Market for youth vendors returns to Mississauga this weekend. (Courtesy: Ariella & Sariah Morgan)
Two young sisters from the GTA are making waves with their entrepreneurial skills! Ariella and Sariah Morgan are back for a second edition of the Young Bosses in Business Market, after running a successful event last year. The Morgans say the 2022 market saw hundreds of visitors check out dozens of vendors, adding that this year will be bigger and better.
The youth market features business owners aged six to 19 years old showcasing their products and businesses at various booths. It also provides these young entrepreneurs the chance to connect with other young professionals and receive support from the community.
The event features mocktails created by a young mixologist, which are free for the first 100 attendees, live entertainment throughout the afternoon, raffles and prizes, face painting, and more! This year’s market will include a fashion show, featuring youth models and fashion created by designers aged six to 19.
“Every time we do an entrepreneurial market a lot of kids come. Last year our waitlist was full, we had about 180 kids on the waitlist,” Sariah told The Brandon Gonez Show.
“We were so excited to see that and see that these kid entrepreneurs want to have their businesses in the market, so we decided, why not bring it back?”
Both Sariah and Ariella run businesses of their own. Sariah, aged 13, is the CEO of iAH Beauty, a cosmetic line developed for women with sensitive skin. The cosmetics are both vegan and cruelty-free. Her six-year-old sister Ariella is the CEO of Bossari Kids.
“I sell bags and glasses for fly kids just like me,” explained Ariella, adding that fashion is her favourite thing.
Sariah was inspired to create her company when she experienced breakouts from lipsticks and lipglosses. Not wanting to give up cosmetics, she founded iAH Beauty on her 11th birthday.
READ MORE: Meet Sariah, the 12-Year-Old Girl from Toronto Creating Business Opportunities for Kids
The girls’ parents own their own luxury decor rental company. Their mother explained that her daughters inspire her every day.
“For my younger self, looking back at the opportunities we didn’t have, just looking at the opportunities they have now and what they’re able to do with it, and empower so many young people? It’s amazing,” she explained
“I’m proud that as they’re starting their journey, they’re growing and implementing the new things that they’re learning.”
The sisters also had some advice for other kids looking to start their own companies one day.
“Whatever you put your mind to, you can do, just be confident in yourself and love yourself,” Ariella shared.
“Always dream big. Whatever you would like to do and you feel very passionate about, you can do whatever you put your mind to,” Sariah said.
“Whatever challenges there might be, don’t think of it with a negative train of thought, always think positive and it will go right.”
The girls have organized a backpack drive to take place on the same day, in support of the KO Back to School Initiative. The initiative supports underprivileged youth in Nigeria, helping them pursue education. Together, they’re looking to send 50 backpacks, filled with back-to-school supplies, overseas. Everyone who donates a bag at the market will be entered into a draw to win tickets to a Hamilton Tiger-Cats home game.
The market is free to attend, and organizers are asking that attendees register via eventbrite. This year’s market is going down Saturday, August 19 from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E. in Mississauga. Free parking is available.
