Market promotes young entrepreneurs and local artisans

By Lorenzo Gavilan Vargas Times Reporter

The third annual SUNsational Summer Market took place on July 17 on an acreage near Standard. 

Shawna Borg and her mother Kim Grant had the idea to host the market after meeting fellow aspiring artisans through DIY classes.

“Through those classes we started getting in touch with a lot of local artisans and we just thought hosting a market would be a fun way to not only support local but shine a light on all of our local artisans who may not typically get out there in the community,” said Borg.

One set of entrepreneurs specifically may not get out in the community, and that is young people. Borg says the market offers great experience to young vendors to be in and amongst fellow creatives and artisans.

“This year we have 28 vendors and that includes a few young entrepreneurs, which is a program that we’ve put in place to help the entrepreneur spirit for anyone under 18 that wants to sell a product or make their own product and sell it. We really encourage that,” she said. “We really like the entrepreneur spirit with the younger generation because it teaches them a lot about business and it’s a really good trait to have.”

Not only does Borg want to see the entrepreneurial spirit in young people grow, but within the DIY community as well. 

“Everyone likes to create new things and try and learn new things, and we find with our classes especially, a lot of people that come are kind of new to DIY and they really surprise themselves with how easy it can be,” she said. 

Now in its third year, Borg hopes there are a lot more years in store.

“Hopefully we can continue to do the SUNsational Market every summer and it’ll just continue to get bigger and better every year,” said Borg. “We’re hoping every year that we have it, the word will spread even further. Not only will we have more vendors and more artisans, but it’ll spread the word and we’ll have more people from farther out, like maybe Drumheller or other communities. It’ll be a destination to come to.”