Stars in Business Fair Inspires Young Entrepreneurs

At SAA and SDS, our educators nurture an environment where student agency- defined by Renaissance Learning as “learning through activities that are meaningful and relevant to learners, driven by their interests, and often self-initiated with appropriate guidance from teachers"-is not only supported but encouraged. We seek to guide our students as they learn their strengths and find their passions.

Harnessing students’ energy and innovation, while encouraging leadership skills and initiative-taking, are goals both inside our classrooms and though our extracurricular opportunities. One example of student agency in action is our Stars in Business club. Now in its second year, the Stars in Business club is a group of students with a shared interest in business and marketing. Many of them have started their own small businesses, while others are looking to do so.

Co-presidents Eva Ryan (’24) and Ava Kaltreider (’25) explained: “The Stars in Business club is all about entrepreneurship. Our goal is to help student-owned businesses reach an audience and grow. We also inspire students who may have a hobby to turn their passion into a business.” They added: “Our purpose is to instill confidence in our members, and all of the student body, to join the business world and learn how to engage in a field they are passionate about.” 

The club recently hosted the inaugural Stars in Business Fair, giving student entrepreneurs a venue to showcase their small businesses. The idea of an event was born last year but took some time to come to fruition. After gaining approval from club sponsor Mrs. Angie Brinner and Dean Valdez, the co-presidents set out to make the fair a reality for this year. They made and announcement at Upper School assembly and the interest was great! Ten vendors jumped at the chance to grow their businesses.

Eva and Ava shared, “We wanted this event to provide a new opportunity for the Upper School to be together, giving them a fun, new activity while supporting their sisters. We are toying with the idea of another fair later this semester, but there will definitely be one next year, and we hope this fair continues and becomes a new SAA tradition!” 

One entrepreneur, senior Graci Workman, felt the business fair was a huge success. “It was so exciting to participate in the fair, and it was amazing to watch all my hard work pay off. This was the perfect opportunity to share my unique cookie flavors with my classmates and get a chance to promote my business. I loved setting up my own booth and seeing the line in front of me grow as people were so eager to try my cookies. I hope to participate in another business fair soon!”

As we seek to put our students’ futures first, we must sometimes allow them to take the lead in their own learning. Through activities such as the Stars in Business Fair, our young ladies have an opportunity find passion and purpose and to positively influence each other and the world around them.

Participants in the inaugural Stars in Business Fair were:      

AMJ Photography by A'ja Jolliff

Caitlin's Crafts by Caitlin Flynn

Celestial Slimes by Lauren Brown

Graci's Cooki's by Graci Workman

Jackie's Beauty by Jackie Espino

Jewelry by Annalise Hammack

Jewelry by Lucy Maloney

Pink Antique by Emily Deutsch

SHH Snaps by Sarah Henry Havard

Shop Our Closet by Addy Warner, Reese Aaron, Kadence Walker, Emily Deutsch, Ella Rump and Eva Ryan

Student Agency. Retrieved January 10, 2024, from Renaissance Learning Inc, Renaissance EdWords: https://www.renaissance.com/edword/student-agency/