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When I joined New Earth, I saw an opportunity to do more than just support the nonprofit’s mission—I wanted to create a platform that directly empowered the young people involved. That’s where the idea for the New Earth Marketplace came in. It was designed to give students with entrepreneurial aspirations a real-world entry point into launching their own brands and products.

The Marketplace blended their creations with New Earth’s own merch—hoodies, tees, and branded items from the nonprofit itself. Everything was sold under one roof, creating a unified space where community members could support both the organization and the youth it served. The mix of custom products and mission-driven storytelling gave the platform its own energy and voice.

We partnered with youth who were already making things—shirts, candles, skateboards, and more—and helped them take that next step by offering small stipends to cover materials, packaging, and startup costs. I led the design and development of the Marketplace website, overseeing everything from branding to layout to product photography. I also managed the initial product rollout, making sure the launch felt clean, professional, and aligned with the heart of the mission.

At the core, it was about creating visibility and momentum for young creators who might not otherwise have access to these kinds of resources. The New Earth Marketplace became more than a store—it was a launchpad, a confidence boost, and a small but meaningful step toward self-sufficiency.