Santee community members learn small business skills through virtual creative design project

Lizzie Swalley contributed to this blog.

Residents of Santee, Nebraska, were offered a unique opportunity in December 2020 that not only provided some holiday cheer to those who participated, it served as a potential small business venture as well.

The Center for Rural Affairs executed a project designed to help the Santee community create interior/holiday designs with floral arrangements. To ensure safety during COVID-19, the project demonstration was held virtually, and showcased how to make low-cost, do-it-yourself Christmas greenery centerpieces.

“Our intention of the program was to help community members explore other avenues for creativity,” said Lizzie Swalley, community foods associate with the Center. “Our hope was that members would see this as a possibility to bring in another part-time income, on their own time.”

The virtual demonstration video took 12 minutes to watch and it explained how to decorate and fill containers for the centerpieces, what supplies to use, and how to find free cedar or pine clippings.

“Finding the pine clippings for free or at a low-cost item to make the centerpieces was beneficial for making a profit,” said Lizzie. “It was up to the participant to watch the video, complete their creation, and post a picture [on social media] before the holiday. This ensured time to enjoy it for Christmas or as a holiday gift to a friend or relative.”

In the demonstration video, Center staff discussed opportunities to create different themes with the containers and encouraged viewers to change out the supplies from Christmas items to Valentine’s Day, Easter, and even birthday decorations.

“Now that members have an idea, they are able to run free with creations,” Lizzie said. “With the workshop being presented virtually, it was more convenient for community members to participate on their own time. Because of this, we had one of our largest participation sizes ever, than what we even had for in-person workshops. We were also able to safely deliver the kits and receive feedback, all while following COVID-19 safety regulations.”

Overall, Center staff felt the project was a success, though Lizzie hopes to hold future workshops in person, if safety protocols allow it.

“I think everything went fairly well, especially since this was a first, hosting a virtual workshop that provided supplies,” she said. “It was a new learning experience for us as presenters, because it’s easier to explain a hands-on project in person, especially when needing to utilize or share tools, like a hot glue gun or tree shears.”

And, members of the community benefited from the project as well.

“They learned a new skill with tools they can use, and maybe they will teach one of their friends or family members,” said Lizzie. “My favorite part was receiving the interest in the project—any time residents take initiative is great for empowerment within the community.”