Editor’s Note: Each of the six businesses at the Young and Bright Pop Up Shop will be featured individually throughout the week to give each business its own spotlight.
Winderson’s Creation’s Mary Pettenger and greener goods Tara Allen know what it’s like to be a small business owner. The duo, who have formed a relationship through their close proximity in Sangamon on Main, decided to extend an opportunity to young business owners in the Young and Bright Pop Up Shop on Aug. 22.
The event showcased nine young entrepreneurs with a wide variety of services and products.
“I had no idea there were so many little entrepreneurs in Mahomet,” Allen said. “They’re so cute and they’re so good at what they do.”
“We saw them out there and knew that they needed, probably a place to come and just share all their stuff,” Pettenger said.
Allen said it’s the theme across Sangamon on Main, “stronger together.”
“We are super supportive of each other as businesses, and so it was nice to have the opportunity to support the younger kids that really, during this COVID crisis, have started their businesses and found their passion.”
With the Mahomet Farmer’s Market outside on the sidewalk, Allen and Pettenger knew that an extension into the building where children could offer their goods would be beneficial to all.
“We’ve had a great turnout,” Pettenger said. “As often as the kids want to come back and do it, I’d be willing to host them in here and then of course we have the room in the hallway.”
Miss B’s Creations
You Matter.
Simply put, that’s what Bristol Pride wants you to know.
She thought that Mahomet residents might want to let others know that they matter, too, so she created a limited supply of “You Matter” cards for her shop, Miss B’s Creations.
“You can only buy them now and once we run out, then you can’t buy them again,” Bristol said.
Miss B’s Creations started with a loan to purchase a Cricut machine. Once the loan was paid back, Bristol decided to run with her creativity, making and selling cards through her Facebook page.
Cards come in packs of 5 for $10 with free shipping or one card for $2.
“Since I’m staying home and I don’t have a lot of activities, it gives me a lot of time to really focus on it,” Bristol said.
She relies on her mom and brand manager, Renee, to guide her along the way.
“She helps a lot,” Bristol said.
The two bounce ideas off each other, coming up with designs like bicycles or “Thank You” messages. Custom cards can also be ordered.
Bristol is excited about what lies ahead. She plans to venture into creating her own stickers soon.
