NAIT hosts local businesses in fall Vendor Market

Students had a chance to start their holiday shopping early this week at NAIT’s fall Vendor Market. NAIT hosted Edmonton businesses at the market to promote shopping local for the holiday season.

Edmonton vendors set up booths in the CAT building this Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The vendors sold locally made products including clothing, jewellery, candles and more. The event originated last year to support local businesses.

“We thought it was really important to actually showcase what students can actually do and what a lot of them are doing and kind of just encourage students who are thinking of starting their own business that it is possible and that the student association supports them,” said Patrick Cunningham the Promotions Coordinator of the event.

The event included multiple booths featuring NAIT alumni. Shawna Bannerman, the owner of Spent + Stone, graduated from the Graphics Communications program at NAIT.

“I met a lot of people (at NAIT) and those people are the reason that I finally felt the confidence to start my business so it’s really cool to be here at NAIT selling my jewellery,” said Bannerman.

The program taught Bannerman about the fundamentals of starting a business, including subjects like marketing and promotions. Her instructors at NAIT had a big impact on her as well.

“I had a teacher I really loved in my program and she taught me a lot about valuing yourself as an artist. I think there’s a lot of artists out there that don’t really know the importance of valuing their art,” said Bannerman.

The next NAIT Vendor Market will be in the spring. Bannerman said she hopes to participate in the next one.

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