Arkansas youth will have the opportunity to sell their handmade products at the Young Makers Market, scheduled for May 9 at the C.A. Vines Arkansas 4-H Center, according to an April 24 announcement from the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
The event aims to provide young entrepreneurs with a platform to showcase and sell their creations directly to the public. This market is designed specifically for youth, allowing them a space where they do not compete with adult professionals.
Creenna Bocksnick, organizer and Arkansas 4-H camping coordinator, said she created the event because she saw a gap in experiential learning opportunities for young people interested in business. “Working in youth development, I felt like there was a gap in the experiential learning that these kids are getting,” Bocksnick said. “At the 4-H Center, we have several different camps that either focus on or incorporate crafting or entrepreneurship, but I felt like we were missing an opportunity to really put them out front, where they can sell their items and develop their business.”
The market will feature 27 vendors offering products such as jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, flowers and more. Vendors must run their own businesses; about half are members of Arkansas 4-H. Admission is $5 per person and all are invited from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Several participants shared what this opportunity means for them. Greenlee Barnes of Grant County will bring her mobile bloom bar with fresh flowers for bouquets: “I run my own business, and I thought coming to the market would be a really fun way to meet new friends,” Barnes said. Jesika Henson from Drew County plans to offer woodworked necklaces and photography services: “When I’m talking with someone and they say they want to buy something I’ve made, I just think ‘Are you serious?’” Henson said.
Braylee Reynolds from Sevier County will present sewing projects such as bows and tote bags through her Crafty Cuts by Braylee business: “Sewing makes me happy. I love to see a project get finished,” Reynolds said.
Bocksnick encouraged public attendance: “By attending and shopping at the market, you’re going to encourage our future small business owners in developing their skills and their passion for being involved in the small business community.”
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service receives funding through federal grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture as well as state appropriations according to its official website. The service supports social cohesion by offering programs that address rural, urban and suburban needs according to its official website.
Programs are delivered using county offices across all counties in Arkansas along with research centers according to its official website. The Cooperative Extension Service operates within all seventy-five counties of Arkansas with specialists on five university campuses according to its official website.
As part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture according to its official website, it seeks enhancement of agriculture, communities and families through research-backed practices according to its official website.
