ONE young entrepreneur has joined the Launceston market in the square and set up her own sweet stall, writes Zoë Uglow.

Uma, aged nine, daughter of Steve Calvert, owner of Bridgetools in Launceston, welcomed the mayor Brian Hogan to the ‘official opening’ of her new sweet stand at the market.

During Uma’s first day she ‘employed’ her younger brother Zane to help out on the sweet stall — Zane’s hard work was paid for in crisps.

When asked if she came up with the idea all by herself, Uma said ‘yes I did’.

Uma’s father, Steve, said: “She asked me to make her the shop for her ninth birthday present. She designed it herself. I am very proud of her as this is something she has come up with herself.”

Uma explained why she wanted to set up her own sweet stall. She said: “When I was younger I had a sticker shop but not many people came because not many people like stickers and there weren’t many children in Bridgetools. So I thought to myself, why not get a candy shop because people absolutely love candy!”

Uma said she was very nervous to meet the mayor but soon plucked up the courage to introduce him to her stall.

She said: “I felt very proud and at first I was like, ‘what should I do?’ I was panicking, but then I looked away for a moment, breathed, and then I calmed down and said ‘hi’ and I had to shake his hand.”

When asked if she will be returning to the market with her sweet stall, Uma said: “Yes, every year!”

Uma said her first day on the market went ‘very well’, adding: “I bought a pack of crisps and only had two packets left. I did sell quite a few sweets, so I’ll need to get some more stock.”