By Kezia Royer-Burkett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
More than 20 young entrepreneurs showcased their creativity, confidence, and business skills during the first Black Youth Creative Market in Halton Region, held on July 24. Hosted by Iree Pathway in partnership with Halton Black Voices, the event provided Black youth between the ages of 10 and 17 with an opportunity to launch and grow their businesses while connecting with the community.
The market featured a wide variety of youth-led businesses selling handmade jewellery, clothing, artwork, books, baked goods, custom accessories, and home décor. Visitors also enjoyed youth performances, music from a DJ, food tastings, raffle prizes, and the chance to support young entrepreneurs as many made their very first sales.
Among the vendors was 10-year-old Hikmah Meshimo, the youngest entrepreneur at the market. Hikmah, who began making loom bracelets when she was six years old, proudly displayed colourful beaded bracelets, loom band bracelets, and phone accessories for customers.
The event was inspired by Iree Pathway founder and board member Abi Adekitan, whose own children sparked the idea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“So basically, we’re a not-for-profit. Our focus is youth empowerment, skill training for youth and women,” said Adekitan. “We came about during COVID. My kids were all at home, and I was just tired of them being on the screen. I started teaching them baking classes at home, and I thought there would be other parents who wanted the same opportunity for their children.”
Since officially launching three years ago, Iree Pathway has offered baking, sewing, and cooking classes to help young people develop practical skills and confidence.
The idea for the youth market grew after one of Adekitan’s daughters began selling custom T-shirts.
“The first person who purchased something from her was not my friend or a family member, it was a complete stranger,” she said. “She was so excited that a stranger could see value in her creation. Looking at my daughter being a youth entrepreneur, I thought other kids would love that same support from someone coming to buy something from them. That’s how this came about.”
What was originally planned as a small market quickly expanded as applications poured in.
“Initially, we wanted just 10 vendors, then we realised there was so much interest, and now we’re over 20 vendors,” said Adekitan. “I’m just so overwhelmed and inspired by the creativity of these kids. The goal is to encourage them to create instead of spending all day on electronics.”
To help bring the vision to life, Iree Pathway partnered with Halton Black Voices, building on the organization’s experience hosting Afro-Caribbean community markets throughout Halton.
“I reached out to Halton Black Voices because they already do markets for the community and have that experience,” Adekitan said. “They loved the idea and partnered with us to make it happen.”
The event was coordinated by 15-year-old Kayla Onasanya, a grade 10 student at Appleby College, who learned about the opportunity through social media.
“I was scrolling on Instagram, and I saw that one of my cousins was involved, so I reached out,” said Onasanya. “My mum is an event planner, so I’ve always loved helping her with events. I felt this position was a perfect fit for me.”
As youth coordinator, Onasanya helped to ensure that everything was ready on the day of the market.
“Some of my tasks were creating vendor labels for each of the businesses so people could find them, adding QR codes to their social links so customers could stay connected, and making sure everything went smoothly,” she said.
The Black Youth Creative Market highlighted the talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit of young Black residents across Halton. For many participants, it marked the first time selling their products to the public, offering not only valuable business experience but also the encouragement that comes from having a community invest in their ideas.
With a successful first event and strong community support, organizers hope the Black Youth Creative Market will continue to grow, creating even more opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the years ahead.
