The buzz of kids setting up booths. Handmade signs and colorful displays. Nervous excitement before the doors open. Parents, shoppers, and young makers connecting.
Welcome to the energy of The MiniMAKERS Market @ MUSEjar.
What Is It?
Started in the Fall of 2024, the MiniMAKERS Market is an event where local, young entrepreneurs get to share and sell their handmade goods while building confidence, creativity, and community along the way. More than just a market, it’s a celebration of young artists, makers, and big ideas brought to life by kids doing what they love.
This event is open to young artists and entrepreneurs (ages 7-15) who are passionate about creating and want to share their work with the community. From paintings, photography, sculptures, crafts, or even just cool products, we have seen endless creativity shine with these kids!
The Magic Behind the Booths
All vendors are required to submit an application explaining their product, their sales plan, and even submit a vendor fee (yes, we keep it *mini*). All aspects and every step of the process are typical for any vendor experience, and keeping it real is our point. Giving each participant a real, meaningful, and truly authentic experience helps build confidence, independence, and pride in their work. After the brainstorm, the mini MAKERS get to work, some even attending a small seller's seminar to help set them up for success. Topics they are asked to consider include:
- Making inventory (what is demand?)
- Pricing items (supply versus demand?)
- Designing displays
- Learning customer interaction
"I had to think about everything, like how many items to make, how to price them, and how to talk to customers. At first I was nervous, but learning how to set up my display and explain my products helped me feel way more confident. It was really cool seeing people excited to buy something I made myself!” --- Age 11
More than Just Selling Art
MiniMAKERS Market isn’t just about selling products. It’s about helping kids feel seen, capable, and proud of their ideas. At MUSEjar, education through art is part of our soul. And that passion seeps into our markets as well. We hope these young creators learn character strength in areas like:
- Problem solving
- Confidence building
- Public speaking
- Pride in handmade work
- Supporting youth entrepreneurship
- Community connection
“I liked being in the MiniMAKERS Market because it made me feel really proud of the things I made. At first I was kinda shy talking to customers, but then it got easier and really fun." --- Age 10
"It made me feel like a real artist and business owner!” ---Age 9
Magic Market Moments
“We really value these events because they are about so much more than selling products. They’re about giving young creators a space to feel confident, supported, and proud of what they make. We believe creativity deserves to be encouraged early, handmade work deserves to be valued, and kids deserve safe community spaces where they can try new things, take risks, and grow. Watching young makers build confidence and entrepreneurial skills right before our eyes is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
---Lisa, MUSEjar Staff/Educator
The MiniMAKERS Market is proof that creativity has no age limit, and neither does the power of being believed in.
Be sure to stay updated on any future Markets and events at MUSEjar!