Young entrepreneurs will have their chance to shine at Bud and Bloom’s Youth Christmas Maker’s Market on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Gaynor Family Regional Library.
From 1 to 4 p.m., youth vendors will fill the theatre at the library, selling a variety of handmade goods just in time for the gifting season.
Market founders Christina Barr and Tennille Frost are excited to offer this event to the community after hosting previous youth markets in the spring.
“We both noticed a lot of young makers in the community and we want to be able to showcase their work,” Barr said. “We think it is a great opportunity to get their foot in the door of the small business world and help them start out.”
So far, 13 vendors ranging in age from 8 to 15 will be selling their products — all 100 per cent made by them. From baking to crochet to jewelry and 3D printing, the young artisans have been diligently working to make their items market-ready, including 11-year-old Nalia Wowchuk, who owns Prairie Princess Originals. Nalia sells jewelry, keychains and other fun accessories, which she makes in her Selkirk home with help from her mom, Lindsay.
“One day, my mom was making these earrings and I thought I wanted to start a business,” Nalia said of her inspiration. She began selling at markets in 2020 and has enjoyed it ever since. This will be her first holiday market, after taking part in several farmers’ markets over the years.
She makes all her products by hand using a variety of parts and tools. Her items come in every size and colour, catching the interest of a wide range of shoppers. Nalia recommends buying all of her products, but her bracelets remain her top pick.
“Bracelets are my favourite because I like working with the different types of beads,” she added.
Her mom said it’s hard to choose a favourite because all of Nalia’s creations are unique and one-of-a-kind, but something that truly sets her apart is her generosity.
“Nalia donates half of her profits to the Daily Bread Soup Kitchen,” Lindsay said. “This is important to both of us because it makes her feel good when she is able to give back to the community.” Over the past five years, Nalia has donated upwards of $4,000 to the soup kitchen and said she looks forward to making future contributions.
Seeing local youth succeed at markets is one of the reasons both Barr and Frost say this event is so important to the community.
“It inspires youth to carry out their entrepreneurship goals,” Frost said.
“Give the youth the same successful atmosphere and that boost of self-esteem found at our regular markets,” Barr added.
During the market, live music will be performed by local youth pianists, and the Gaynor Family Library will have a table collecting donations for its children’s wing expansion.
Beth Emmers with Music for Young Children Selkirk said her students are very excited to play at the market this year, noting it’s an excellent opportunity to gain experience in this type of performance setting. “Learning to play background music for this type of event will be so beneficial to their music education as live music is often requested for many different events. The kids have been practicing their repertoire since September in preparation for this event and have a lot to add to the market,” she explained.
The performers also will have a tip jar available for anyone to show a little extra appreciation for the live entertainment. “We really hope that you will enjoy the addition of live music at the market this year,” Emmers added.
A few vendor tables remain; young vendors looking to participate can apply by emailing budandbloomcollective@gmail.com. Otherwise, Barr and Frost look forward to welcoming everyone on Dec. 13.
“Even if you can’t afford to shop, still come out and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere,” Barr said. “Come and chat with the vendors and learn a bit about what they have to say — your positive comments can go a long way.”
