Student Creation Market

Student Creation Market WYC's First ever creation market proves successful

Photos and Article by Becky Hoving '17 and Alice Hickson '17

Meet Westport Youth Commission President, Renée Weisz '17:

Inspired by the abundance of student business in Westport, Weisz set out to find a platform where student businesses could interact with the community, each other and make sales. What she came up with was a Student Creation Market, hosted at the Saugatuck Boathouse on May 21, 2017. Creative types ranging from ages nine to 18 were found at the event, showcasing everything from oil paintings to college logo wear to 3D printed spinners. In total, the market hosted 13 different student vendors.

"It's a great way to engage the community with the student-run businesses to help them grow," Weisz said.

Marta's Crotchet, run by Marta Clanton '17, specializes in hand-knitted accessories. Clanton, who started the business in July 2016, knits personalized bralettes, headbands and even koozies.

I love the idea of the market because it's a great way to help the students grow their businesses so they can continue to expand," Clanton said.

Hillary O'Neill '19 began her terrarium business in December 2016 when she noticed a demand for more affordable decorative plants. Since then, her business, which she runs mainly from her Instagram account PebblesandPosies has garnered hundreds of sales.

Julie Kaplan '17 was just one of five student jewelry businesses. Kaplan, who has been running her business from her Instagram account jewelssbyjuless since August 2016, describes her brand's style as "classy yet unique."

Henry Manning and Luca Molinari, both of whom are fifth graders at Long Lots Elementary School, showcased home-made fidget spinners and home-made iPhone stands. Using a 3D printer, the boys have been printing their own versions of the popular toy at home, making the item their own by using unique color combinations and accents.

Underdog Designs, a print-making company run by Matteo Broccolo '17 and Sophia Livecchi '17, took down personalized orders of print shirts while at the event. By transferring digital and hand-drawn artwork onto tee shirts, Broccolo and Livecchi have made a name for themselves.

Grace Shi '19 and Amanda Cohen '19 ventured outside traditional student business items by selling home-made bath bombs and lip scrubs. Shi and Cohen saw a need for bath products at a more affordable price within the community and have worked to perfect their recipes.

Leigha Dear '19 and Kate McCrohan '19 sold beachy hand-made jewelry as well as hand tie-dyed bikinis. Under the name "Busy Beads," Dear and McCrohan have been selling jewelry since last summer.

Bianca Bicalho '18 may have been one of five jewelry businesses at the market, but she's made a name for herself specializing in simple, elegant pieces. Branded as "Simply.B," Bicalho favors neutral colors and deep greens over louder colors in order to exude a simplistic jewelry style.

Aishah Avdiu '17, local entrepreneur and owner of Bar 'Bucha, sold her kombucha on tap as well as organic granola. Avdiu poses in a Bar 'Bucha tee by her stand (top) and Lily Weisz, a sixth grader at Coleytown Middle School, sips her kombucha.

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Student Creation Market WYC's First ever creation market proves successful

Meet Westport Youth Commission President, Renée Weisz '17:

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