Level 2 business studies students from Whakatāne High School are showcasing their entrepreneurial skills at a market day today with everything from cupcakes to candles on offer.

The students have been developing business concepts and products as part of their course and are presenting their newfound knowledge and skills at the market day, being held at the school between 10am and 2pm.

For lovers of fine desserts, Simply Sweet has all your cupcake cravings covered, with six delicious flavours including Black Forest and Strawberries and Cream.

Eve Proot and Claire Miller are the masterminds behind Simply Sweet and have already graced Whakatāne’s Sunday markets with their tasty treats.

“We mainly do cupcakes but also offer homemade biscuits and brownies to complement them,” they said.

The duo are not ones to rest, frequently experimenting with new flavours and seasonal options to suit the time of year.

All for Mi is another business, created by Charlize Burgess and Karmen Cao. It specialises in beautifully crafted scented candles, presented in elegant vessels such as martini glasses topped with espresso martini wax. The look and scent are a perfect match to the name, designed to bring a touch of class to any environment.

“We had a stall at the last Sunday market for the first time and consider that our product launch,” said Charlize.

So far, the pair have enjoyed a steady stream of public interest and sales.

Another venture, Oceans Key, focuses on delicate, ocean-themed trinkets that can decorate bags, clothing, key chains or even hang from a rear-view mirror. Their range includes complementary crochet sea creatures and other creative options.

The business is the brainchild of Charlotte Westeneny and NauPreet Kaur, whose carefully crafted adornments reflect their appreciation for the ocean and waterways.

“We spend a fair bit of time searching for and gathering tiny shells that are perfect for our designs,” said Charlotte.
“We may consider custom pieces if the demand is there,” said NauPreet.

Each piece adheres to the aquatic theme and although time-consuming to make, is created with care and attention to detail.

Another standout project, the result of a collaborative effort between four students — Tayla Barry, Camryn Eastwood, Riley Annan, and Jake Goodfellow — combines projected backgrounds with instant photography. Their concept offers a fresh take on the traditional photo booth, targeted at events, birthdays, and more.

While not yet officially launched, the group is considering pop-up events around town.

“We’ve begun advertising with posters and even a spot on Radio 1XX,” said Riley.

The team offers a variety of backgrounds, with the appeal lying in both choice and instant results.

With the guidance and encouragement of Whakatāne High School’s business studies programme, a new generation of entrepreneurs is setting up shop — and their futures look bright.