Almaden Resident
Business
Photograph by Diana Diroy
On Display: Stephannie Schmitz, a senior at Presentation High School, displays her tie-dyed sheets, pillows and shirts that were for sale recently at Holy Family Community Center. Schmitz and three other Girl Scouts from Troop No. 1342 have launched the clothing and accessories business Bazaar Contrast.
Bazaar Contrast, a clothing business, is the brainchild of four local Scouts
By Anne Gelhaus
When four local teens launched their own line of clothing and accessories, they wanted a name to reflect the eclecticism of their products and their personalities.
The teens, all members of Almaden-based Girl Scout Troop No. 1342, settled on Bazaar Contrast. Under that brand name, they've designed and created a wide variety of items, including clothing, jewelry, arm-warmers, belts, bags and home décor.
"The idea first began as a prerequisite for their Gold Award projects," said troop leader Marjorie Coakley. "Then, as the girls became more proficient at sewing, knitting, creating their own patterns and fabric-dyeing techniques, they realized they could produce marketable items."
Each of the 17-year-olds--Stephanie Schmitz, Michelle Coakley, Rhona McFadyen and Cecilia Tran--specialize in creating certain items.
"I'm in charge of tie-dye," said Stephanie, a senior at Presentation High School. "I've been dyeing T-shirts and bedsheets, and I've started dyeing rugs and shoes.
"Cecilia started making tote bags that are sturdy and pretty," Stephanie added. "Rhona created her own pattern for a skirt she's making."
According to Coakley, hers is the first Girl Scout troop to start a business, and like many trailblazers, the teens had to overcome setbacks in launching Bazaar Contrast. When everything seemed organized for a preview of their business back in September, the girls were told the Girl Scout Council couldn't publicly support a for-profit business. Efforts to rent a community hall for the launch were stalled due to the cost of insurance.
"Since the girls had used all their resources to buy materials for their business, they began to get disheartened," Coakley said.
The young entrepreneurs were also disappointed that some members of their troop decided not to participate in the business, Stephanie said, but they decided to forge ahead.
"We're hardworking," added the teen. "When we have a goal in mind, we don't stop aspiring to reach it."
Their perseverance paid off last month when Holy Family Parish offered the Scouts a booth at the church's holiday boutique. Bazaar Contrast made about $250 in sales at the two-day event.
"People who bought stuff said it was really cool, and that you don't see it on a daily basis," Stephanie said.
The girls are looking for more opportunities to get their products in front of the buying public and are working on a website for online sales. Meanwhile, they've come up with some creative marketing ideas.
"I made tie-dye shirts for everyone in my step and weight class," Stephanie said. "I'm thinking of decorating my locker with photos of our products and posting our web address there."
Stephanie said she and her three business partners plan to develop their business even after they go off to college next fall.
"We decided when we started that we wanted to do something we could carry through our lives," she added.
Starting a business, Stephanie said, has taught her several valuable skills.
"I learned how to sew, which was really exciting. I learned business skills, too. You have to think outside the box to get around problems."
