2014 GlassRoots’ Business Plan Winners
For the last nine months, students from eight different schools in the greater Newark area took intensive business and entrepreneurship classes at GlassRoots. GlassRoots is a nonprofit glass studio that provides classes for underserved students, focusing on how to plan, prepare, market and manage a business, as well as training in glassblowing, mosaics, flameworking and glass fusing. The program culminated last week on May 15, 2014 with an annual business competition and trade fair.
The top three students in the 2014 Business and Entrepreneurship Competition were.
Lindsay James, age 15, finishing up her sophomore year at Science Park High School in Newark was our 1st place winner. Lindsay and her competitors were judged on both the execution and writing of their PowerPoint presentations as well as the artistry of their glasswork. Lindsay's business, "Sir Chimes-A-Lot," is a glass art business that makes glass wind chimes.
Hector Maldonado, 17, a junior, also at Science Park High School placed second for his business "Eccentric Elegance." He crafted glass charm necklaces, all of which were just slightly "imperfect" as a way of promoting acceptance and tolerance of people's differences and imperfections.
Third place went to People's Preparatory Charter School student Olivia Santiago, 15, with her business, "Flags of our Fathers." Olivia's business designed and crafted patriotic American symbols in coasters, trivets and other glass art to remember and honor our troops.
"Our Business and Entrepreneurship Program helps young entrepreneurs develop the skills and tools they need to successfully build their business plan and present it effectively," said Barbara Heisler, Interim Executive Director. "Through our program, they have the opportunity to network with like-minded young entrepreneurs and established professionals. Past participants have continued to develop their business idea and launched their businesses."
Lindsay and Olivia will continue with GlassRoots as part of the Summer Youth Leadership Corp. For more information about GlassRoots, Summer Programming and to sign up for the B&E program (ages 14-18), email education@glassroots.org, or call 973.353.9555.
