Nambour’s youngest entrepreneur serves up success at Town Square Markets

Ari Tagg pouring a ‘Sunny Sips’ mocktail at yesterday’s Town Square Markets in Nambour.

While many children spent the school holidays playing, eight-year-old Ari Tagg was busy running his own business.

Over the school holidays, Ari ran his Sunny Sips stall at the Nambour Town Square School Holiday Markets, serving handcrafted sparkling mocktails while confidently greeting customers, mixing drinks and handling cash.

Behind the colourful stall were weeks of preparation. Ari helped choose flavours, taste-test recipes, shop for supplies, design the stall, pack equipment and got up early for each market day, embracing every part of the experience alongside Mum.

Across the school holidays, Ari served 42 customers, with a few members of the community choosing to pay it forward by purchasing drinks for others.

Even before the markets began, Ari was already thinking beyond himself. When his mum explained that any money he earned would be his to keep, Ari asked if it could go towards his savings goal for a Nintendo Switch 2. Moments later, he added, “Maybe I’ll give you some too.” His mum reassured him that he didn’t need to, but the gesture left a lasting impression.

When asked what he enjoyed most about running his business, Ari smiled and said, “I like sharing my special creations with the world.”

His mum, Helen, said she was amazed by how naturally he embraced the responsibility.

“I was blown away. Watching him confidently welcome customers, mix drinks, handle money and genuinely enjoy serving people was incredible. He worked so hard, and seeing his confidence grow has made me so proud.”

• The Nambour Town Square Markets are on every Thursday from 8am-2pm on the corner of Lowe and Short Streets.