Page 19 - royal-times-13-14

identity Alert!

In September 2013 our Business teacher, Mr Robertson spoke
to 1st years about the idea of setting up a Mini Company.
A group of two 1st year students, Aisling Conaty and Maria
Lynch decided to form a company called ‘Identity Alert!’
One evening when looking for inspiration Aisling spotted
some alphabet beads and thread lying around her house.
She got the idea to do name key-rings. She made up a
sample using what she had and brought it into school the
next day to see if Maria and Mr Robertson liked the idea.
They thought the idea was good, but Mr Robertson suggested that we did something
as well as names, something that everyone could use, especially in school as at the
moment that was our main target. Eventually we came up with the idea to make
subject key-rings, as a lot of people were now getting folders that contained all of 1
subject’s books, e.g. English.
A week or so on from then we came up with the idea of making bookmarks. As we
loved personalised things and bookmarks. It seemed like the perfect match!
We got onto looking for the equipment and supplies. We ended up getting most of our supplies from an American based
supplier. Once we had our supplies and equipment we got to work making them. A week or two after we got our supplies
Maria went over to Aisling’s house and they worked at getting more and more products made.
Then Mr Robertson told us that there was going to be a
craft fair in Moyne Hall Co. Cavan in the Backyards. We then
had to really get cracking, but with the help of Aisling’s
mam (Triona) and dad (Francis) we got the display up and
running. The night before the craft fair Maria stayed over
at Aisling’s house and we got a few more made before the
craft fair. The next morning (the day of the craft fair) Triona
brought Maria and Aisling to the Backyards and we got set
up. We didn’t have a lot of room as there were two other
companies sharing our table as well. But we still did all
right. We then also had a craft fair in our school library and
that was busy busy busy!
As January slipped by, Mr Robertson told us that there
was a competition coming up in the Sieve Russell hotel
and we would be entered into the Junior Category of the
competition. Mr Robertson helped us in our final draft of In September 2013 our
the report and then we were ready.
Business teacher, Mr
The night before the competition Aisling stayed over in Robertson spoke to 1st year
Maria’s house. We had all of our equipment, supplies and students about the idea of
products already at Maria’s house, as we had sent it there setting up a Mini Company.
the weekend before, with the help of Maria’s mam (Jenny) A group of three students,
and dad (Brendan). The next day it was an early start but Frances Bothwell, Samantha
we got up, got ready and were off to the competition. Simari and Karen Soden
When we got there brought in all of our stuff out of Jenny’s decided to form a company
car and we set up our stall. After a while the judges came called ‘Inspiring Crafts’.
round and then it was our turn, we had to talk to them In December a member from
about our products. But they were nice which made all the our Mini Company went to a Craft Fair. To sell our cards
difference! and sweet cups .We were very successful at this fair. We
We so enjoyed the day as we got a trophy for 3rd place, also sold our products in school at the school sale.
not to mention €250 prize money which we have yet to In February Mr. Robertson told us there was a competition
receive. But we were thrilled at our achievements! coming up in the Slieve Russell and we would be entering
Today we are still making and selling key-rings and the junior category of the competition. Mr. Robertson
bookmarks and hope to continue with this mini company. helped us prepare our products for this event
We really enjoyed the whole Mini Company project and We really enjoyed doing our Mini Company and we
have learned a lot about business while doing it. learned a lot about business.

By: Aisling Conaty. By: Karen Soden.

The Royal Times 2013-2014 19