Saturday saw another successful installment of Kids As Vendors, a bi-weekly event empowering local youth to explore their entrepreneurial spirit. The community-centered program allows children and teenagers to create their own businesses, from conception to execution. Participants decide what they want to sell, make the product themselves, and design their booths however they see fit.
Launched last fall, Kids As Vendors runs every other Saturday throughout the summer from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the parking lot of the Excelsior Springs Chamber of Commerce building (426 S Thompson Ave.). Local businesswoman Jesseka Meek, owner of Holistic Springs Herb Co., created the program to ignite entrepreneurial passion in the next generation.
“I wanted to provide a platform for kids to use their creativity productively,” Meek explained about the event’s origins. “They can learn valuable skills like running a business, developing products, and building a brand.”
The program has resonated with the community’s young residents. Many participants, including 14-year-old Diana, highlight the sense of independence and community engagement as the most rewarding aspects. “Seeing all the people come and being with our community” is what Diana enjoys most. Another young vendor, Olive, finds joy in “making people happy by giving them my bracelets.” The high level of repeat participation demonstrates the program’s success and the valuable experience it provides.
Expansion to other markets, such as Excelsior Springs Farmer’s Market, is a potential future step for Kids As Vendors. When asked about this, Meek expressed her enthusiasm: “I would love to see the kids go to as many markets as possible.”
Kids As Vendors takes place every other Saturday from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The next event is scheduled for June 22nd. Free online registration is available for any creative child interested in running their own business. For those without budding entrepreneurs at home, attending the event offers a chance to support local businesses and potentially inspire the next generation of young leaders.
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