Editor’s Note: Each month, the Sun-News is spotlighting a youth entrepreneur participating in the Cruces Kids Can – Jr. Vendor Program, a project meant to inspire and equip the youngest business people. The Kids Can Program has expanded opportunities for program participants by joining the “Artist, Crafters and Creators Bazaar” at the Mesilla Valley Mall. This new program is open to all youth wanting to further their entrepreneurial skills while being able to share their unique products with the Las Cruces community. In order to participate in the Mesilla Valley Mall Kids Can Pop-up Market, vendors must have previously participated in one of the following events to sign up: After School Program, Summer Camp Program, & Business Fair & Contest Event.
Age: 10
Grade and School: Fifth grade, Desert Hills Elementary
Favorite subject and why? Math is my favorite subject because I am able to work with numbers and learn how to solve equations.
What do you want to be when you grow up? I would like to be an architect and an interior designer. I also hope to own my own architecture firm.
What hobbies do you have? I enjoy making art, building structures, dancing, baking and singing.
Business name: GA Architect
Where did the idea come from? The name of my business came from my initials and my goal is to become an architect.
How did you become inspired? I became inspired by my goal to own my own business someday.
What was your motivation behind starting your own business? I wanted to be able to sell my art and to do what I love.
Product: My product consists of paintings, jewelry boxes, and pen holders.
Describe the product: My paintings are inspired by things that I see around me every day. I make jewelry boxes and pen holders because I like when those items are organized.
How long does it take to make your product(s)? It normally takes me anywhere from 2-3 weeks to complete an item.
Describe your process: With my paintings, I usually start by sketching. Then I choose the colors. Finally, I paint and sign my art. With my jewelry boxes and pen holders, I create them out of popsicle sticks. I position the sticks and glue them together. Afterward, I paint them and sign them.
What are the prices of your products? My paintings are $10.00 each. My jewelry boxes and pen holders are $5.00 each.
If I am interested in your product, how do I contact you? I have designed a business card that has my phone number and business email. My phone number is 575-323-1366 and my email address is GA*************@gm***.com.
How long have you been involved with Kids Can? I attended the 2022 summer camps that the Kids Can program hosted in June. Since then, I have been attending the monthly pop-ups at Mesilla Valley Mall.
What is your favorite part about participating in the Mesilla Valley Mall Kids Can Pop-up Market? My favorite part about being involved in the Kids Can Program is that I get to sell my artwork and learn how to run my business.
April Christensen is the founder of the Kids Can Youth Entrepreneur Program at Community Action Agency. For more information, she can be reached at ki*********@gm***.com or call 575-680-6766.
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