Esther Short Park in Vancouver was bustling with youthful energy as the Lemonade Day Junior Market took center stage. This annual event, organized by the Greater Vancouver Chamber, featured 175 booths and over 300 small businesses, all run by enterprising teens and children. These young entrepreneurs, with some help from parents and friends, displayed their creativity and business acumen to the community.
Early Start, Big Lessons
Fourteen-year-old Maya Mendoza was among those who learned the importance of preparation. Arriving at the park by 7 a.m., she was determined not to repeat last year’s mistake of arriving late. Maya, a student at Pleasant Valley Middle School, crafts hypoallergenic earrings, keychains, and charm bracelets. Her early arrival paid off, as she was ready to welcome customers eager to purchase her creations.
Noah Dominga, an 11-year-old from Vancouver, also participated with his origami creations. Inspired by YouTube tutorials, Noah’s flapping birds captivated visitors. For him, the market is an opportunity to showcase his skills and engage with the community.
Turning Hobbies into Business
Cadence Bratton, a 16-year-old from Skyview High School, turned her love for crocheting into a small business. Her crochet plushies, made while watching TV, are part of her plan to save money for a car. Cadence appreciates the market as a venue to share her passion and bring joy to others.
The event’s success is supported by over 50 volunteers from the Greater Vancouver Chamber and On Point Community Credit Union. Lord Salmantes Ulrich of the Chamber emphasized the importance of this event in highlighting the hard work and innovation of young entrepreneurs. Each year, participants refine their business strategies, learning valuable lessons in entrepreneurship.
As the market opened, Maya expressed her excitement, noting that people were already interested in her products. The Lemonade Day Junior Market not only provides a platform for young business minds but also fosters a sense of community and support for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
