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Letting ‘mom-preneurs’ shine

BEA Moms’s ‘Mom Mall’ will highlight youth, teen & mom vendors

By Fiona Green - Staff Writer | May 12, 2024

Katie Alford, left, and Lacey Hanson, right, are core members of BEA Moms. Katie’s children, Allie, left, and Noah, right, often participate in BEA Moms events.

Blue Earth Area Moms, a group which provides support and connection for area mothers and their families, is piloting an innovative event to celebrate local mom-preneurs and kid-preneurs.

The ‘Mom Mall,’ a vendor fair where these entrepreneurs can sell their wares, will make its debut at The Refuge at 125 N. Moore Street on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Katie Alford, a core member of BEA Moms, explains she was inspired to organize a vendor fair for mothers, children and teens after attending the BEA Science Fair on March 14.

“It was so incredible to see such a variety of projects that the kids had worked so hard on, and were so proud of, shown in one place,” she remembers. “It got me thinking about how we can foster a welcoming and creative environment for our BEA Moms group.”

She continues, “We thought of taking a Mother’s Day twist – instead of giving tangible gifts to moms, let’s give the gift of support and encouragement for their side businesses.”

Alford thought the opportunity would be valuable for kid-preneurs, too, giving them a chance to hone social skills by interacting with customers, math skills by counting out change, and creative skills by crafting a product to sell.

As for mom-preneurs, local business owner and core BEA Moms member Renée Johnson suggests that community connections can make a huge difference to mothers who are balancing running a business and raising a family.

“Running a business can feel lonely at times,” Johnson considers. “I’m hopeful small business owners will grow their customer relationships with other small business moms.”

BEA Moms is still accepting mom, teen and child vendors for the Mom Mall. Prospective entrepreneurs can sign up for the event at beamoms.com, or by visiting the following link: beamoms.com/the-mom-mall/mom-vendor-opportunity/

Vendors are requested to sign up by the end of the day on Wednesday, May 15.

BEA Moms also requests that vendors under the age of 13 are accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Lacey Hanson, another core member of BEA Moms, estimates that, so far, there are 15 vendors signed up for the Mom Mall – a mix of youth and adult entrepreneurs.

According to Hanson, the mom-preneurs are selling a variety of goods and services, such as jewelry, crocheted and knitted goods, baked goods, and even photography and yoga classes.

Kid-preneurs, meanwhile, are setting up lemonade and baked goods stands, and selling creative projects like jewelry and paintings. One enthusiastic dog-lover is even selling home-made treats.

“How cool is it to know that you’re supporting a local girl who loves animals?” Hanson observes.

Meanwhile, Alford’s son, Noah, is excited to operate his first-ever lemonade stand at the Mom Mall.

“I’ve waited my whole life to do a lemonade stand, and my dreams are finally coming true,” Noah says.

BEA Moms will provide vendors, like Noah, with a table and advertising for the event, but vendors are requested to set up and take down their station, and provide their own decor, business cards and contact information.

The group also asks that vendors handle all purchase transactions. As such, BEA Moms suggests that Mom Mall attendees have cash on hand for most purchases.

The Moms stress that everyone is welcome to explore the Mom Mall on May 18.

“There will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Alford says.

And, the group encourages shoppers to spread the love on May 18 by visiting other local businesses in Blue Earth after they have shopped at the Mom Mall.

“This is just another avenue of shopping locally,” Alford explains.

Hanson adds, “And, if you support moms, they will support other businesses. It’s a full circle.”

She says any mom-preneurs who are unable to participate in the Mom Mall are still welcome to add their small business to the BEA Moms business directory, which is housed on their website.

And, Hanson hopes any moms who missed out on the event this year will have the opportunity to attend in years to come. Indeed, BEA Moms intends to make the Mom Mall an annual occurrence if the inaugural event is successful.

In the meantime, however, the Moms have lots planned for the upcoming summer months.

Like last summer, the group intends to schedule regular ‘house hops’ – events for families which are hosted at designated homes in the community – and play dates at the pool and local parks.

“It’s nice to know there is a safe places for kids to go,” Hanson explains.

The group is also considering establishing a stipend for local moms who would like to host a house hop, but do not have the financial means to do so.

Additionally, BEA Moms has another blood drive scheduled in July, and the group is tentatively planning to host a self-defense class for moms in June.

Finally, BEA Moms always encourages area moms to join its Facebook page, although prospective members are advised that they will be asked a few security questions before joining to ensure the safety and security of the group’s members.

“It is a safe place for moms only,” Alford explains.

“It’s nice to have a place where moms can be open,” Hanson concludes.