Students from Shireland CBSO Academy in West Bromwich generated £190 in sales after showcasing their handmade products at Forge Mill Farm during its autumn pumpkin-picking season.
Members of the Academy’s Enterprise Club took their student-run business, Happiness is Handmade, to the farm in October, selling a range of handmade products to visitors and gaining further experience of running a business.
The stall featured a range of items including keyrings, stationery, coasters, guitar picks, portable games and bookmarks, with customers also able to request personalisation on selected products.
Established in 2025 with a £400 start-up loan from the Academy’s Principal, Happiness is Handmade has since developed its own brand, launched an Etsy shop and sold more than 130 items. The business has also expanded its range of bespoke and made-to-order products and partnered with organisations including the West Bromwich Albion Foundation to supply items for tailored events.
Following previous appearances at community events, the students will next showcase their products at Forge Mill Farm’s Santa Paws Welly Walk on Sunday 29 November, from 10.00am-1.00pm.
School Principal, David Green, said: “Education should open doors for young people and help them recognise the contribution they can make beyond the classroom. When student see an idea they have developed become something that people value enough to buy, it can change how they view their own potential and what they believe they’re capable of achieving.
“We want our students to leave us with the ambition to shape their futures, the confidence to pursue opportunities and the ability to make a positive difference in their community. Happiness is Handmade is a practical example of how creativity and initiative can help young people turn their ideas into something real.”
The Enterprise Club forms part of the Academy’s wider enrichment and careers education provision, giving students opportunities to develop practical skills in areas including product development, marketing, budgeting and customer service.
Through Happiness is Handmade, students have gained first-hand experiences of the responsibilities involved in running a business and taking their products to new audiences across the local community.
