The Palmetto Artisan Program, which was started in Charleston to help unleash the creative potential of its youth, is being expanded with the help of a consulting firm. Community Solutions Consultant LLC is working with the city to provide young participants with year-round opportunities to run their own businesses with the guidance of mentors. This summer, new products will be introduced to allow participants to explore their ingenuity and creativity.
One success story from the program is Zihaire Jackson, who launched his own business, the Palmetto Artisan Company, after participating in the program. Jackson plans to expand beyond creating roses and offer items like shirts, hoodies and more with unique logos.
The focus of the program is not only on fostering creativity but also on developing essential business skills among participants such as money management. Co-Manager Eric Jackson of Community Solutions Consultant highlights this aspect of the program stating that “We are not just teaching them how to make Palmetto Roses but how to run a business.” The program also involves parents in the economic development process, with the ultimate goal of helping each participant establish their own Limited Liability Company (LLC).
Currently, there are 25 participants in the program who can be found setting up shop on weekends at Concord and Calhoun Streets near the South Carolina Aquarium as well as at the Charleston City Market. The program organizers emphasize that ongoing vending opportunities are important for aspiring entrepreneurs to get involved in and that they should take advantage of this year-round opportunity.
For those interested in joining