PHOTO: Ryan Singh serves a young customer with his homemade lemonade.
By Pattie Copenhaver
The PLPOA clubhouse was abuzz with activity as over 35 local youth prepared their tables and got ready to welcome the public in to offer their creations to all. This event was organized by the Pagosa Peak Makers Market and hosted by the PLPOA to allow young entrepreneurs to learn the skills necessary to build a business of their own. There were custom paintings, hand-made jewelry, homemade salsa, wax fire starters, custom embroidered items, crochet and hand-stitched gifts, and even a lemonade stand, all created by entrepreneurs up to 18 years old. Set in the PLPOA Clubhouse, the sale was enjoyed by the community, family, friends and even those curious about what types of wares would be offered by the young creators.
Elijah Hamm, six years old, was one of the seasoned youth that participated. He has been painting since before he could walk and offering his custom artwork since 2020 and uses his proceeds to help feed hungry children in our community. His ultimate goal is to have a school bus in every city in America that will deliver food to children in need.
“He has always wanted to help others and has just always been that way, he has a heart of gold” said his mother, Casey Hamm. He has collaborated with a local restaurant to prepare and deliver healthy lunches to children in need. He even has an online business selling dog treats called Penguin Pups, the proceeds of which benefit the cause as well.
He is one motivated young man with a heart set on helping others.
Maliek Green, age 15, traveled from Dulce, NM for the fair, was offering up his homemade salsa. He and his mother started making salsa together over two years ago and got rave reviews from family and friends so they decided to make it into a business. After getting his Food Handler’s license, he created his business name, Chuffy Chef Salsa, and now attends over 50 events a year selling his product. His goal is to one day have Chuffy Chef Salsa in retail stores around the state.
Another budding entrepreneur, Ryan Singh, age 7, was at the fair offering up his homemade lemonade. He started selling his delicious recipe earlier this year at the Pagosa Peak Makers Market and has been attending markets all summer long to earn money. Ryan commented “I like selling my lemonade because it’s my very own secret recipe and I get real money for it.” His mom, Shannon Singh said, “It’s been a great experience for Ryan to learn about customer service, marketing and how to spend his money wisely”.
Bayfield Middle School student, Dorothy Farr started making jewelry two years ago, inspired by a friend who had a jewelry making businesses. She hopes to save up for a future car and to expand her business with the proceeds. Her jewelry will be featured on a new Bayfield Middle School website launching later this year.
Aspen O’Neal, age 18, has a custom embroidery and crochet business. She really liked the idea of being able to customize items so she now works in both embroidery and heat transfer vinyl to create products for individuals and businesses. Her business name is Wolfs Thread Art. You can follow her business on Facebook. She is saving up to purchase a home here in Pagosa and expand her business.
All-in-all, it was an amazing sight to see with all the booths carefully set up by the young vendors with pride. The excitement that they showed when market goers would show interest in their products was inspiring and the joy of making a sale immeasurable. The hope of the organizers is that this activity will leave a lasting impression with these youngsters and help them learn valuable lessons about how to run a small business, the joys of profiting from it; most of all, they want them to know that they’ve already made the first step that can give them the self confidence to venture out on their own someday and be successful business owners.
If you would like to get involved in helping educate youth in areas of business skills and entrepreneurship or help plan future Young Entrepreneur events, please contact Shannon Singh, shannonsingh@yahoo.com.