Young entrepreneurs to set up shop April 15 in Copperas Cove

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

A lineup of 16 young entrepreneurs will be setting up shop on Saturday, April 15 at Ogletree Gap Park in Copperas Cove for the second annual O.S.C.A.R.’s Market.

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the one-day event features small businesses operated by children as young as seven years old.

The kids have been working for months to create their products, build their business plans and focus on their marketing efforts and future goals.

Inara (9) with Inara's Wonderland will be selling decorative and functional artwork out of epoxy resin and other found objects with the goal of expanding her business. She started her business using some of her winnings in the Coryell County Youth Fair earlier this year, where her rabbit won Breed Grand Champion.

Kierstin (12), Jordyn (11), Ashlynn (9), Janessa (7) with Sister's Color Creations will be selling colorful crafts, bows & accessories, coloring books, and shaped crayons.

Emmanual (9) with E's Lemonade & More! will be selling lemonade and crafts to save up for a car. He started his lemonade and crafts business when he was eight years old.

Sol (14) with Pillbug Arts will be selling one of a kind, conversation starting artwork and crafts with the goal of funding art school. He uses various media including clay, upcycled materials, crochet, fabric, and traditional art supplies. 

Duane (10) with Lemon Squeezos will be selling freshly squeezed lemonade in a variety of flavors and will donate a portion to help disabled children go to summer camp through Variety Charity's Peaceable Kingdom Retreat.

Jubilee and Gideon with 2E Apothecary, LLC will be selling handmade soaps, body lotions, and body products with the goal to help other autistic artisans. The business was created by their parents, with the goal of providing a safe and supportive environment for autistic individuals to learn important skills like product creation, business management, customer interaction, and more.

Olivia and Abigail with Foodcart Art will be selling pipe-cleaner dolls, sculptures, food, and more.

Benjamin (10) with Galactic Goods will be selling hot dogs and cotton candy with the goal of purchasing a new camera for filmmaking. Ben came up with the idea for Galactic Goods to share his love of Star Wars with his customers and help fund his film projects.

Isabella with Bella's Beadz will be selling handcrafted bracelets.

Katrina with Sweet Spirited Scrunchies will be selling handmade scrunchies.

Cosimo with Knick Knacks and Fun will be selling hand painted jars, bottles, and grab & go craft kits.

There’s more to the day than the kids earning money.

During the event, the young entrepreneurs are also competing for a scholarship as well as booth space at Rabbit Fest coming up in May.

Their product, brand, and setup will be judged on how well it is marketed and displayed at the market.

O.S.C.A.R.’s Market stands for Operation Student Community Advocate Readiness. The endeavor was created by the Copperas Cove Chamber of Commerce’s Aspiring Professionals of Copperas Cove.