The Greater Naples Chamber is excited to announce the winners of its 6th annual Youth Business Fair. Held in partnership with Collier County Public Schools at the Mercato, the event gave elementary, middle and high school students the opportunity to showcase their businesses and sell their unique products to the public.

            Youth entrepreneurs competed for awards in hopes to win the ultimate prize, the Sunshine Award, where the winner’s products will be sold inside of a Sunshine Ace Hardware store. This year, two Sunshine Award Winners were chosen.

            Albina Hlavastska, sophomore at Gulf Coast High School, and Serena Nici, senior at Aubrey Rogers High School, were selected as this year’s Sunshine Award Winners. Hlavastska’s business is Crochet Magic. She sells handmade crochet toys made from soft yarn, and each toy is unique and has its own character. Nici’s business is Shot by Serena. Nici sells her own photography on various mediums, such as canvas, acrylic and paper prints. 

“This year’s Youth Business Fair was a huge success, showcasing Collier County’s best and brightest” said Kristina Park, president and CEO of the Greater Naples Chamber. “Our young entrepreneurs gained invaluable experience and fostered connections with local leaders, setting them up for future success.”

The winners are as follows: 

Elementary School:

• 1st – Ben and Evelyn Ahasic – Printagon
• 2nd – Bridger Holatz and Evelyn Seeger – Busy Bee Cosmetics
• 3rd – Julian Dante – JJ’s 3D Prints

Middle School:

• 1st – Lynlee Richards – Smile Bracelets
• 2nd – Chloe Giacometti – Happy Trails Dog Walking
• 3rd – Ehab, Maya and Sofy Shaheen – Crochet Land

High School:

• 1st – Nikolai Pratasenia – Techie Kids
• 2nd – Emery Girado – Grace & Skye
• 3rd – Declan and Caleb Donnelly – The Family Forge

Public Vote:

• Most Original Idea – Lynlee Richards – Smile Bracelets
• Most Business Potential – Albina Hlavatska – Crochet Magic
• Most Creative Presentation – Declan and Caleb Donnelly – The Family Forge

Sunshine Awards:

• Albina Hlavatska – Crochet Magic
• Serena Nici – Shot by Serena

            Lake Michigan Credit Union was the presenting sponsor for this event. Additional sponsors were Advanced Wealth Advisors, Biz Kidz USA, Collier County Public Schools, Mark Block Photography and Neapolitan Family Magazine.