Young entrepreneurs at work

By Joan Janzen

Young entrepreneurs showcased their work and products at the Sandhills Marketplace in Leader on August 1. Local patrons came out early, eager to choose from the wide selection of items available.

Two Hutterite girls were busy selling baking and homemade soaps. On the opposite end of the outdoor market stalls, Jane Dietrich and her granddaughter quickly depleted their supply of homemade baking.

Ilke Krugel (left) and her sister Kadi were busy selling their homemade keychains and crocheting at the marketplace at Leader on August 1.

Jane Dietrich and her granddaughter were busy selling homemade baking at the Leader market on August 1.

Rylan Cocks showcased the day camps and workshops he offers at his Make Space Art Studio in Leader.

Rylan Cocks featured his Make Space Art Studio, which operates in the basement of the hall on 2nd Street West. It’s a space where people of all ages can create and have fun.

“The best part is working with all ages,” Ryan said. He offers everything from day camps for kids to teen camps, paint night and art classes for adults, community mural projects, and workshops. And he doesn’t just confine himself to his studio. He’s held art classes for Estuary Colony students and seniors at Eatonia Oasis Living. “It’s very rewarding,” he said.

There were two more entrepreneurs at the market. Eleven-year-old Ilke Krugel and her 8-year-old sister Kadi were selling earrings, key chains and crocheted items. Just one year ago, the girls moved to Leader with their family from South Africa. Ilke taught herself to crochet. When she wasn’t helping customers, her crochet needles were clicking away.