Young entrepreneurs display their certificates at the third annual Island Children’s Market on Oct. 10. (Photo courtesy of organizer Lauren Frey)
By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
Young entrepreneurs showcased their creativity, determination and business skills Saturday, Oct. 10, as the third annual Island Children’s Market welcomed approximately 150 attendees to the South Padre Island Community Center.
The event featured 18 booths operated by 25 young entrepreneurs, offering everything from handmade crafts and sweet treats to creative services and yard maintenance.
Although participation decreased slightly from last year’s 21 booths and 31 entrepreneurs, community attendance increased significantly from approximately 90 visitors in 2025.
“The growth is the community engagement,” said Lauren Frey, co-organizer of the annual Island Children’s
Market alongside Angie Stackhouse, crediting volunteers who welcomed visitors, distributed business certificates and assisted with transactions.
The afternoon’s highlight was the presentation of the Outstanding Entrepreneur of the Year Award to Houston Potosky, 9, owner of Hoots, Scoots Poops, a yard-cleaning service offering dog waste removal, stick collection and debris cleanup for $5 per visit.
Potosky brought business cards and promotional flyers to the market, where he introduced his services to community members interested in hiring him for yard cleanup.
When asked who inspired him to start his business, Potosky replied, “My dad.”
The young entrepreneur, who started his business approximately one to two years ago, said his efforts have been financially rewarding.
“It’s been making me a pretty decent amount of money,” he said.
When asked about his biggest business challenge, Potosky initially mentioned attracting new customers before identifying a familiar South Texas obstacle: “Mosquitoes.”
Potosky said he originally attended the market to support his sister’s business and was surprised by the recognition.
“I wasn’t even thinking about [an] award at the moment,” he said.
Three additional businesses received honorable mentions.
Enchanted Treasures, operated by Emerald Bird, 8, and Willow Wasson, 8, impressed judges with whimsical handmade creations, including fairy gardens and potions.
“It just makes me feel happy,” Emerald said of receiving the recognition. Willow identified making fairy gardens as her favorite part of preparing for the market. The young entrepreneurs spent approximately three days creating their merchandise.
Kandy Kove, operated by Trinity Escalante, 11, earned recognition for its handmade products.
“It means a lot to me. It’s very exciting,” Trinity said of receiving honorable mention. She expressed interest in returning next year and potentially expanding her offerings.
Saltwater Sweets, operated by Phoebe Frey, 11, featured locally inspired sea grape jelly, a product requiring approximately three months of gathering and freezing fruit because sea grapes ripen unevenly. A three-year market participant, Phoebe received her first honorable mention and expressed interest in expanding her product offerings next year.
Guest judges Andrea Wright of SOS Printing Services, Claudiu Nechifor of Laguna Muay Thai and retired community member Kim Tran praised the participating businesses, noting the difficulty of selecting award recipients.
The event was sponsored by The Waves Jiujitsu Academy, Woolverton Realty and Acton Academy.
Looking ahead, Frey hopes to maintain the market as an annual event, giving children time to reflect on their experiences, improve their products and prepare for the following year. She would also like to explore opportunities for young business mentors to encourage other children to participate and refine their offerings.
Frey said she was encouraged by the increased community participation from South Padre Island, Port Isabel and Laguna Vista. She hopes to attract additional shoppers through greater visibility and advertising along Padre Boulevard while preserving the market’s small, child-centered atmosphere.
“The beauty with Island Children’s Market is that it is small, focussed on children,” the organizer said.
The event also gives participating children an opportunity to shop at one another’s businesses before the market opens to the public and receive feedback from local judges.
“Beyond earning money, I’m hoping that kids learn to process a vision and plan their time,” the organizer, Frey, said, emphasizing that the experience teaches children valuable lessons beyond financial success.
Although the market is not a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Frey said it operates without a profit motive, directing contributions toward participating children. Future needs include promotional banners, prizes for young entrepreneurs and additional volunteers.
Community members and local businesses interested in sponsoring or volunteering for future markets may contact Frey at (315) 552-8224.