Standout Spartan: Abigail Hendrick '31

When Abigail Hendrick ’31 was in fourth grade, she loved participating in Steward’s annual Mini-Economy Market Day. After studying the basics of microeconomics, fourth graders design, manufacture, and plan the sales of their very own products. “Mini-Economy Market Day,” said Abigail, who is now in sixth grade, “really sparked my interest in making and selling stuff!” 

 

Last year, after watching some YouTube tutorials, Abigail taught herself how to crochet, and after lots of hard work, she crocheted a menagerie of whimsical animals known as amigurumi. Soon, Abby’s Crochet Creations was born!   

 

“I always knew I was a crafty person, but I did not expect to sell any of my crafts until my mom [Kindergarten Teacher Amy Hendrick] mentioned last year that there was a mini-market at SpartaFest and that students could sell items there. My mom told me if I made enough amigurumi, I could sell them at SpartaFest. After months of work, I ended up having enough. In fact, I sold out!”

 

Abigail enjoyed the shoppers’ reactions to her handmade animals. “Some kids looked at the items and loved them and went to their parents to get money to pay for them,” she recalled. “Also, I had some people question if I actually made them or if my mom did!” 

 

This September, Abigail participated in the Richmond-area Children’s Entrepreneur Market. This student-run market is a nationwide initiative that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership through experiential learning. 

 

“I was very grateful for the experience, and a good amount of my family came to support me,” shared Abigail. “I made $184 and almost sold out. The toughest part was that it was all the sellers’ responsibility to [interact with] customers and package up the products. Overall, it was a great experience.”

 

At this year’s SpartaFest, which takes place on October 19, Abigail will once again be selling her crocheted items; she’ll also participate in the October 20 Children's Entrepreneur Market at Hanover Vegetable Farm. 

 

“What I enjoy most about crocheting is that I can do it mindlessly while watching TV or riding in the car,” said Abigail. “At SpartaFest, buyers can expect to see lots of crocheted pumpkins, animals, keychains, and clothing items!”