Kids market providing opportunities for young entrepreneurs
By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman on September 21, 2022.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com
The second annual Kids Entrepreneur Fall Market will be taking place this weekend at the Lethbridge Fish and Game Hut with over 40 young entrepreneurs showcasing their various creations.
“They have anything from 3D creations, slime, drawings, baking, sewing, crochet, T-shirts, bath bombs, candles, bath salts, lip scrubs, sugar scrub and they’re all made by kids,” said organizer Judy Sakal Meier.
The market goes Saturday from 10 – 3 p.m. at the fish and game hut located in the southwest corner of Kinsmen Park.
She said the original idea came from observing her own children create multiple things throughout the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have a 9-year-old now and he’s always puttering, he’s always making something and I thought, there’s gotta be something for these kids that do all this and that are proud of what they do, and why not make a few bucks,” said Sakal Meier.
She said she always thought how adults have markets where they can showcase their creations and sell them, but how there was a lack of opportunities for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creations and therefore decided to host the event.
“The other thing this teaches them is time management, money management, social skills, skills that school doesn’t always teach you,” said Sakal Meier.
She said it also helps kids to get out of their shells and be proud of what they can do.
Noah Gartshore from Noah’s 3D Creations could not agree more with Sakal Meier’s statement about how the market helps children come out of their shell.
“The first time I was invited to a sale I did not want to do it whatsoever, I thought it was going to go horrible but she kind of coached me and it was a really good experience for me. I think lots of other people should try it,” said Gartshore.
He said taking part in the first market helped him gain confidence and has improved his social skills.
“I would 100 per cent recommend it, it is a very fun experience. People are super nice, it’s just a really exhilarating, fun thing to do no matter what you’re selling,” said Gartshore.
His words were echoed by 12-year-old Jada Winters who will be selling charming slime at the market.
“It helps when you do markets because you have to engage and talk to people,” said Winters.
She said she would recommend the market experience to other young entrepreneurs like herself.
“I like to sell it because it’s for stress relief,” said Winters about her slime.
Winters also sells her slime online through her social media.
“I want credit where credit is due, I want to showcase how amazing these kids are and how resilient they are,” said Sakal Meier.
She said this year the market will be hosting children from different areas of the city and neighbouring towns, including Taber, Raymond, Coalhurst and Coaldale.
Sakal Meier said Rise Above Mental Health and Community Inc. will be at the market selling hamburgers, chips and pop for a small fee, as well as The Collective who will be bringing Pumpkin Spice lattes and more.
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