2024 Tooth Fairy Time Youth Business Fair Winners
We had 2 winners who made the most sales during our 2nd annual Youth Business Fair and now their business is highlighted below!
Congratulations to Crochet by Alex
Alex Earley is a 10th-grade student at Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School, turning 16 in December. Passionate about both music and art, Alex participates in various activities including musicals, piano, voice lessons, tap, and contemporary dance. Alex is also skilled in painting, sculpting, drawing, and crocheting.
About a year ago, Alex began crocheting during a boring summer, starting with simple rows of stitches. Over time, this hobby evolved into creating fun and cute stuffed animals. The quality of Alex’s projects has significantly improved, becoming more elaborate and well-crafted.
To fund a school trip to Disneyworld last November, Alex decided to sell crocheted creations. Through weeks and months of hard work, Alex managed to raise over $400. The business was named something simple and recognizable.
Throughout this journey, Alex faced challenges such as having enough money to buy yarn before making sales and predicting which products would be popular. Despite these hurdles, the quality of Alex’s work improved with tighter stitches and more elaborate patterns.
Alex’s parents have been a major support system. Alex’s mom helps with product ideas and purchasing materials, while Alex’s dad assists with the business side, including financial management. Kelly Smith was a mentor for Alex when she first started learning how to crochet. She taught Alex how to read patterns and how crochet a magic circle which is used a lot in patterns.
Alex advises other young entrepreneurs to persevere and stay positive, emphasizing the importance of trusting the process and having faith in oneself. While fulfilling orders can sometimes be boring, Alex finds pride in completed projects and keeps the passion alive by discovering new and fun patterns to create, from giant corgis to ice cream cows.
Congratulations to Stringin with Illy
Iliana Santiago, an 11-year-old student entering the 6th grade at Central Dauphin Middle School, is a passionate young entrepreneur with a love for creativity and the outdoors. Growing up with three dogs and a little sister, Iliana enjoys spending her days playing outside, reading in the sunshine, and exploring nature. She has a strong interest in horses and dreams of learning how to ride one day. A dedicated soccer player for CASA, Iliana has been playing the sport since she was little and enjoys every aspect of the game.
Balancing her business with other responsibilities, Iliana manages her time wisely, keeping organized with her orders, supplies, and production schedule. With the support of her mom, she continues to thrive in her venture.
For other young entrepreneurs, Iliana’s advice is simple: “Just do it.” Her motivation comes from the excitement of seeing her creations worn by happy customers, a source of joy and fulfillment that keeps her passionate about her business.
