Come support entrepreneurs ages 17 and under. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio and courtesy of Pexels.

Sarasota loves to support artists and makers of all kinds, from creators of public artwork to bakers serving up delicious loaves of bread. At the 5th Young Entrepreneurs Market, come out and see what kids and teens 17 and under have created and are selling at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime.

“We invite young entrepreneurs to come and sell anything they would like, from things they have made, to things they have baked and to things they have collected and want to get rid of,” says Kim Livengood, owner of The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime. “It gives these young people an opportunity to learn how to run a business and do sales.” She explains that when many of the kids first arrive, they might be quiet or shy. “By the end of the day, they are master salespeople and are wheeling and dealing. It’s fun to see them blossom,” she adds. Shoppers will also benefit by having the opportunity to purchase their creations while enjoying live music from the students at Music Compound.

One unique feature of the market is that parents are not allowed to sit with children at their sales booths. This encourages them to take the reins in their business. “We have found that the parents were doing all the talking, so we made it a hard and fast rule that the parents cannot be at the table,” Livengood says. “If the kids need help with figuring out change from a customer, then they need to ask the customer to help them. It helps them establish independence and confidence.” Some of the participants are veterans of the market, which has helped local children build a foundation for future endeavors. “We have a lot of really talented artists whose artwork could rival that of the artists we have inside The Bazaar,” she adds. One of the market’s first participants, Jade Moon, went on to study at the Ringling College of Art and Design and has a business selling works that she creates.

“These kids are amazing and talented, and I hope that everyone will come to support them,” says Livengood. “Most of them do very well in this market.”

5th Young Entrepreneurs Market at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave, Sarasota, 941-445-1938, bazaaronapricotandlime.com.

Come support entrepreneurs ages 17 and under. Photo by Andrea Piacquadio and courtesy of Pexels.

The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime