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Longer days, budding trees, and wet snow all mark the beginning of springtime in Colorado, along with the return of the YouthBiz Spring Marketplace!
The YouthBiz Marketplace is a beloved event in the Denver community, providing young entrepreneurs the opportunity to sell their products to a large crowd of interested shoppers looking for unique, handmade products. Last year was the first time the YouthBiz Marketplace ever went online, and our young entrepreneurs impressively earned a whopping $5,000 in sales, demonstrating the true selling power of these talented business owners.
One particularly impressive young entrepreneur who emerged as a top seller during the 2020 Spring Online Marketplace was owner of Denver-based A Designs, Andrew Kurtz. Kurtz had only sold his handmade greeting cards to friends and family before deciding to register for the 2020 YouthBiz Spring Online Marketplace. Says Kurtz, “I really needed a way to get my cards out there and some kind of online link for my cards to be able to send to people. Marketplace did both! Lots of people I didn’t know were able to see my product (and purchase!), and I sent out the link to all my friends and ended up selling almost a thousand dollars!” Kurtz’ business, A Designs, sells personalized cards and stationery. From cards with a custom illustration of your pet, to stationery with your name in 35 color and 16 font options, to hand-drawn Colorado thank you notes, A Designs quickly made its mark on customers during the Spring 2020 Marketplace as a perfect answer to teacher appreciation gifts, Mother’s Day, Easter, birthdays, and more.
Kurtz emphasized how much he loved being a part of the YouthBiz Online Marketplace as a way to be inspired and motivated by other young entrepreneurs in the community. Says Kurtz, “It is so cool seeing how much work they have put in and all their awesome ideas!”
Because A Designs was so successful in the YouthBiz Online Spring Marketplace last year, we asked him what advice he would give to other young business owners who are trying to decide whether to participate this year or not. Kurtz responded, “My piece of advice for people thinking about doing Marketplace this spring is simple. Just go for it! Especially take advantage of the fact that it is online again this spring, and you gain vital skills like taking product photos, writing descriptions and learning about digital marketing. There is nothing to lose!”
A Designs will be returning this spring with his beautiful cards. He is most looking forward to connecting with buyers in his community and knowing his local market supports his business. He is also excited to see all the other businesses participating this year. To purchase the amazing cards by A Designs, and to shop all of the other beautiful youth-made products, visit yacenter.org/youthbiz/marketplace between April 24-May 2.
