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FAQ

DO I NEED TO HAVE A PRODUCT IDEA ALREADY?

No, you do not need to already know what you’re going to make, but I bet you have some ideas to explore, and that’s what we’ll be doing right from the start! On the other hand, some WILL already know, maybe even have some product already on hand. You will use this course to learn and practice business skills: like how to sell in person, communication, financial literacy and time-management. This younger maker class will be workbook style with lots of guidance, brainstorming and sharing creative discovery with peers. Our first class is all about the creative process: brainstorming and goal setting. After this first meeting, expect to know what you're capable of creating and mass producing in time for the local Waltham Children’s Business Fair happening June 21. (Once you have your product created, you may find other selling opportunities and you’ll be ready for them!)

 

WHAT ARE THE MEETING DETAILS?

We will meet 3 times before “launching" your business and do one zoom call or casual meet-up to de-brief after your first market/fair (there’s always a lesson to be learned, and accomplishments to celebrate with each selling experience)   Each meeting will last 1 hour and will consist mostly of hands on instruction. For example, we will plan a budget and create a materials list, but each child/parent will be responsible for sourcing materials and experimenting with and finalizing the products for sale. There may be a role playing activity, mostly to get experience setting up your table and practicing “selling” to each other. All meetings will be held in a spacious private space in Rebecca’s home in North Waltham. There is a private entrance. This is a drop-off class but feel free to stick around if you’d like to get a feel for what we’re doing. I have a kitchen area with table space if you’d like to do some of your own quiet work.

WHAT ARE DETAILS ABOUT THE  MARKET WE ARE PREPARING FOR?

If you choose to participate in the Waltham Children’s Business Fair held on June 21st, you are expected to be attendance and selling your products or services from 9am–2pm. You may certainly take snack breaks and even jump around, check out the other kid vendors or walk to the coffeeshop for a lemonade, BUT you are expected to be the only person selling your things. Your parents are there for support. The fair will be held on the Waltham Commons. There is an application that needs to be filled out (the sooner you secure a vendor spot, the better) and a $25 per business vendor fee. I am not associated with this fair, so you will be responsible for applying to be a vendor. But I will be in attendance with my daughter, Emilia age 11 and son, Luca age 8. Kids/parents are responsible for making/taking payments (cash, Venmo, credit card reader, etc) and sharing any contact or communication profiles/email addresses.

FUN NOTE ABOUT THE WALTHAM BUSINESS FAIR:
All businesses are entered in a competition with cash prizes! Booths will be judged on the following criteria: 
most original business idea, 
highest business potential, 
and best presentation. 
Four (4) winner will be chosen and awarded cash prizes of $100 (per business). One of the four winners will be selected as the overall best and will get an extra $100.

I am always working on opportunities for the kids to sell at different markets. You will be ready after this class! 

CAN WE PARTNER UP FOR A BUSINESS?

Absolutely! We've had several successful partnership businesses go through this class and sell at multiple markets since “graduating." For class enrollment purposes, I ask each child be signed up individually. You can follow up with an email telling me about the partnership.

A NOTE ABOUT MATERIALS COST:

In order to create your products, you’ll need to source and pay for your own materials. The materials cost is based on your individual product creation needs and how easily it is to source the amount you need (some children have upcycled found items or reused supplies from around the house). Each child is responsible for their own materials budget and fulfillment, but expect to spend at least $25-$50 on materials to produce your goods for sale. We will go over how much of a product to make, and how much to charge for your product during one of the class meetings.  

WHO IS TEACHING THIS CLASS?

Some of you may already know me, but for those who do not, my name is Rebecca Saraceno. I’m a local Waltham mom (of two children, 11-yr old Emilia and almost 8-yr old Luca) and the founder and girl mentor here at wellgirl. wellgirl offers programs and products to inspire, support & empower girls, from the inside out. I’ve been a sole proprietor for a number of hand-craft businesses over the past 20 years: print and book design (I also know how to print on a letterpress!) jewelry making and stationery products. I’ve also been a print design teacher at Emerson College, have a couple years of homeschool teaching and curriculum creation experience, and am the troop leader for our local Junior Girl Scouts (going on our 6th year together!). I thank my Mom for my craftiness and my Dad for the willingness to make a difference through reaching out and teaching. 

SIBLING DISCOUNT

If you have  children who would like to start a business, whether together or separately, I offer a 50% discount on the second, or third, child’s tuition. At checkout, select the Sibling Discount, and then just let me know via email your children’s names.

HAVE ANY MORE QUESTIONS? 

Email: [email protected]

Please read the TERMS & CONDITIONS on the checkout page. They are simply stated agreements to participation & payment, and are considered accepted when you check out.  

 

All images taken from previous sessions of the older Starting Your Kid-Made Business.