Editor’s note: This is the sixth in the series “State Fair Stories,” where we visited with youth exhibitors at the Missouri State Fair from Aug. 11 to 21 about their projects and experiences. Look for one more story this week.

Two tables sit in an L shape under a black and gold canopy. One is adorned in earthy potted succulents, while the other houses metallic shiny earrings. Different tables. Different products. Different 4-H members. Same entrepreneurial spirit.

Inside the Mo-Ag Theatre, also known as Mizzou Central, at the Missouri State Fair is the Show-Me 4-H Wares booth. Here, 4-H members can showcase and sell products. It was the right fit for Corbin Korte and Emma Klumper, two members of the 4-H Ambassadors Club.

Selling succulents

Corbin’s Custom Creations is the brainchild of 12-year-old Corbin. A plant enthusiast, he started with propagating hens and chicks from his grandmother’s house. “I always thought they were cool to look at,” he says. “It made me wonder if they were easy to grow.”

The single succulent for his study desk at home became more and more plants. Today, he raises a variety that includes String of Pearls and Paddle Plant to name a few.

Corbin found that despite a common theory that it is difficult to kill succulents, people often do. “The problem is when you overwater them,” he says. “Succulents don’t need a lot of water. They have great drought tolerance.”

The Cole County young entrepreneur expanded his business to include macrame hangers to hold his potted succulents. “Now, I’m creating my own pots,” he says. “There is a balance between the right drainage and plant health. I want to design a pot to help growers keep their succulents alive.”

Corbin began selling his wares on his Facebook page, Corbin's Custom Creations. He also travels to farmers markets in the Jefferson City area and is often joined by Emma.

Creating accessories

Emma’s Handcrafted Earrings is the small business of 12-year-old Emma. Hailing from Taos in Cole County, she started making jewelry at age 10. “I’ve always loved earrings,” she says. “So, I wanted experience in building my own and creating my own look.”

Emma says creating earrings takes patience and attention to detail. The parts are small, Emma notes, so it can be a delicate process. Her favorite piece is the holiday-themed Santa Claus earrings. “They make me smile,” she adds, “and they are good sellers.”

When she is not selling her jewelry at the Missouri State Fair, she attends farmers markets in her county. “It is fun to go there and meet new people.” she says. “They are friendly and really nice to talk to.”

Supporting small business

According to Missouri 4-H, the Show-Me 4-H Wares youth marketplace at the state fair is for business-minded 4-H’ers to gain confidence, apply public speaking and learn marketable skills while selling projects and earning their own money as entrepreneurs.

“I like the idea of working for myself and being able to create my own success,” Corbin says.

“It provides me a chance to express myself creatively,” Emma says, “but I like being my own boss as well.”

The two say they plan to continue growing their businesses.