Two OHS business teams joined more than 40 other schools last week at the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Market Day, hosted by the Auckland Business Chamber at Karanga Plaza in Auckland’s CBD.

The event provided a valuable real-world learning experience for our Year 13 entrepreneurs.

Alisi Manisela, Seini Ngauamo, and Tatiana Takai from Denim Envy showcased tote bags made from repurposed denim jeans. The team had been refining their designs and building a social media presence leading up to the event. On the day, they quickly connected with their neighbouring stallholders from Manurewa High, who were selling lamps. In a show of great entrepreneurial spirit, the teams referred customers to each other to boost visibility. After realising that engaging with passersby was key to making sales, the Denim Envy team developed a strong sales pitch and thoroughly enjoyed interacting with potential customers.

Meanwhile, the team behind Competent Clothing — Damarian Aka-Keukeu, David Kalauta, and John Ngauamo — faced a setback when their sample hoodies and t-shirts didn’t arrive in time. Demonstrating quick thinking and adaptability, they pivoted to selling raffle tickets for future merchandise instead.

The event successfully encouraged creative thinking, collaboration, and entrepreneurial confidence, while giving students the chance to connect with peers from across the region and learn from the diverse products and ideas on display.