Kara Joubert - Blog
In summer of 2020, I embarked on the ambitious task of establishing a company: The Crafter's Den - my bane and baby. This is a brief overview of my seller's story, and how The Teenage Market helped me navigate it.
It started at 6 years old; I would look for pebbles outside, and offer them to my parents for pennies in exchange. Thankfully, my entrepreneurial spirit moved onto arts and crafts. At 16 years old, I made my first craft kit which offered others the chance to create their own beeswax candles. From this, I established my craft kit company in the year 2020, beginning to trade two years later. It hasn't always been easy, but the dream of generating my own success and making something beyond mere pocket money drove me forward. Some say that hustles have always been part of my bustle, but I know I am not alone.
Whether you are trying to turn a profit from the creations of your hobby or establish your own business, 'entrepreneur' is something that you have likely been called. But being an entrepreneur can be intimidating with limited experience and scarce starting points.
Fortunately, there are schemes in place to support young entrepreneurs. One of these is the Teenage Market. Normally, selling at events is expensive - a stand can fetch anywhere from £120 to £600 and beyond, depending on size and placement - but the Teenage Market is a cost-effective alternative for sellers under 27 years old. Unlike other events, The Teenage Market does not charge stand costs, so all you need to bring with you is a chair, tablecloth and your stock (tables are often provided)! This relieves the financial pressure from sellers, allowing them to focus on turning a profit at the first sale.
But it's not just the lack of costs that prove The Teenage Market's usefulness. I am a shy individual, but selling at events run by this organisation has allowed my confidence to grow. Engaging with customers and stall holders alike is a wonderful opportunity to develop practical communication skills. Even if you don't sell all of your items there is plenty of value in the experience.
Signing up to become a Teenage Market stall-holder is easy. Simply take a few photos of what you wish to sell and write a short blurb about yourself, then send this information to The Teenage Market at theteenagemarket.co.uk.
Young entrepreneurs can have all of the ambition in the world, but without the right opportunities, there is little to be done with it. One of the important lessons I have learnt in business is to take every opportunity you can grasp, and The Teenage Market is a great one for those looking for a gentle start in the selling industry. I would highly recommend giving the Teenage Market a try as it encourages people to add a bit of hustle into their bustle, and make something beyond mere pocket money.
By Kara Joubert