If you love doing something, other people might love it too.
Anna Hedeen of Plum said she learned that when she began crocheting animals. What started as a hobby turned into a business when she started selling creations to friends, and now colorful turtles and tiny ghosts are her most popular creations.
Anna, 15, says she learned to crochet by watching YouTube videos over the course of three years, and has been making animals since she was nine.
“I’m still learning,” she said. “It’s fun, but it definitely takes effort.”
Anna was one of a group of about 14 young people who took part in Plum’s Monday Market this week, which put the spotlight on young traders.
The idea to get kids involved was the brainchild of her mother, Meredith Hedeen, who serves as the borough’s recreation assistant. Hedeen is also a business owner and runs Ethical Hope, a gift shop in New Kensington.
Last year the market only had one children’s sales day, this year it will be two, with the second scheduled for Aug. 12, and will feature a new group of younger sellers.
“I think it’s important for kids to learn new skills, practice what they’ve learned and try to be entrepreneurs,” Hedeen said. “They can see adult tradespeople and how they work.”
Products and services aimed at children on sale Monday included glitter tattoos, bracelets, lemonade, baked goods, hair accessories, handmade cards and stationery, hand-painted flower pots and more.
Marion Lindsay, 11, of Freeport, sold bracelets and buttons next to her sister, Ann Lindsay, 18, who sold bread, cookies and granola at her store, Unmade Bread.
“This is the first time I’ve ever sold bracelets,” Marion said.
Ann, who started the bakery four years ago, called Marion her “little buddy,” and Marion said she has taken advantage of the opportunity to come to the market with her sister and has seen early success.
“It’s fun to do. It’s definitely different and fun,” she said.
Daisy Paul, 12, of Plum, used stencils to create glitter tattoos, which cost $3 for small ones and $5 for larger ones.
“I love glitter,” she said. “It’s just fun and you can make a lot of money.”
Dacey describes herself as a spendthrift, spending the money she earns on things for her guinea pigs, craft supplies and gifts for friends.
“It’s a nice little job for a 12-year-old,” his mother, Dana Paul, said.
Penelope Vasquez of Plum said she taught herself to make bracelets, and when she got friends and classmates Sienna Carr of Plum and Ava Cuccaro of Murrysville involved, Penn’s Cutie Inc. was born.
Penelope said the three 10-year-old girls, who attend Mother of Sorrows in Murrysville, started the business online after being told they couldn’t sell at school.
Plum Market was their first ever vendor event, where they sold bookmarks, lanyards, wristlets, bracelets, air fresheners and more.
“We have fun together,” Penelope said. “It’s nice to be able to sell things and make money at our age.”
The Plum Monday Market will be held every Monday from 3pm to 7pm through August 26th at Plum Creek Park (1040 Ross Hollow Road).
Brian C. Rittmeyer is a TribLive reporter covering news in New Kensington, Arnold and Plum. A Pittsburgh native and graduate of Pennsylvania State University’s Schreier Honors College, Brian has been with the Trib since December 2000. He can be reached at brittmeyer@triblive.com.
