- December 15, 2025
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Like some kids, Zac Boone, 6, enjoys digging outside. He searches the the rock garden at his home to see what he'll find there.
Crystals "magically" appear for him, says his mother, Sabrina Aquino.
But it doesn't end there, for he also enjoys selling his findings.
At Phillippi Farmhouse Market in late November, he could be found with a banner reading "Zac's Crystals," proudly showcasing his collection.
"I've got some sharks teeth, and some petrified wood, and I've got some jasper, too," he noted.
He also notes that the items are priced based on their value.
"I asked my mom, 'How valuable is gold?' and she goes, 'It's valuable,'" he said. "And emerald is way more valuable."
He was among kids, who occupied a range of ages, who hosted booths at the Phillippi Farmhouse Market on Nov. 26.
The event was held by Children's Entrepreneur Market, a nationwide nonprofit organization that became active in Sarasota in April of this year.
Market Manager Shelby Guerrero, a former teacher, works full-time in her role, seeking out locations where kids can sell their products at local events.
The organization invites kids ages 5 to 17 to the markets, where they learn skills including talking with people, handling money, and taking ownership of a business, while keeping 100% of their earnings.
The markets usually host between 40 and 50 kids, she said, stating 36 were present that day.
"It's been great... We have kids that are returning from markets, and every market we have new kids that are coming to try it," she said.
She said the organization tries to hold at least one market a month, and sometimes holds two, usually staying in the Sarasota area but also traveling to locations like Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch and Venice.
Other kids selling their products included Alessandro Bianchi, 7, and Leonardo Bianchi, 9, who operate T-Shirts With Purpose.
The two brothers sell T-shirts that come with uplifting slogans such as ,"You can do anything you set your mind to," but they are also helping to give back to the community, they say.
"I've always wanted to make money, learn about business, and since my family was really into giving, my mom and dad were like, 'Why stop them, let's create this business where we can give a lot and start a business,'" said Leonardo Bianchi.
He says they give back not only most of the profits, but also their time, volunteering for causes that include several church events, food banks and food pantries.
"That's what this is about. It's not just selling apparel," he said.
The brothers come up with their quotes and designs themselves, and Bianchi says that the value of the shirts is "the purpose, but it's not just the purpose."
"You don't want a low-quality shirt, just because they give back, so it's quality and what it's made out of; ours is 100% cotton, and also the quotes and designs; we make sure the designs are cool and the quotes have an impact," he said.
Kids had the chance to showcase their creations, like Esther Schultz, 7, who sold toys she had assembled, and books she had created to support the needs of her pet bird, Linda.
"Instead of wasting money and buying stuff, I build stuff. I'm a very good builder," she said.
Accompanying her at the event was Linda, whom she said was helping to draw customers to her stand.
Eden Sizemore, 10, showcased her crochet animals at Eden's Crafts.
Alongside her crochet creations were others from a friend who travels between Sarasota and Lesotho, Africa, and brought back the items.
Sizemore said it was those that inspired her to start making her own, starting with a kit to learn the process.
"It's just great experience for her to be able to make things and see what business is like," said her mother, Blythe Sizemore.
