Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Infusion Tea's Creative Kids Mini Market

Monthly event provides platform for youth to showcase and sell their handmade creations

Feb. 6, 2026 at 8:31pm

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Infusion Tea, a local tea shop in Orlando, Florida, has been hosting a monthly Creative Kids Mini Market since November 2025. The market gives young artists and entrepreneurs under 18 the opportunity to promote and sell their handmade products, from crocheted plushies to custom jewelry. The event was organized by the tea shop's owners and a local craft shop founder, with the goal of providing a space for kids to gain early experience in entrepreneurship and feel empowered to showcase their creative talents.

Why it matters

The Creative Kids Mini Market represents a growing trend of providing youth with platforms to explore their entrepreneurial and creative spirits. In an increasingly digital world, the market offers a chance for young makers to connect with their local community, gain real-world business experience, and earn their own money beyond traditional allowances. The event also highlights the importance of fostering creativity and self-expression in young people.

The details

The market features a variety of products made by kids, including jewelry, baked goods, and even homemade crayons with molded animal heads. One 13-year-old vendor, Zaynab Darouich, sells crocheted plushies that she began making for fun and now sells for profit. Another vendor, high school senior Jessica Rodriguez, displays her handmade hair clips, earrings, and bag charms, which she promotes primarily through social media and her own website.

  • The Creative Kids Mini Market has been hosted at Infusion Tea every second Friday since November 2025.
  • The next market is scheduled for February 13, 2026 from 5 to 8 p.m. to celebrate 'Galentine's Day'.

The players

Christina and Brad Cowherd

The owners and founders of Infusion Tea, who partnered with Caroline Shaw to host the Creative Kids Mini Market.

Caroline Shaw

The founder of Craft Shop Orlando and a recent addition to Infusion Tea's kitchen team, who suggested the idea for the Creative Kids Mini Market.

Zaynab Darouich

A 13-year-old vendor who sells crocheted plushies, such as bumblebees and octopi, that she began making for fun and now sells for profit.

Jessica Rodriguez

A high school senior who sells handmade hair clips, earrings, and bag charms, which she promotes primarily through social media and her own website, JesiJewels.com.

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What they’re saying

“My hope is that [this market] becomes a place where kids feel seen, that they make connections and they make groups early in life.”

— Caroline Shaw, Founder of Craft Shop Orlando (yourcommunitypaper.com)

“I want to make things for other teens out there. I just want to have a whimsical style, to add a little more fun and color back into the jewelry game.”

— Jessica Rodriguez, High school senior (yourcommunitypaper.com)

“I think it's amazing, because I feel like right now, things are a lot more online, and it's great to share creativity [there], but it's great to bring back community, especially now, after pandemics and stuff — just bringing back the fun, and coming around, meeting other people.”

— Jessica Rodriguez, High school senior (yourcommunitypaper.com)

What’s next

The next Creative Kids Mini Market at Infusion Tea is scheduled for February 13, 2026 from 5 to 8 p.m. to celebrate 'Galentine's Day'.

The takeaway

The Creative Kids Mini Market at Infusion Tea provides a valuable platform for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity, gain real-world business experience, and connect with their local community. This event highlights the importance of fostering youth entrepreneurship and self-expression, especially in an increasingly digital world.