The Future of Entrepreneurship Is Here

Local Youth Showcase Business Ingenuity

Young, local entrepreneurs showcased their homemade arts, crafts and goods at the firstever Spring Kids Makers Market event at the Westerville Community Center (350 N. Cleveland Ave.) on Sunday, April 21. More than 44 local children showcased their unique creations to sell at the event.

Westerville Parks and Recreation created the event to allow the opportunity for young business owners to have hands-on experience selling their goods and networking with other like-minded, young merchants.

“Creating space for children in the community to have their creations noticed is important for their confidence and continued achievements in the curation of their goods and crafts,” said Westerville Parks and Recreation Program Manager Chelsea VanAssache. “It allows them the chance to continue developing their business skills and learn from others, new and experienced, who share the same entrepreneurial spirit.”

The event garnered attention from over 400 community members and 100 family members of each participant. Every child who had a booth had at least one transaction, and a few participants sold out their products entirely.

Ella Williams, founder and CEO of Posh Tea Time, attended the pre-event; exclusive only for market vendors. She encouraged the young business owners by sharing her personal story of overcoming hardships, adversity and creating her own business that adds value and flair to the community. Her insight inspired participants and provided an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about what it takes to own a successful business.

For most of the adolescent entrepreneurs, this was the first time they had to handle money with customers––counting coins, breaking bills and making change. This empowering experience enabled participants to explore a new concept that is not a part of their daily routines.

Participants also received education about marketing and networking at the event. Ensuring their businesses were properly advertised allowed them to gain recognition and brand awareness of the products they were selling.

“Vann is what my mom calls me and I started out just making keychains and found other fun molds to try,” said Savannah Fisher of Vann’s Keychains and More when asked how she came up with her business name.

Most of the children chose to name their business after their own namesake or after the specific products they sell. Each booth was uniquely crafted to the seller and the products they carefully curated for the community.

“[I] really enjoyed the event and seeing the very talented children in Westerville,” said Elin & Co. owner Elin Crosby. “Next time I would take more time to prep and maybe offer snacks and beverages. I would provide bags for shopping.”

For more updates, visit www.westerville.org/parks.

Fall Kids Makers Market information will be available in the Sept/Oct Community Guide.