Enterprising teens set up their own shop

Many YOUNG people find a job during the summer holiday to earn some extra cash, but a group of pupils have taken it a step further.

The Form Three students, who took part in an educational programme organised by The Boys' And Girls' Clubs Association of Hong Kong, have set up their own business.

The scheme, entitled We Web Wet, aims to offer vocational training and business opportunities to Form Three students and participants in the Youth Pre-Employment Training Programme, which was set up to help school leavers.

Tammy Ng Sau-mei of CCC Yenching College and eight of her classmates used the experience to open a store selling T-shirts and accessories designed and made by the students themselves.

Like all participants in the programme, Tammy had five days of training at a toy store in Shamshuipo.

Other participants had the chance to work in salons, photo developing shops and churches.

The money they earned was used as capital to open their own shops. On the first day of business, Tammy's booth in Tai Po Centre made more than $200.

'It's really satisfying, and we were very happy when we made our first transaction,' the 16-year-old said.

'At the beginning, it was not easy. But after a bit of practice, we got better.'

Tammy said she hopes that by learning how to promote her products that she would better understand what customers want.

Another group of students from TWHGs SC Gaw Memorial College sold toys in their store, targeting young customers. None of the team members had work experience and did not realise how much effort and preparation were required to set up a business from scratch.

'[Before we took part in he project], we had no idea how much hard work it involves,' said Leung Kin-man, 17.

'First we had to think very carefully about what we were going to sell, then we needed to transport the goods. We can't just sell things we are interested in. We have to think about whether there is a market for them.'

Although Kin-man would like to set up her own shop one day, she said money would be an obstacle. 'Now we don't have to worry about rent because there are people providing us with a venue,' she said.

'But in reality, rent would be a major cost.'