On Friday, March 7, Green Hope held one of its biannual business fairs, run exclusively by seniors in Economics and Personal Finance. Students create a business of their choice, run individually (a sole proprietorship), in a partnership or in a group of three (a corporation), and are given creative freedom to sell and create appropriate advertisements and products within their businesses. 

“Buyers” attend the business fair in four separate waves of three classes each, averaging a few hundred students per session, and are given 10 “dollars” to spend at businesses of their choice. Throughout the project, seniors learn how to effectively advertise their products, set and change prices depending on the demand of an item and work around competitors to maximize profits. The GH Falcon recently attended a business fair to interview multiple vendors about their stands, inquiring about their motives and strategies. 

Spin It to Win It advertised stationery, including buildable erasers, mechanical pencils and other writing utensils, won by spinning a wheel. Run by seniors Ian House, Selina Sentosa Harjo and Avril Mathias, the business focuses on supplying students with essential educational supplies to support student success while also making the prize exciting to receive. “Originally, we wanted to do some historic reenacting,” shared House. “However, we recognized what the students needed, and we saw that the students in North Carolina need more stationery. We thought this would be a good, engaging way to bolster our students and our education system through supplying needed school supplies in a fun way.” The business proved to be a successful, engaging way to support students, as evidenced by the group’s accomplishments at the fair. 

Another business run at the fair was named “Tats” and supplied customers with unique and individualized glitter tattoos. Run by Vanica Andales (‘26) and Colette Shiu (‘26), the stand offered many options for buyers to choose from, including glitter tattoos with actual glitter and marker tattoos with matte and glitter options. “We really like sparkly body art, so we decided on making [the tattoos] customizable and glittery,” shared Andales when asked about the motives behind their product. The group opted out of water-activated tattoos due to the limited color and design options, making it difficult for customers to individualize. The partnership promoted its business by highlighting the longevity of its designs, encouraging customers to invest in something long-lasting. 

Senior Harris Seifert ran a unique business at Friday’s business fair, with no other competition in the gym. “Springtime Blooms” focused on building customizable bouquets for customers with real flowers. “I personally love creating flower bouquets and arranging them, and I wanted to bring that to Green Hope,” she shared. “I know a lot of people have stickers and things like that for their businesses, but I really wanted something to pass out.” 

If she did not sell out her stock, Seifert planned to pass out the remaining flowers to teachers throughout the building. “Flowers are always a good thing for yourself or for others, and I want to spread happiness,” she explained. Seifert’s business was unique among the fair, allowing her to run it successfully and efficiently. 

“Never Stress”, a business run by seniors Lucas Covil and Ethan Wormhood, focused on helping students reduce stress and anxiety. The business sold stress balls with a grand prize of a NeeDoh Gumdrop if students landed in the correct spot on the wheel. When asked about their business motives, the pair shared, “We [chose our product] because everyone loves stress balls, and everyone loves NeeDohs now, so we did both.” Students were offered the chance to spin a wheel, earning either a stereotypical stress ball or a NeeDoh. The business offered a unique product with an entertaining way of winning, attracting various customers and aiding in their success. 

The business fair is ultimately a great opportunity for students to practice entrepreneurship skills through a business that fits their interests and personalities. The simulation allows for exceptional real-world applications, making it a realistic method of learning and especially useful for students interested in going into business. The fair is a highlight of senior year for many students and will continue to be for years to come.