Winter markets in Seeley Lake

Freda Rathburn sprayed out the small fire she started while demonstrating one of the fire starters available through Seeley Lake Antler Crafts. She started two fires during the demonstration, showing the ways the fire starter she and Wade Rathburn were selling could be used.

Seeley Lake Antler Crafts was just one of the businesses represented at the Fall Frostbite Craft Show that took place at Seeley Lake Elementary School gymnasium on Sunday, Nov. 24.

The craft show was planned by the Seeley Lake Elementary Parent Teacher Club and organized by Aleisha Johnson. All proceeds from booth fees go to the Parent Teacher Club.

"I think it went pretty well," Johnson said. She said she's looking forward to next year, when the parent teacher club is hoping to host a craft show in December as well as November.

This is the second year the craft show has been hosted at the elementary school. The show had a combination of businesses returning from last year and people selling at the event for the first time. A wide variety of items were available including acrylic cups, tumblers, jewelry, lamps, cutting boards, pottery and more.

Sheila Murphy-Czifro attended the craft show representing her business Montana Girl for the second year. She was selling "a little bit of everything," including holiday items like cards and ornaments. She was also selling baked goods, jewelry and clothing.

Across the road at Lindey's Steakhouse, Seeley-Swan High School students were hosting their fourth Annual Blackhawk Biz Student Market. Fourteen student entrepreneurs represented the businesses they created as part of entrepreneurship classes taught by instructor Michele Holmes.

Students could either create their own product or resell another item. Many chose skills and interests they were passionate about and created their own products.

Students could use their own money to create their products or they could apply for mini loans that are made available through teachempowered.org.

Since students are responsible for marketing and selling their product, they get to keep the profits they earn from the market. They also get experience with accounting for the money they've made and calculating return on investment after the market is done.

The market gives student entrepreneurs hands-on experience with elements like deciding on a product, marketing, selling and accounting. Incorporating those things into the market is a big part of why Holmes was presented with the Innovation in Presentation award from the Montana Chamber of Commerce last month.

Products sold included fake nails, jewelry, horseshoe crafts, body scrubs, reusable grocery bags, cards, stickers and lip balm. The businesses weren't limited to selling products - one student was selling a car detailing service.

Some chose to make baked goods, and as a class requirement everyone selling food items had to get food safety certifications. Holmes made this requirement so students could understand the standards that come with preparing food. It also benefits students when their customers know food has been prepared properly.

Not only does the certification process positively impact the customers and the businesses, it benefits students who get the certification. Once students are certified after taking an online course, they're covered for three years. Holmes said a former student got a job over another candidate in an application process because they had that certification.

The Blackhawk Biz Student Market was made possible by Lindey's Steakhouse, which provided space, and Blackfoot Communications for sponsoring the event. It was also supported by teachempowered.org, the Montana Chamber Foundation and local business owners who offered insight and support for students.

"I love the smiles that you see when the money starts flowing and people's ideas are successful," Holmes said.