Young Entrepreneur Sells Unique Gifts at Market

Among all the produce, food and flower vendors Thursday, one unique stand caught the attention of many visitors.

Maybe it was due to their unique product, but it might be due to the business owner's age.

Eleven-year-old Clara Janzen, of University Park, spent the afternoon selling wallets, purses, bracelets and even rose pens made out of duct tape.

Clara, with the help of her friends – Isobel Springer, 11, Maria Kisker, 11, Susanna Kisker, 9, Henry Tuit Farquhar, 12, Anna Tuit Farquhar, 10 and her brother, Max Janzen, 9– makes and sells these unique items at farmers markets and from home.

"It all started out a couple of years ago," Clara said, "where we made duct tape wallets, and I discovered different colors and patterns we could use."

She first made a duct tape dress, when she was 9, and then at Henry's birthday party they made more.

Now the business, C.C. Needs, has purses, wallets, bracelets, stickers, coasters and rose petal pencils.

She said although the items are popular among classmates and other kids her age, many time grandparents will also purchase the items for their grandchildren. She said one of her pieces has even ended up in the hands of President Barack Obama's senior domestic policy advisor.

"It seemed unique to me and I liked making it," Clara said. The sixth grader at Hyattsville Middle School now has business cards and is saving up to create her own website.

"When I grow up I want my own business," she said. "I'm interested in fashion and definitely see my business becoming bigger."

Yet, as her business grows, Clara said she knows she couldn't do it without her friends.

"They help me with the designing and the little annoying jobs like making the petals," she said.

Clara only had a stand at the market twice a year. To contact her about her wallets, e-mail her at CCNeeds@gmail.com.