Entrepreneurs ages 6 to 19 had the opportunity to sell their handmade retail products at the Page Lake Powell Children and Teen Business Fair, held at Page Public Library last Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fair, organized by Page-based nonprofit organization Synergy Creatives, was aimed at “providing a platform for children to get creative with their passion in a fun and safe way.” 

Yemisi Agbebi, the founder of Synergy Creatives, said she had expected 15 young entrepreneurs to participate in the event, but they ended up with 25.   

“I’m really impressed that the first time, we exceeded the expected number,” she said. “Since before we started this morning, we had parents coming to volunteer, which is amazing. The library has been very kind to allow us to set up displays.” 

Agbebi added that right up until the morning of the business fair, she was hearing from new people who were interested in participating, an indication that there is interest in holding a bigger event in the future – likely after school is out for the summer so the children can relax and enjoy the experience. 

“We’re really grateful. The kids are excited. I think kids need something like this,” Agbebi said. “I’m hearing from more parents who say their kids are interested, so I think it’s something we should keep doing. It’s very positive. I’m very happy with what I’m seeing so far.”

Among the entrepreneurs at the fair on Saturday was Ny’Asia Walsh, who was selling earrings, bracelets, necklaces, keychains and other products she had made using silicone beads and other jewelry-making materials.

“I haven’t been doing it for a while. When this competition came up, that’s when I started, like two weeks ago,” she said. “I thought I could do jewelry. I like doing it, it’s fun.” 

Other participants included Ella Lewandowski and Albey Miller, who set up the Ella and Albey Sewing Booth to sell hand-sewn pillows, hairclips, bracelets, cat toys and more.  

Ella said they were inspired to get into sewing when they heard about the business fair. 

“This is our first time working on all this. I think it came out good,” Ella said. 

“It took us like four weeks to do all this,” Albey added, indicating the numerous products on display at their booth. 

Ella said that after the fair, they might try to sell some of their creative products at school or give some of it away to people. She said that sewing has now become a relaxing hobby for her, so she will probably continue doing it. 

“It’s satisfying to me, just poking a needle through the fabric,” she said with a laugh. 

The Page Lake Powell Children and Teen Business Fair was sponsored by Synergy Creatives, Page Public Library, The Canyons RV Resort, Moore Chiropractic, Ranch House Grille, Ken’s Tours and Aramark.