Young market stall holders and budding entrepreneurs lined the Cowaramup Hall on Sunday morning for the latest installment of the Cowie Kids Market.
Established last year by local businesswoman and mother Freya Cheffers, the market aims to provide young community members the chance to make and market their own wares, as well as to scour their homes and toychests for second hand items to sell.
Young musicians set up in the sunshine outside the Hall while indoors, the markets bustle with activity.
Eleven year old baker and business owner Monique Piper was up early on Sunday morning to put the finishing touches on her iced cupcakes, part of the range offered at her Bird Wood Bakehouse stand.
“I bake throughout the week, usually starting with the things like brownies and slices and doing preparation work,” explained Monique.
“Closer to the day I start working on things like eclairs and cakes so that everything is ready in time for the market.”
The young local is a seasoned market stall holder, attending her third Cowie Kids Market and taking part in various events around the region.
“Monique is incredibly dedicated, we’re really proud of her,” said mum Fleur Piper.
“She first started out baking to raise money for a computer, but she achieved that goal and just kept going, she really loves to cook and there’s no stopping her.”
Monique said her favourite sweet treat to bake was the chocolate eclairs, and was equally enthusiastic about her fellow stallholders’ wares.
“It’s really fun, I love coming to the markets and seeing what everyone else has made, and all the different types of things you can buy.”
Market organiser Freya Cheffers praised the entrepreneurial nature of the local children, and said their creativity surprised her every time.
“Every market there’s new things and we also have kids returning after successful stalls in the past,” she said.
“It’s really cool to see them coming back with new ideas and they’re getting even more professional, they’re seeing what sells and what is popular and using that information for the next market.”
Ms Cheffers said there were plans in place to hold another Cowie Kids Market soon and that anyone who is interested in taking part can register by contacting 0400 007 584.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
