By Ruth SOWBY

The Children’s Entrepreneur Market on July 9 partnered with the City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Dept. to bring a youth-run market to Verdugo Park. Held alongside Summer Concerts in the Park, the free event is run entirely by young entrepreneurs ages 5-17. 

Francine Joson, assistant manager for Orange County Metro, told the children to “use your calm confident voice.”

“Show your passion,” she advised.  

Parents were told to stay behind the scenes. 

 “Pretend you are invisible,” said Joson. 

The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is held two times a month at locations ranging from San Clemente to Glendale. All proceeds go to the kids.      

On July 9, 43 vendors set up their booths that were manned by a minimum of two children at each booth. Customers swarmed the booths. Many were repeat customers.  

Especially popular was a booth showing off the crocheted merchandise by artist-entrepreneur and Sylmar resident Milana Sukiasian, 11.  

Wise beyond her years, Sukiasian said, “This is my business. I created everything. Instead, I’d be sitting at home.”  

Her merch included crocheted cellphone cases, miniature animals, hearts and knit bolero tops. Sukiasian’s brother Mikael, 9, was her backup. He showed off his 3-D printed, robot-like figures. 

Sukiasian expected to net $100 during the Market’s time frame of 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. She said she wanted to put half of her profits toward a “dream chair” for her bedroom.  

Seed bombs was the order of the day at the booth of 11-year-old Araxi K. Proud grandma Catherine Yesayan watched Araxi demonstrate how the flowering seed bombs sprout with rain (a little water will do). Araxi is a first-time entrepreneur at the Market. 

For those who missed the first Market – or want to attend another – the Children’s Entrepreneur Market returns on Aug. 6 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.  

Verdugo Park is located at 1621 Canada Blvd. in Glendale.