The first Teenage Market in Earlestown was a resounding success, and I can tell you, the excitement was palpable. The event showcased the incredible talents of young entrepreneurs and performers from across the borough, with a fantastic range of handmade goods, unique gifts, and local creations that were snapped up by eager customers. In fact, the market raised almost £3,000 for the stallholders, proving that when you give young people the opportunity, they rise to the occasion.
In this post, we’ll break down what made the Teenage Market so successful and how it can inspire young entrepreneurs everywhere, from St Helens to the farthest reaches of the United States, UK, and Canada. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or just a fan of supporting local youth-driven projects, the first Teenage Market in Earlestown shows just how much potential young people have when they are given the chance to shine.
What Is a Teenage Market?
A Teenage Market is an innovative event designed specifically for young people to showcase their entrepreneurial talents. Aimed at boosting confidence and skills, these markets allow teenagers to set up stalls where they can sell their creations, ranging from handcrafted goods to innovative products. But it’s not just about selling; it’s about building confidence, social skills, and the ability to connect with new customers.
At its heart, the Teenage Market provides a unique opportunity for teens to step into the world of business. With the support of local councils, mentors, and fellow traders, teenagers get to experience the excitement of running a stall, meeting customers, and promoting their products—all while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity.
A Big Win for the Young Entrepreneurs of Earlestown
Held in Earlestown, the first Teenage Market event was a huge hit. Over 400 products were sold, and the event generated nearly £3,000 for the young traders involved. This success wasn’t just about the money—it was about the experience and exposure these young people received. It gave them the chance to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity to a wider audience.
Take 18-year-old Latoya Likambi, for example. Latoya runs Teyes Eye Skincare and had the opportunity to introduce her products to a broader customer base. She described the Teenage Market as an excellent opportunity for young people to boost their confidence and social skills. In fact, she was so impressed with the event that she’s now applied for a permanent stall at Earlestown Market. This is what the Teenage Market is all about—helping young entrepreneurs take their business ideas to the next level.
Summer Topping’s Journey with Create Sum
Another remarkable entrepreneur at the market was Summer Topping, who runs a business called Create Sum. As a young creative, Summer found the event both enjoyable and valuable. She said, “I have had a lovely day, all the staff have been really friendly. I hope there are more Teenage Markets for me to do, as young people are the future.”
For Summer, the Teenage Market wasn’t just about selling products; it was about the learning experience and the joy of engaging with her community. Events like these give young entrepreneurs an understanding of what it’s like to be in charge of a market stall for a day. It’s an invaluable lesson in both business and life.
Performances Added to the Festive Spirit
It wasn’t just the young entrepreneurs who shone at the Teenage Market. Local young artists also had the chance to perform and share their talents with the community. The performances added a festive touch to the event, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere for everyone involved.
Alison Clancy, Principal at Stagecoach Performing Arts St Helens, spoke about the importance of the event, saying, “Stagecoach St Helens were delighted to be invited to take part in the Earlestown Teenage Market and provide our pupils with the opportunity to perform to the local community.” Her students, from the Hope Academy in Newton-le-Willows, performed on stage and had a chance to interact with the crowd. This was a fantastic opportunity for young performers to gain experience in front of an audience while supporting their peers in the business community.
Community Support Makes All the Difference
The Teenage Market in Earlestown wasn’t just a fun event; it was a vital community initiative. Councillor Richard McCauley, a cabinet member for inclusive growth and regeneration at St Helens Borough Council, reflected on the success of the event, saying, “This is the first time we’ve tried this initiative and it’s great to see the connections already being made for some of the traders.”
What made the event so successful was the support from local government, business owners, and mentors who were there to guide the teenagers throughout the day. This community-driven support created a solid foundation for young entrepreneurs to grow their skills and connect with potential customers.
The Power of Youth Entrepreneurship
The success of the first Teenage Market in Earlestown is a reminder of how much young people can achieve when given the opportunity and the resources to do so. Joe Barratt, National Director of The Teenage Market, was delighted with the event’s success. He said, “I’m delighted that the first Teenage Market event in Earlestown was a huge success, which was made possible thanks to the amazing talents of all the young traders and performers who took part.”
The Teenage Market is a fantastic example of how youth entrepreneurship can thrive when supported by local communities. The event allowed young people to step out of their comfort zones and experience what it’s like to run a business. It’s a powerful lesson in resilience, creativity, and business management, and one that will undoubtedly help these young entrepreneurs succeed in the future.
Why You Should Get Involved
If you’re a young entrepreneur or someone interested in supporting young talent, consider attending the next Teenage Market near you. Whether you’re in St Helens, New York, London, or anywhere in between, there’s a Teenage Market waiting for you to explore.
You can:
- Support young entrepreneurs by shopping at their stalls.
- Attend performances and enjoy the local talent.
- Volunteer or mentor to help young business owners succeed.
- Encourage more events like these in your own community to empower youth entrepreneurship.
As we’ve seen with the Teenage Market in Earlestown, giving young people a chance to showcase their business ideas not only boosts their confidence but helps them develop skills they’ll carry for a lifetime. The future of entrepreneurship is bright, and it starts with the next generation of innovators.
Photo credit: St Helens Borough Council
