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Young entrepreneurs gathered to sell their wares in the first NextGen Vendor Market. The market gave young people an opportunity to showcase their hand-crafts, art work, unique gifts, and snacks and beverages.
Held on Saturday, Feb. 22, the Market was a partnership between the 4-H Club and the Caroline County Chamber of Commerce. Around two dozen young entrepreneurs set up booths throughout the 4-H Park’s assembly hall.
The pride that all of the students took in their work was truly something to behold. One such entrepreneur was six-year-old Brinley, who was especially proud of her hand-painted Easter bunny decorations.
Many of the operations were family affairs. Nine-year-old John, who peddled mouth-watering rice krispy treats, beamed when talking about the time spent in the kitchen with his siblings making the treats.
Gwen and Ellie, a sister duo, shared a table but offered two very different commodities: wooden swords and handmade jewelry.
Another pair of siblings named Milo and Eva were extremely passionate about their creative output. Though Milo called the work of creating his own comic book “agonizing”, he was ecstatic to be sharing it with the world. Eva sold books of her original Hikus, even selling personalized poems.
Brothers Bryson and Tyler, together called Bell Brothers Leather and Woodworking, offered gorgeous wall hangings and leather lanyards.
Bailey of the Bee Clare & Co. Shop shared her table with her grandmother, both sharing the creative spark and spirit of entrepreneurship.
Brayden of Bravanson’s Main Squeeze served up some genuine lemonade, squeezed to order right in front of the customer. In between their busy lines, Brayden’s mom shared that this family business is truly all for the kids, “it’s preparing them for the future.”
This is more than just a market; it is an "event that builds confidence in these young entrepreneurs,” said Tracey Snyder, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce.
Keith Hale, an advanced manufacturing instructor at Caroline Career and Technology Center, had his students use new techniques and machinery to create beautiful wall art, tabletop games, birdhouses, and more.
He explained that the program is “designed to give our students more than just entry-level skills so they can go into a good-paying manufacturing job.”
Other student-centered organizations took advantage of the event by sharing information on resources to help them succeed, including Minary’s Dream Alliance and Chesapeake College’s Dual Enrollment program.
“Everybody has been absolutely fantastic here,” said the proud mom of two young entrepreneurs Nate and Macrina, “just talking with the kids and just really engaging, it’s been wonderful as a parent to see.” Macrina shared that her involvement with 4-H activities has made her more comfortable in this capacity; "lots of public speaking experience and just amazing experiences that I don't think I would have been able to have without 4-H."
The dedication put into this event by the vendors, ranging from ages 5 to 18, was evident from the start. Check out the full photo gallery to see all of these hardworking youngsters and their amazing creations!
