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Mackenzie Hill of Clinton County sells her handmade soap at the Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference in Maryville. -
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The Fowler sisters from Clay County sell their crocheted goods at the Missouri State Fair.
Kellie Seals is an MU Extension 4-H state specialist and an assistant professor in Human Development and Family Science.
SEDALIA, Mo. – Visitors to the 4-H building at the 2026 Missouri State Fair could purchase handmade goods created and sold by young Missouri entrepreneurs. This year, 15 youths ages 8-18 from across the state participated in the 4-H Show Me Wares program, selling a variety of products such as wood crafts, jewelry, soap, lotions, toys, plushies, agricultural products and leather goods.
Eight of the participants were awarded the Star Seller Award for scoring exceptionally high on criteria evaluated by a secret shopper. Sellers were evaluated on eye contact and approachability, greeting and engagement, professionalism, communication, product knowledge, presentation of goods, sales and problem-solving, and closing interactions.
Entrepreneur Mackenzie Hill went on to sell at the Missouri Extension Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities conference in Maryville on Sept. 17, and additional 4-H entrepreneurs plan to sell at the National Association of Extension 4-H Youth Development Professionals Conference in Kansas City on Oct. 27.
The University of Missouri Extension 4-H Center for Youth Development congratulates all sellers on a job well done.
2026 4-H Show Me Wares Star Sellers
- Elizabeth Ward, Elizabeth’s Signature Soaps, Lafayette County
- Kristen Wienert, Sweet K’s Creations, Pettis County
- Amelia Sahm, Sahm Family Goat Milk Soap, Franklin County
- Cecily Fowler, C&R Crochet, Clay County
- Mason Bergthold, Livestock Keychains, Monroe County
- Sydnee and Spencer Johansen, Handcrafted Pens and Plushies, Wooden Accessories, Livingston County
- Mackenzie Hill, Divas and Me Dairy Goats, Clinton County
- Emma Crawford, Crafted Chaos, Clinton County