Flexais Entrepreneurs Fair Hosts Special Edition for Children

• The event featured games, workshops, a mini soccer tournament, and plenty of treats;
• Local business owners see the fair as a key opportunity to grow their ventures.

Maceió, October 14, 2025 - The Flexais Entrepreneurs Fair held a special edition in celebration of Children's Day. Its structure was set up next to the Bebedouro Station, and the event drew entire families with its free program filled with colorful hairstyles, face painting, jewelry workshops, games, a mini soccer (travinha) tournament, and giveaways of popcorn and cotton candy.

Throughout the event, which took place last Saturday (10), visitors could also explore and take home creative products made by local merchants, artisans, cooks, and confectioners. The aisles of booths were lined with vibrant displays, many featuring children's themes and special offers for families looking to surprise the little ones. Handmade bows, jewelry, personalized gifts, and bright, whimsical desserts caught everyone's eye.

 

Stories of Growth and Resilience

Among the fair's exhibitors, two words were heard over and over: growth and resilience. Just over a year after the inaugural event, each booth showcased more mature brands and confident entrepreneurs. Most participants have taken part in "Aprendi no Flexal", a local training and mentorship program that helps small business owners develop new skills, improve existing techniques, and find new opportunities.

One standout story is that of Janessa Francisca Quaresma M. da Silva, a true example of entrepreneurial spirit in her community. About eight months ago, she and her husband decided to close their family bakery in a nearby neighborhood and launch Arena Kids, an event business focused on children's entertainment. "Our little trailer is the first of its kind here in Alagoas. We bring games to parties of all kinds, and we can even rent out the toys right in front of our home," she explained. Participating in the fair for the first time, Janessa believes the event is an incredible opportunity to introduce Arena Kids to a broader audience.

Another success story is Mônica Santos, the entrepreneur behind Sabor de Casa. For years, she baked and sold homemade cookies, but thanks to the mentorship offered through Aprendi no Flexal, she discovered new ways to grow her business. Today, Sabor de Casa offers a variety of snacks, traditional breakfast boxes, and a full range of made-to-order cakes and sweets. "The fair helps people from outside our neighborhood see what we do - to visit us and realize we deliver quality products. I'm already taking holiday orders and expecting a busy end of the year," she said.

 

Environmental Education

The fair also featured an environmental education program thanks to a partnership with local public agencies. The Urban Sustainability and Sanitation Authority (Alurb) led hands-on activities showing kids how to create eco-friendly toys from everyday materials like cardboard, bottle caps, and plastic containers. Through a fun puppet theater performance, children also learned about protecting the environment and the importance of caring for the local lagoon.

According to Kedyna Tavares, Alurb's Executive Director of Operations, the event not only raises awareness but also fosters dialogue with the community. "We're leaving here with a plan to bring one of our cleanup boats for a joint action at the Mundaú Lagoon. The residents truly understand how vital the lagoon is to their lives", she said.

At the Municipal Health Department booth, visitors could update their vaccination records, check their blood pressure and glucose levels, take rapid tests for HIV, hepatitis B, and C, and syphilis, and even receive cupping therapy.

 

About the Fair

The Flexais Entrepreneurs' Fair is organized by the local community council and supported by the Urban Integration and Development Project of Flexais, which provides booths, event infrastructure, a children's entertainment area, and promotes cultural attractions.

Flexais' Urban Integration and Development Project is the result of the Agreement signed in October 2022 by the Municipality of Maceió, the Federal Public Ministry, the Public Ministry of the State of Alagoas, the Federal Public Defender's Office, and Braskem. Among the 23 planned initiatives aimed at reducing socioeconomic isolation and boosting the local economy, 16 have already been implemented, with the remaining projects currently in progress.