Guelph’s littlest entrepreneurs have a chance to earn some spending money this summer at The Children’s Art Factory.
Melissa Mazar, owner of the popular children’s art studio is offering a can’t-beat opportunity to children of all ages. Mazar has a variety of pop-up stands available for children to set up their own shop at the front door of The Children’s Art Factory, located at 297 Woolwich St., by the London Rd W and Woolwich intersection.
“Kids can drop-in and vend their products in front of the store over the summer months,” said Mazar, who added that there is no charge for this opportunity.
The pop up stands have been available in previous years, but this year there will be new and easier to move stands, a cash register, and a stool for the children to use. All they need is the items that they wish to sell, and a bit of change for their cash register.
This year ten new collapsible stands were constructed for Downtown Guelph’s Art in the Street, where kids had the chance to participate in a “Mini Maker Market” at the popular outdoor art festival.
Over 20 kids participated, selling everything from homemade fidget spinners to baked goods. There was positive feedback from merchants, vendors and parents throughout the art festival.
“The kids have been quite successful,” said Mazar.
For kids setting up outside the store, Mazar said that the area busiest in the morning, and there is the benefit of shade before the hot sun comes out.
Mazar shared that kids have been creative in the services and items they are selling, offering everything from a bike wash stand, an art museum, face painting, nail art, balloon animals, rock art, and even a mini garage sale.
“It’s a really brave thing for kids to do. Hats off to the kids for doing it, it’s a great learning experience for them,” Mazar said.
Due to the success of the Mini Maker Market at Art in the Street, Mazar is hoping to organize more mini vendors at the Old Quebec Street Mall during the Christmas Market.
For those interested in setting up shop over the summer, Mazar suggests simply dropping in during business hours; no appointment is needed. The studio has multiple stands and can accommodate kids wishing to sell together with friends as well.
For more information contact Melissa Mazar at [email protected] or call the studio at 226-500-1544. To find out more about The Children’s Art Factory visit their website.
