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ʻŌpio Mākeke-Aloha ʻIa ʻo Waiʻanae
Thursday, March 13, 2025
4:00PM - 7:00PM
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About the fair
The ʻŌpio Mākeke is a youth-led initiative born out of the need to create safe spaces in response to the increasing violence in our community. This event provides a platform for young people to showcase their talents and passions, offering them an opportunity to turn their creative ideas into potential businesses. For four hours, the youth will manage their own space, fostering independence while building meaningful connections with their peers.
The ʻŌpio Mākeke also brings the community together for a vibrant shopping experience, where families and friends can support local youth and celebrate their entrepreneurial spirit.
By supporting them, we’re fostering a generation committed to building a brighter future for Waiʻanae.
Hosted by
Michelle Pieper
🗓️ Started hosting in 2024
✅ Identity verified
⭐️ 5.0 (3)
Jeremiah Magallones is a passionate 11th grader committed to sustainability and empowering his community. After participating in the Waiwai Collective ʻŌpio Mākeke, he was inspired to bring similar opportunities to Waiʻanae, focusing on creating safe, engaging activities for youth. Jeremiah uses his creativity to transform shredded cardboard into eco-friendly table runners and party décor. When he's not leading community projects, you can find him practicing Jiu-Jitsu or playing volleyball, always striving to make a positive impact through both his hobbies and his work.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ʻŌpio Mākeke 96792?
The ʻŌpio Mākeke 96792 inspires our youth to discover their inner entrepreneur. This 3 hour marketplace gives young leaders the opportunity to showcase their very own businesses, offering a platform to develop their skills and creativity while connecting with the community. Through this mākeke, we empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in Waiʻanae, fostering leadership and innovation right here in our moku.
How many businesses will you accept?
We will accept up to 10 businesses.
Where should I begin?
Start with our resources page. Read inspiring stories about other young entrepreneurs and play games to hone your business skills.
How do I apply? Can I apply as part of a group?
Application must be submitted online. Please submit one application for each business. Children working as a group should submit one application that includes each child’s information. No more than 3 participants per business.
What is on the application?
The application asks kids to think through some simple, but important elements of their business:
- What product or service do you plan to sell?
- What price will you charge for each product/service? How much will each product/service cost you?
- How will you pay for your startup costs? If someone is helping you with your startup costs, how will you pay that person back?
- How will you advertise/market your business before the fair?
- At the end of the fair, how will you determine if your business was a success?
What if someone else has the same business idea?
Two cupcake businesses? Not a problem. In general, we will let market forces play out, though we will let later entries know if another applicant has a similar idea so the later entrant can decide what to do.
How will the fair be set up?
The mākeke will take place outdoors at Waiʻanae Elem School grounds. Each business will be provided with a 10x10 booth space. Table, chairs and table cloth are all responsibility of the youth vendor.
Will electricity be available?
No
What are the rules?
This event is designed to give children the experience of selling a product or service. If a parent is found selling or promoting a child’s product or service, their child’s business will be disqualified from the event.
Parents of younger children may sit in the booth, but the children should be responsible for set up, customer interaction, and sales.
Parents may help their child fill out the application, but we expect the children to do as much as possible by themselves.
How did the Acton Children’s Business Fair get started?
Jeff and Laura Sandefer and a few other families wanted to spark a sense of wonder and entrepreneurship in their children so they created the first Acton Children’s Business Fair in Austin, Texas, in 2007. That year, there were seven entrepreneurs and around 25 attendees. Now, there are over 115 entrepreneurs and 1,500 attendees at the Acton Children's Business Fair in Austin.
