A group of local youths have learned the ropes of running a small business and are ready to sell their handmade products, just in time for Mother’s Day.
Kind Vibe Kids in Glen Williams is hosting its second Children’s Market on Saturday (May 13) from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the lower level of the Williams Mill.
Owner Sarah Robson has been busy helping the young entrepreneurs aged five to 18 get ready for their big moment with a series of business building meetings that focused on everything from time and money management to branding, marketing and more.
Among those taking part in the market are Paige Langdana and Mckenzie Brown, who’ve launched a business together called Kids Inspired by Nature.
As the name suggests, natural elements dominate their work, like their organic fire starters made of soy wax, star anise, cinnamon, sage, pine needles, birch bark and pine cones.
“Everything we use has already fallen off the trees,” explained Brown. “Each fire starter is unique in its own way because we add different products and arrange them in different placements.”
The 12-year-old Centennial Public School students also handcraft necklaces, paintings, pet rocks and ethically-sourced beeswax candles in a variety of fruit scents.
The life-long best friends say they were inspired by their time at Kind Vibe Kids to get off their electronics more, enjoy the outdoors and then get crafting.
“It helped us understand that nature is such a beautiful thing - it’s better than our phones,” said Langdana. “I’ve been on my phone so much less.”
Joining the girls at the Children’s Market are a variety of other child-led small businesses selling everything from clothing and accessories to books, baked goods and more.
Robson said all of the participants have accomplished so much over the past few weeks as they get ready for the market, but most importantly, they’ve become confident entrepreneurs.
“I try not to get emotional about it, but just seeing their little faces when they bring their products in and how proud they are - I feel like they’re all my kids,” she said.
“I am extremely proud.”
In addition to shopping opportunities, the market will feature family yoga at noon with Kristen Heywood of Warrior Wellness for Life and face painting from 1 to 3 p.m. sponsored by Monckton Real Estate Group.
For further details, click here.
To see more of the products that will be available, visit the Kind Vibe Kids' Facebook page.
