including door-to-door sales, community outreach, and strategic positioning of her product in high-traffic areas. Goines's achievement inspired a generation of young entrepreneurs and demonstrated that age is not a barrier to business success. Following her Girl Scout success, she parlayed her early entrepreneurial experience into a career as a businesswoman and motivational speaker, sharing her story to inspire young people to pursue their ambitions. Her legacy extends beyond cookie sales—she became a symbol of youth entrepreneurship and business innovation, proving that determination and creative thinking can overcome any obstacle.
Business & Industry
American
1975
Thinking about the name
Markita
Latin origin
“A feminine form of Mark with a Latinate -ita ending, offering a warm, approachable sound with global appeal. The name combines classical roots (Marcus, 'of Mars') with a diminutive, affectionate suffix, creating a name that feels both substantial and endearing.”