On April 11, Central Park hosted its fifth annual craft festival, a celebration of local artists all buzzing to spread their work.
Bloom Fest is often described as the SCV’s biggest spring shopping event, giving local makers exposure to hundreds of community members.
There are plenty of local businesses here looking to grow their communities, and events like this have helped one “small” business bloom.
“Some kids don’t get to do this, and I’m lucky that I get to do this with me and my parents and my sisters,” said Brooke Deschamp, a small business owner who attended Bloom Fest.
Ten-year-old Brooke sells 3D-printed toys, from minis to customizable dragons, at craft festivals just like this one. For Brooke, starting this small business was nothing more than child’s play.
“I love seeing the kids’ happy faces and everything, so it just made me feel happy about it. And it was super fun,” said Brooke Deschamp.
Brooke in 3D is entirely self-sufficient, covering costs and generating enough profit to keep expanding.
“It was nonstop printing, and then two printers, three printers, and we’re four printers in before we even did our first market,” said Cameron Deschamp, Brooke’s father.
For Brooke, the money is a bonus. What she really loves is letting her customers’ creativity bloom so they can leave with a smile.
“For Brooklyn, like I always with her, your legacy is leaving a mark with other kids by inspiring them. Inspiring them to be creative, inspiring them to start their own business,” said Courtney Deschamp, Brooke’s mother.