Gone are the days of setting up shop at the end of the driveway with a scribbled sign selling lemonade from a wobbly folded table to every potential customer in a passing car.

Now, young entrepreneurs are trading their roadside stalls for the local community markets gaining business experience in front of real-life customers.

The Little Big Markets director Rachelle Duffy said more young people were selling their products at the markets.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for students to set up stalls, test their business ideas and gain valuable experience.

“Our markets are an excellent springboard for local talent, helping to foster small business growth and bring fresh offerings to our weekend market-goers.”

Ballooning business

Fourteen-year-old self-taught balloon artist Kieran Groves signed up to his first market in 2022.

Fourteen-year-old self-taught balloon artist Kieran Groves signed up to his first market in 2022. Now, he is hired for birthday parties and events all over the Bay of Plenty.

Now, he is hired for birthday parties and events all over the Bay of Plenty.

The Rotorua teenager taught himself the balloon art while on a 20-minute ride home from school. He had bought a packet of balloons from Kmart and began twisting them into the shape of a dog.

“At the time all I could make was a sword, giraffe and a dog,” he said.

Kieran can now create 20 different designs, including unicorns, monkeys, horses and even fictional character Optimus Prime from the Transformers films using premium, professional-quality twisting balloons made from 100% natural latex.

“I taught myself my first design and have learnt most of my designs at home using Youtube tutorials, but now that I am better I can design some of my own larger balloons just from a picture or photograph.”

Kieran said he would not have been able to get this far without the support of his mum Nicola.

“She taught me a lot about money and helps handle people’s money at the markets so I can go faster when I’m busy.”

Sewing it up

From selling hand-painted rocks and fruit on her driveway to running pretend shops with her sister, Anika Pilcher has always had an “entrepreneurial streak”.

Anika Pilcher runs her own business Sew it Goes, selling hand-made scrunchies, pouches, keychains, heat packs, book sleeves, tote bags, and more.

The 18-year-old now runs her own business Sew it Goes, selling hand-made scrunchies, pouches, keychains, heat packs, book sleeves, tote bags, and more.

Anika inherited her first sewing machine from her grandparents at age 10. Mostly self-taught, she credits her mum and Year 9 and 10 textiles classes at school.

“I’ve always loved that I get to create with my hands. I feel like the world has drifted away from handmade and I love being able to bring it back.”

Anika became a vendor at The Little Big Markets in December 2024 and said the markets were incredibly important for young entrepreneurs.

“They give you that direct connection with customers you just can’t get online, plus the chance to test new products, get instant feedback and build a loyal following.”

Singing at the markets

Milo Jones. Remember that name.

The 16-year-old singer wants to become the next big name on the New Zealand music charts and he’s using The Little Big Markets to help launch his career.

Milo Jones wants to become the next big name on the New Zealand music charts and he’s using The Little Big Markets to help launch his career.

“I want to be the next Lorde,” said the young singer, who has been performing at the markets for a few months.

“I like to entertain people. The markets are a really great way to get started. It’s a good way to introduce yourself to the different generations.”

Milo says he likes to sing “a bit of everything” because he never knows who his audience is going to be.

“I like jazz, that comes easiest to me. But I have tons of different genres in my repertoire from The Beatles and Dolly Parton to Nina Simone.”

The Little Big Markets final winter dates:

September 6 - Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui (AIMS Games Weekend)

September 14 - Tauranga Waterfront, CBD

September 20 - Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui

-Supplied Content