Youth vendors bring unique creations to farmers market

Sammamish Farmers Market has always drawn local residents to shop and eat every Wednesday during the summer. One of the more unique experiences at the market is the section of youth vendors. 

From neon signs to flower crowns, these youth create unique product ideas, and bring them to the farmers market to see if customers are interested. 

Patrick Herrin, the manager of Sammamish Farmers Market, said the youth “bring a unique perspective to the farmers market and an energy that’s different from the adult vendors.”

Youth vendors are using the summertime to sell their handmade creations and learn business, public speaking, and time management skills that may come in handy later in life.

Sadye Derstadt, 15, is the creator behind LivableHome, which is her own brand of greeting cards and wall prints. Her aim is to “bring a little bit of nature to indoor life through art, decor, and greetings.” Most of Derstadt’s prints are inspired by local Washington wildlife.

She began selling her products online in 2020 after picking up painting as a hobby during the COVID-19 pandemic. She expanded to the farmers market this June because she wanted to increase the reach of her products and engage with a local audience. 

“I’ve always been a crafty person and I enjoy crocheting and painting,” said Derstadt. “Running a business forced me to think outside the box and taught me skills that I wouldn’t normally learn in school.” 

Katie Soukal, 12, sells a variety of handmade resin items, including jewelry, notebooks, and keychains, at her booth called Cotton Katie. She has been selling at the farmers market since she was 8 years old. 

In 2019, Soukal started experimenting with different arts and crafts, which led to her discovery of resin, a clear material that is liquid when poured into molds, and has a shiny look after it dries. It is very customizable and ideal material for making products.

“Since I’m a kid, I know what other kids will like,” said Soukal. “I love talking to people at the farmer’s market and to see how much the kids enjoy my necklaces.” 

Steven Fong, a parent of one of the youth vendors, encouraged his kids to sell at the farmers market because he believes in giving his kids the experience of meeting and talking to people in public.

His daughter, Olivia, 13, sells resin keychains and bookmarks. Her booth, which is called “Make it Your Own,” allows her customers to choose the color and style of each product.

“Every customer is different,” said Olivia Fong. “At my business they can really choose their product and customize it to their own style, which makes it unique compared to other businesses.”

Following the success of her customizable keychain and bookmarks, Olivia Fong has added a new line of customizable candles to her shop, where customers can choose their candle’s scent, container shape, and lid design. 

“Many people are interested in what the kids are selling because they all have something different to offer,” said Steven Fong. 

Youth vendors will be at Sammamish Farmers Market every Wednesday through the end of September.