Fun and fellowship at children’s market

Maya Hayley Brooklyn Carter, 8, and Alina Mellor, 4, who is wearing a dress made by Maya.

Marina da Gama’s children all had a chance to show off their hobbies and talents and learn the value of these in the real world at the Kid-trepreneur’s Market, in the San Marina clubhouse, on Saturday

Alina Mellor, 4, wants to be butterfly Elsa when she grows up, but on Saturday, she followed in her mother Lucy’s footsteps, learning to make magical cake pops for sale.

Alina was also a buyer at the market, supporting Maya Hayley Brooklyn Carter, 8, who sold garden mint lemonade and kiddie costumes.

“Running a business is very hard work, but it is worth the effort, when it all ends in fellowship and fun,“ said Akin Sanger-Samuels, 6, who sold seedlings.

Christian Stander, 7, made milkshakes. He said it was very hard work, but he was glad to have made money.

His mom, Allison Stander, and her friend, Tracey James, organised the market to teach children the value of entrepreneurial skills.

“We live in a country with a very high unemployment rate, and showing our children a different way of making money seems wise, contrary to how we are all raised to believe that studying hard and finding a great job which you keep until retirement is the way.”

Ms Stander said her son learned that he needed capital to start his business. “He enjoyed making money but disliked paying the money I used for his supplies,” she laughed.

Kevin James, 6, and Mia James, 4, sold pizza and candy floss. Mia enjoyed preparing the goods and making the posters while Kevin enjoyed talking to the customers and selling the goods.

Railee Naidoo, 4, sold cupcakes too and said she learned that earning a living was tough work but rewarding.

Elliot Tuttle, 6, was supported at his stand by his brother, Jonah Tuttle, 4. Elliot made origami and said he loved seeing people enjoy the things he had made.

Akin Sanger-Samuels, 6, ran a seedling stall.
Sampling the goods. Christian Stander, 7, made milkshakes for the market.
Kevin James, 6, and his sister Mia, 4 at their stall.
Elliot Tuttle, 6, and his brother Jonah Tuttle, 4, at the market.
Railee Naidoo, 4, sold cupcakes.
Alina Mellor, 4, sold cake pops at the market.