Young vendors took over market squares on Helsinki Day

At the Young People’s Market Day event, the vendor tables were filled with artwork, crafts and homemade pastries made by young people, as well as second-hand finds and other things. We asked the vendors what had prompted them to come and sell their own products at the market square.

Room for new workout clothes

At the flea market at Hietalahti Market Square, the vendor table run by Aura and Maija offers a delightful selection of ballet clothes and accessories. The two friends will have a demanding year of training ahead of them once they resume their vocational studies in ballet in Helsinki and Stockholm. Both of them think that the Young People’s Market Day event is a great concept:

“It’s so easy for things to be left forgotten at the back of a closet. We young people often sell our things at places like online flea markets, so it was a nice change to come and sell here at Hietalahti Market Square,” Aura says.

“Recycling clothes is really normal for people our age anyway. Many people even go to flea markets every week,” Maija adds.

A place to sell your own art

At Eveleen and Venla’s vendor table at Hakaniemi Market Square, we find original graphic works and stunning hand-painted stones, among other things. 

“Mum was the first to spot the ad for Young People’s Market Day. We probably would’ve come across this event ourselves, because we’ve been looking for places where we could sell our own works,” they say.

Venla is still in general upper secondary school, while Eveleen is happy to have recently been admitted to study design.

“There’s definitely a need for places like this. I end up with quite a lot of my own artworks, so there’s plenty to sell,” Eveleen says.

From Metropolia to the world

Trinity, who is studying graphic design at Metropolia, heard about Young People’s Market Day from a friend. 

“My friend sent me a message about this, and I immediately thought: ‘nice, I can sell stuff for free,’” she says. 

“It would be nice if there were more opportunities like this for young people. There’s absolutely a need for events like this.”

Trinity intends to continue her studies with an exchange programme in Japan. She also has plans to do a work placement in Berlin.

Testing a sales concept

The products available on the vendor table of Linda and her sister include art prints, magnets, keyrings and hand-bound books, among other things. Linda came across the event on Instagram.

“Young People’s Market Day is a brilliant opportunity to try your hand at selling. It was easy to get involved because I already had my concept ready and I didn’t have to worry about costs.” 

The market day was also an opportunity to test her sales concept.

“I’ve been thinking that I could sell my work on a wider scale. We need events like this.”

A place to showcase your own art and earn extra income

Jani and Mila are studying at Helsingin kuvataidelukio, a general upper secondary school specialising in visual arts. In their view, there is a clear need for free sales venues for young people.

“Especially because it’s difficult for young people to find jobs, this is a chance to earn a bit of extra money. At the same time, you get to showcase your own work. For some people, this might be their first selling experience, which makes this a really valuable learning opportunity,” Jani says.