To end Women’s Entrepreneurship Week on campus, the CreateSpace and the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship teamed up to host their fourth annual craft fair featuring twelve woman-owned small businesses.
The fair was on Oct. 21 from 2-7 p.m. in the CreateSpace and was open to everyone.
The vendors consisted of local businesses and a St. Thomas student, senior Kai Sanchez. Sanchez, who also works in the CreateSpace, started her jewelry business in March of 2020 during the pandemic, selling her earrings on her Instagram @RKaiV_.
Another vendor was Roxanna Benson, owner of Blugirl Soapworks, who is based in South Minneapolis. She started the company with her husband during the pandemic. They sell handmade, vegan soaps in all different varieties.
“The soaps are designed to be used from head to toe. They’re very moisturizing,” Benson said.
During their busiest season, their business is at seven different farmers markets.
The craft fair not only celebrated Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, but also allowed students and campus members to meet and support locally-women-owned small businesses.
“It was a joy to be invited,” Benson said. “It’s a family-sustaining business.”
Elaina Mankowski can be reached at mank2823@stthomas.edu.