Maker to Market
Creative Entrepreneurship Camp
Create a product. Build a brand.
Present your ideas.
Does your child love being creative?
Do they enjoy making things and sharing their ideas?
Maker to Market: Spring Break Candle Lab is a hands-on creative entrepreneurship camp where students learn how to make their own candles while discovering how entrepreneurs turn handmade products into real brands.
During this engaging 5-day spring break camp, participants explore creativity, design, and business fundamentals in a fun, supportive environment.
It’s creativity + confidence + business skills in action.
By the end of the week, campers will have created their own candle product and developed a brand concept to present during our final Brand Showcase
What Campers Will Do
Throughout the week, campers will move through the real steps entrepreneurs take when creating a product. They will:
🕯 Learn the basics of candle making
Campers will create their own candle products while learning how scent, color, and design influence the customer experience.
🎨 Create a brand identity
Students will develop a brand name, logo ideas, and a mood board that reflects their product concept.
📦 Design product packaging
Campers explore how packaging helps products stand out and communicates a brand story.
💰 Learn beginner pricing and profit basics
Through simple exercises, students learn how entrepreneurs think about costs, pricing, and profit.
🎤 Practice public speaking and pitching
Students build confidence sharing their ideas and explaining their product.
✨ Present their brand concept to the group
On the final day, campers will present their product and brand concept to their fellow campers and instructors
Maker to Market: Spring Break Candle Lab
Dates
March 30 – April 3, 2026
Time
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location
Laurel, Maryland
(Exact location details will be provided after registration.)
Grades
4 – 7
Enrollment
Limited to ensure a personalized and supportive experience.
Program Details
A Creative Camp with Real-World Learning
Maker to Market was designed to give students a hands-on introduction to creativity, entrepreneurship, and product design.
In addition to completing crafts, campers learn how creative ideas connect to real-world businesses.
Through guided activities, collaboration, and exploration, students discover how creativity, problem-solving, and communication work together to bring ideas to life.
This camp is ideal for students who:
• Love art, design, or crafting
• Enjoy building things and sharing ideas
• Are curious about how businesses work
• Want to grow their confidence presenting ideas
Meet the Team
Lola Pyne, MS Ed
Camp Director & Lead Instructor
Marketing Strategist • Entrepreneur • Educator
Lola Pyne is a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and educator who loves helping people turn creative ideas into real businesses.
She is the founder of PYNE Creative, a marketing consultancy that helps small business owners build strong brands and connect with the right customers. She also runs Oasis Soul Scent Co., an award-winning candle and body care brand, giving her firsthand experience bringing products from idea to market.
Lola enjoys working with young creators and showing them how creativity, storytelling, and smart marketing can turn their ideas into something real.
She holds a BA in Sociology from Spelman College and an MS Ed in Leadership in Museum Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education, and is an adjunct professor in MICA’s Business for Creatives MPS program.
Tiffany-Ann Osong, LMSW, RYT
Camp Co-Instructor
Licensed Social Worker • Youth Mentor • Yoga Instructor
Tiffany-Ann Osong has spent more than 15 years supporting youth and families through strengths-based, culturally responsive programs.
Her experience spans healthcare settings, schools, government-contracted agencies, and youth camps, where she has helped young people build confidence, resilience, and creativity.
Tiffany-Ann currently works as a community mental health therapist and certified yoga instructor, bringing a thoughtful and supportive approach to working with children.
She recently began her own entrepreneurship journey as a children’s book author, making her especially excited to help campers explore their ideas and creativity through storytelling and product creation.
Tiffany-Ann is thrilled to meet this season’s campers and support them as they bring their ideas to life.
Continue the Journey This Summer
Maker to Market is designed as an ongoing creative entrepreneurship experience.
Future camps will explore other product categories such as:
✨ Soap Lab
✨ Bath & Body Lab
✨ Additional creative product labs
Summer sessions will culminate in a youth maker market, where students design their own booths and showcase their products in a market-style environment.
FAQs
What age group is this camp for?
1
Maker to Market Camp is designed for students in grades 4 – 7. This age range allows students to collaborate while still receiving guidance appropriate for their developmental stage.
Do students need prior experience?
2
No experience is required.This camp is designed for beginners who enjoy creativity, crafting, and learning new things.
Will campers actually make candles?
3
Yes. Campers will learn the basics of candle making and create their own candle product as part of the program.All materials are provided.
Is this camp safe for beginners?
4
Absolutely. All activities are guided by instructors, and safety procedures are followed during all hands-on activities.
What should campers bring?
5
Campers should bring:
• A notebook to track their ideas and brand concepts
• A water bottle
• Comfortable clothing suitable for creative activities
Aprons will be provided for candle-making activities.
All other materials will be supplied.
Will there be a final presentation?
6
Yes. On the final day, campers will present their brand and product ideas during a Brand Showcase with their fellow campers and instructors.
Where is the camp located?
7
The camp takes place in Laurel, Maryland. Exact location details will be shared with registered families.
How many students are in the camp?
8
Enrollment is intentionally limited to ensure students receive personalized guidance and support.
Spots for Maker to Market: Candle Lab are limited.
Give your child the opportunity to explore creativity, build confidence, and discover how ideas can turn into real products.