Budding trader to take part in national competition

A budding market trader is set to compete in a national competition after starting her journey at Derby City Council’s Market Hall.

This weekend, Allysa Pastrana, 22, will compete in the national finals of the Young Traders Market competition, in Stratford-upon-Avon.

She will be trading with her stall Allysacrafts, which features handcrafted crocheted plushies and soft toys.

Allysa’s entrepreneurial journey began at the Market Hall while undertaking work experience with local community organisation Snap & Chat Connect.

Hana York, Derby Market Hall manager, said: “Allysa’s success is a fantastic example of what we want to do at the Market Hall – support creative local talent and offer flexible opportunities for young entrepreneurs to turn their passions into viable businesses.

“Seeing her progress from volunteering in the hall to representing us at a national level is incredible.

“Everyone at the Market Hall is fully behind her, and we can’t wait to cheer her on at the finals.”