Young entrepreneurs showcase skills in special market

Some of Cairns’ youngest and most talented entrepreneurs have brought out their best products in a showcase displaying just what our region’s youth can do in the business space.

Mission Australia has hosted its popular kids markets, run entirely by children from 9 to 16 years old, at Mt Sheridan Plaza. Picture: Brendan Radke

Budding entrepreneurs have unveiled their best products in a showcase displaying what some of our region’s brightest young minds can do in the business space.

The Child and Youth Market, organised by Cairns South Together, hit Mt Sheridan Plaza on Sunday with children and teens showing off their creativity, passion and business spirit through their wares.

Catering for children aged 8-14, the event inspired by local kids running frontyard stalls was designed to sell their creations and develop life skills in a supportive environment.

More than a dozen stalls featured handmade goods, original artworks and crafts complete with signage, marketing materials and custom labels.

Mission Australia has hosted its popular kids markets, run entirely by children from 9 to 16 years old, at Mt Sheridan Plaza in time for the school holidays. Penny Monda, 7, sells picture books that she has written and illustrated, and commissions portraits, which she draws as the subject sits for her, at her market stall. Picture: Brendan Radke

Far from just the classic lemonade stand, stalls included printed artworks from 3D Elements FNQ, hand-crocheted plush toys including Yoda and a pair of jesters from the Stitchin’ Sisters, and handmade jewellery from K and M Creations.

Sisters Lucy, 12, and Sarah Giles, 10, were at the event with their business Sunflower Crafts selling woven baskets, crocheted toys and decorative flowers made with pipe cleaners.

“It was lots of fun. Lucy sold lots of scrunchies and I sold lots of pipe cleaner flowers,” Sarah said.

“We like doing arts and crafts and we thought this would be a good idea.”

Lucy said it was their first time setting up the stall and it was great to meet the other kids.

“They had a lot of cool ideas,” she said.

Mission Australia has hosted its popular kids markets, run entirely by children from 9 to 16 years old, at Mt Sheridan Plaza in time for the school holidays. Lucy Giles, 12, and her sister Sarah Giles, 10, have created sunflower crafts, selling woven bags, crochet toys and pipe cleaner flowers at their market stall. Picture: Brendan Radke

The girls’ mother, Christine, said the event was a great way for the kids to try something new.

“The organisers made it so easy telling us everything we needed to know, what makes a good stall, how to talk to customers, and safety,” she said.

“The other people there were very supportive and told about some other free market opportunities which will be great if the girls want to keep going.”

Originally published as Young entrepreneurs showcase skills in special market