The Killeen Crafts and Artisans Market opened Saturday, giving small business owners an opportunity to display their wares in front of the public.
Several entrepreneurs will set up booths at the Killeen Arts and Activities Center to display their products and talk about the nature of small business, said Crystal Kuhn, event coordinator, who has been organizing the event since last September. All participating businesses are local to Central Texas, but there are vendors from Houston and Dallas.
Kuhn plans to expand Killeen’s market and hopes to host events that will provide a platform for future entrepreneurs.
“This is for small business owners and I would love to do something for kids, but I’m going to wait until this gets going,” she said. “I’m trying to buy a building so I can create an indoor and outdoor market for the community so the kids can feel more confident. You don’t see a lot of kid-friendly markets.”
Kuhn plans to hold a children’s market event as early as December of this year, and will also have a karate shop set up so kids can take part in an interactive experience. Kuhn said he’s been working hard to put on a successful market here in Killeen because he always has to travel to Austin for the market.
Legna Roman-Real owns DIY By Legna and tries to attend markets at least once a month. Roman-Real runs her small business out of her garage on Tara Drive. She was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1994 at age 14, and attending treatment means she doesn’t have time to work a regular job. Showcasing her wares at these markets is beneficial for her and her family.
“It makes me feel like I am useful at home. My husband is not the only one who brings in the income and does everything. I can help with the household chores,” she said.
The market event in downtown Killeen on Saturday will feature a balloon twister.
Ricky Kliment | The Herald
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