ARCADIA – When Jenna Doolen says she uses geometry to help with measuring and cutting the wood when building a birdhouse, it brings a wide smile to her mother’s face.
Jenna, 14, got into woodworking as a way to fill time during the pandemic. But that doesn’t mean she neglected her schoolwork.
“I keep my grades really good,” she said with confidence.
Jenna and her brother, Ryan Eng-Smith, 12, are new vendors this year at the Arcadia Farmers Market. Manager Lori Seagraves said she ordered custom-built booths for young vendors because she wants to encourage youthful entrepreneurs. Ryan sells fresh-made lemonade and sweet tea.
Jenna uses cedar to fashion the homes for birds and bats that she sells under the banner of “Little Bird Company” for $15 each or two for $25. She just celebrated the one-year anniversary of her venture.
Ryan said he plans to invest his profits into Verdant Farms, which is the business his parents, Mark and Jae Smith, are developing on their 2.5 acres near Arcadia. Jae Smith said they have purchased 60 chickens, and hope to have their own booth at the farmers market to sell eggs, flowers and fresh produce.
Jenna said she is saving her money for necessities such as “college and cars.”
After holding two spring markets in March and April, the Arcadia Farmers Market will open its every-Saturday season on May 15 at Division Street and Historic Route 66. Market hours are 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. or until vendors are sold out. The Arcadia Farmers Market General Store, at 212 Odor St. in Arcadia, is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
To reserve booth space, call Seagraves at (405) 226-0346