Kids Take Charge: First Lowcountry Children’s Business Fair

A recent fair in North Charleston let a group of young entrepreneurs show off their own businesses. Twenty-one kids set up booths in Park Circle, selling homemade treats, 3D‑printed items and handmade bracelets. After each child made a sale, they rang a bell to celebrate their success. Volunteers judged the stalls on originality, business potential and creativity. The event was created by Arrie Seals of Children’s Muse Academy together with Acton Children’s Business Fair. She wanted kids to turn ideas into real, profitable ventures and praised parents who let their children try it out. “Entrepreneurship is about trying, ” Seals explained, noting that the experience helps children learn to take risks.

One participant, Neveah Swanson, turned her love of art into a card business three years ago when she was in fourth grade. She learned to outsource printing and is now building a website and Facebook presence, all while keeping her creative process efficient. Sixth‑grader Terra Gooden followed in her mother’s footsteps. She started a sweet shop and now manages finances, sanitation and customer service on her own. “I’ve learned a lot about money, ” she said, hoping other kids will see that it’s possible to run a small business. Christopher Smalls and his mother Stephanie turned an Italian‑ice hobby into “CJ’s Cool Cup Creations. ” They used the fair to teach Christopher how to handle equipment, inventory and customer orders. Customers have already shown support for his new venture. The fair was free to attend, and a waiting list has formed for the next event. Seals sees it as a way to empower children, encouraging them to become future leaders.

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