Did you remember me mentioning a few months ago that I was going to be one of the mentors for the very first Teen Maker program at my local makerstudio? Well, I am so pleased to be able to update you all here. The short story is, they all did very well. Budding entrepreneurs, every single one of them!

The Makerspace is part of the Ontario city of Cambridge's library system called the IdeaExchange. It's housed inside the historic Old Post Office building downtown which was built in the 19th century and completely renovated several years ago.

Front of the OPO

Back of the OPO overlooking the Grand River 

The Makespace is equipped such that it is a "hands-on creative space for members to invent, collaborate, and design as they transform their ideas into reality."  This was the place where I first learned to laser cut. The space now boasts 2 laser cutters, several 3D printers, a large format printer, embroidery machine, sewing machines and sergers, Cricut, button makers and so on.  It's free for library members to use although they have to pay for materials at cost and book time for access to some of the popular equipment.

Photo Credit : OPO, Cambridge, ON

The Teen Maker program was set up to help youngsters get started in making and marketing their creations. These kids were really keen and worked hard. There were about half a dozen of them who came once a week for several weeks, in the evening. Kudos also to the supportive parents who spent a lot of time ferrying them to the MakerSpace! 

None of them had any craft show or equipment experience although some of them already had hobbies like polymer clay jewelry making and illustration which formed the basis of what they hoped to market.  The end result was pretty amazing to see.

At the end of the program, they were able to participate in the Cambridge Christmas Market run by the city. As you can see from the local newspaper report, it was well attended. It must have been a bit nerve-wracking for them at the start but by the time I turned up in the first afternoon of the two day event, they had become pros.  They were charming, helpful and most importantly, approachable and able to engage with everyone.  I loved how some of them dressed up in the holiday spirit with the Santa hats and so on. 

Some of the Teens (Photo credit : Joe McGinty, Cambridge Today)

During my discussions with the teens prior to the craft show - all of whom took copious notes -  I outlined the three main objectives from this experience that they should keep in mind. 

1. Learning

This one is obvious as we talked about many things like business names, what to make, pricing, booth display tips and ideas, having cash floats and so one. Some of the more practical tips include having at least 2 people to man the booth to cover breaks.

2. Marketing and Market Research
 
Simple promotional methods do not necessarily have to cost anything. So letting people know they are participating in a craft show can be done in person, on social media etc. Perhaps offer an incentive like a discount coupon, sale items and so on could increase visits.

A craft show is an excellent opportunity to do market research. I urged them to consider making a range of items and to observe what sold better. It's also useful to note any extra attention made on certain items which didn't sell this time because they could possibly sell in another show.

3. Setting up for the Future

A craft show is an opportunity to meet and connect with future buyers so it is important to have business cards on the ready. If one wants to offer custom work, now is a good time to say so as a potential customer may not necessarily like what is on offer. A suggestion for the future is perhaps a newsletter sign-up to notify future customers of the next show or website launch. We also covered zero budget ways to have a pseudo-website such as Instagram. But these tech native teens are probably way ahead of most of us on this!

When one's budget is next to nothing, it's time to put on one's creative hat and see what can be used for craft booth display.  I was delighted to see some of them make laser cut wood displays. Some of the illustrations made it into laser cut wood ornaments.

Chiquitita's bright red sign was an eye-catcher. See the top left of the next photo - the support was an upended black plastic coated wire shelf balanced on another wooden peg organizer (the latter is not visible). 


One teen covered a folding cardboard display for her polymer clay jewelry. All their displays were not overcrowded. 


The use of wood slices to showcase some items is a good one. And yes, one teen was already offering custom illustration work and had her business cards all ready - these were printed on the Makerspace's large format printer.


They did their best to make use of vertical space which not only saved on space but also raised their items more to eye level.  


This was my haul from their booth. A cute furry bag which held my purchases was a useful buy. The fake Santa Claus driving licence was a great gag gift idea from Crazy Kids. The polymer clay gingerbread earrings were adorable. Buttons are always popular - one is a Dungeons and Dragon character and who could I possibly be thinking of when I selected the "I talk too much" button? 😜😜😜


To say I was impressed is an understatement. They all did great! I did not mention any of their names because I am not sure if I could as they are still very young. But hey, once they get further along their maker business, I will be more than happy to blog about them!

The OPO are planning to repeat this teen program next year.

Inspired? Check out my past business related posts.

Before You Go:


jewelry making supplies

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This blog may contain affiliate links. I do receive a small fee for any products purchased through affiliate links. This goes towards the support of this blog and to provide resource information to readers. The opinions expressed are solely my own. They would be the same whether or not I receive any compensation. 
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Original Post by THE BEADING GEM