‘Kid Vendor Day’ highlights young entrepreneurs at Plum’s Monday Market

If you like doing something, others might like it, too.

That’s what Plum’s Anna Hedeen said she learned when she started making crochet animals. What started as a hobby turned into a business as she began selling her creations to friends, and now colorful turtles and tiny ghosts are among her most-popular offerings.

Anna, 15, said she learned how to crochet from watching Youtube videos for three years. She’s been making her animals since she was 9.

“I’m still learning,” she said. “It’s fun. Definitely some work, though.”

Anna was among about 14 groups of young people taking part in Plum’s Monday Market this week, which put a spotlight on young vendors.

Getting kids involved was the idea of her mother, Meredith Hedeen, a recreation assistant for the borough. Hedeen is also a business owner, running the Ethical Hope gift shop in New Kensington.

One kid vendor day was held at the market last year. There are two this year, with the second planned for Aug. 12 featuring a new group of young vendors.

“I think it’s important for kids to learn new skills, to practice things they have learned and try to be entrepreneurs,” Hedeen said. “They get to see adult vendors and what they do.”

The kids’ products and services available Monday included glitter tattoos, bracelets, lemonade, baked goods, hair accessories, handmade cards and stationery, and hand-painted plant pots.

Freeport’s Marion Lindsay, 11, was selling bracelets and buttons beside her sister, Anne Lindsay, 18, who was selling bread, cookies and granola under her business, Annemade Bread.

“This is the first time I’ve ever sold them,” Marion said of her bracelets.

Anne, who started her bread business four years ago, called Marion her “little sidekick.” Marion said she took advantage of the opportunity to come to the market with her sister and, early on, said it was going well.

“I enjoy doing it. It’s definitely different. It makes it fun,” she said.

Plum’s Dacey Paul, 12, used stencils to make glitter tattoos. A small one cost $3, while a large was $5.

“I love glitter,” she said. “I just find it fun, and I’m able to get a good amount of money.”

Calling herself a spender, Dacey said she uses the money she makes to buy stuff for her guinea pigs, craft supplies and gifts for friends.

“It’s a nice little gig for a 12-year-old,” said her mother, Dana Paul.

Plum’s Penelope Vasquez said she started making bracelets on her own. When she got her friends and classmates Siena Carr of Plum and Ava Cuccaro of Murrysville involved, Pen’s Cutie Co. was born.

The three girls, all 10-year-old students at Mother of Sorrows in Murrysville, took their business online when they were told they couldn’t make sales in school, Penelope said.

The Plum market was their first vendor event where they sold their bookmarks, lanyards, wristlets, bracelets and air fresheners.

“It’s fun to hang out with each other,” Penelope said. “It’s good to sell things at our age to make money.”

The Plum Monday Market is held from 3 to 7 p.m. Mondays through Aug. 26 at Plum Creek Park, 1040 Ross Hollow Road.