Young women set up own pop-up event

What started out as an idea to host a small market in a backyard, turned into a team effort between four young female entrepreneurs who are hosting a Women’s Day pop-up market set to boast more than 20 stalls on Saturday.
Melissa Whitehead of Repeat Boutique, Lauren du Plessis of L’s Wrap Tie & Go, Erin Sims of Melon Clothing and Jessica Sanders of Cheeky Chic have formed a pop-up team and hope to make their first market a success.
“Mine and Lauren’s businesses are still quite new so we thought a small pop-up market would give us some exposure.
“We ran the idea by Erin and from there it just kept getting bigger,” said Whitehead.The 21-year-old, who was tired of a job she did not enjoy, started an online store, selling quality second-hand clothing earlier this year.
Du Plessis, 20, who makes comfortable yet stylishly patterned wrap pants, said she and Whitehead had already taken part in various markets together.
“People often look at us and think we can’t really be running our own businesses because we’re so young.”
Sanders, 18, who started her range of feminist printed T-shirts known as Cheeky Chic, earlier this year, said they helped motivate each other.
Sims, 20, whose clothing brand, Melon Clothing, reflects her laidback, sporty style said it helped to be able to “bounce ideas off each other”.
The market will also sport some very unique stalls.
“We’re really excited to have a M-Power Menstrual Cup stall at our market. It’s not the usual thing you’d have at a market and speak about in public, but why not? We think the Menstrual Cup is a product more women should be aware of and have access to,” said Du Plessis.
“We’ve also invited a really young entrepreneur, she’s 10 years old and she’s got her own small business. She’s going to be teaching kids to make Slime at her I-Candi Creation Station stall,” said Whitehead.
While the market is aimed at women, the team have made sure there is something for everyone. From Emerald Vale Brewery’s craft beer to great food stalls and kiddies entertainment, a family friendly event is in store.
The pop-up market will be held at 8 Larkspur Place, Vincent Heights, from 9am to 1pm on Saturday. The first 20 women will receive a free gift...

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