Glebe kid-preneurs take on the Children’s Business Fair
The author selling her handmade soap at a previous Ottawa Children’s Business Fair
Photo: Lena Devlen
Glebe kid-preneurs take on the Children’s Business Fair
By Maya Devlen
Ever since I was a small child, I’ve dreamed of starting a business. There’s something special about learning life skills in a fun, creative way. So, when I heard about the Ottawa Children’s Business Fair, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I was thrilled to be accepted this year with my soap-making business, “Soaprise!” I did this once before when I was 10, and it was a blast.
I remember standing at my table, with my colourful soaps all laid out, waiting for the doors to open. I was nervous. But when my first customer approached with a smile, my worries popped like a soap bubble! That fair was one of the hardest things I’d ever done because I was responsible for making my product, setting up, talking to customers, answering questions and counting change. A part of me wanted to just wander around and see other businesses, like I did when I was younger, but I was in charge of my stall. But seeing how much I sold and how happy my customers were, it was worth it.
The Ottawa Children’s Business Fair takes place every year. This year it will be on Sunday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Horticulture Building at Lansdowne. All the businesses are run by kids aged five to 18. Admission is free.
I will be selling handmade glycerine-based soaps that I make with natural ingredients and scents. I’ve had positive feedback on my soaps before. Lavender was a popular choice and was the first to sell out. This time, in addition to lavender, I’ll be experimenting with peach blossom, lemon blossom and jasmine.
I am 12 now, and I won’t be the only young entrepreneur from the Glebe at this fair. Eight-year-old Saffi and nine-year-old Eleanor are Mutchmor students bringing their pet-oriented business to the event. I met them one day after school to ask about their business idea. “Thor’s Pawfect Treats” sells dog treats and cat grass in recycled cat food tins. Thor, they told me, is the name of Saffi’s cat. The girls have never done the business fair before but have experience selling lemonade and other things. They are hoping to get at least $20 in profit. They’ve been promoting their business by telling their friends and giving out samples of their dog treats. I asked them how they feel about participating in the Ottawa Children’s Business Fair for the first time.
“I’m just really excited, and I don’t really know what to expect,” Eleanor said with a shy smile.
I then asked why they chose this particular business idea.
“Dog treats are pretty easy to make,” Saffi told me. “And we’re selling cat grass because we have cats and they like grass.”
Their dog treats are vegetarian and are made with pumpkin and peanut butter. Both girls can’t wait for the Ottawa Children’s Business Fair.
So, if you’re a kid who wants to start a business, come see what your peers are doing this year, and I hope you’ll apply next year. It’s a really fun experience and builds character. Or just come to support young entrepreneurs. Kids from all over Ottawa and from our own neighbourhood are coming to this fair. We hope to see you on May 18!
Maya Devlen is in Grade 7 and lives in the Glebe. When she’s not running her business, she’s writing poetry, singing in the Christ Church Cathedral Girls’ Choir or cat-sitting for her neighbours.