advertisement

Two Roselle businesswomen will host youth entrepreneur event Aug. 15

Two Roselle businesswomen will host a back-to-school event that will offer prize giveaways and highlight children making business moves of their own.

Melanie Carter, owner of Mel's Kitchen & Catering, is hosting the Youth Entrepreneur's Vendor Event on Sunday, Aug. 15, at the Butera Market, 550 West Lake St., 1 to 5 p.m. The event is meant to provide a spotlight to young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners to sell and show off merchandise they created. So far, nine children ranging from ages 8 to 18 will participate.

There will also be food vendors, free ice cream and prize giveaways, such as backpacks and school supplies.

Carter said she and her partner, Myesha Sanders, were inspired to host the event by a customer of her catering business who said kids are rarely given a chance to show off their creativity and independence. The businesswoman and mother of two said she began working on the idea in June.

"I wanted to give the kids an opportunity to shine," Carter said. "The pandemic sheltered us for so long, so they needed to see something amazing. This will be something huge for the children."

The children will show off products they've made or sell, including a cotton candy stand, shampoos and body lotions, redesigned Crocs, and various fashion stands, such as for a T-shirt line. Adults with small businesses will assist and sponsor the event, including Butera Market, K's Ultimate Vending, Sheena Jewelry and Kiss's by Trish cosmetics.

Mayor David Pileski said he hopes to be able to attend, and added that it's great to see youth involvement in the community.

Youth vendors seeking to participate can call Carter at (630) 523-2006 or Sanders at (773) 301-7458.

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.