By Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith

Bright Ideas can be an extension of what matters most to us or what we would like to have. They can also be a direct product of our talents. Such is the case with Katie Nistler and Courtney Smith.

Hi, I’m Katie Nistler. I’m from Fargo ND, and I won first place for the fifth grade in the Invention Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest at the ND State Fair. My invention was Slipurse.

Katie Nistler showcasing her invention, Slipurse.

Connie Hanson and Bruce Anderson present the first place invention award to Katie Nistler.

Slipurse is made up of a denim base purse with cloth covers to match your outfits. There are also interchangeable straps (over the shoulder and hand straps).

The idea came to me right before Marketplace for Kids at Concordia College where I was participating for the second year. I’ve been planning more things to add ever since, such as inside and outside pockets.

When I was stitching the denim base, my sewing machine’s needle broke, so I had to use our old sewing machine instead (which is not as technically advanced as the newer one).

My mom helped me when I started the sewing and the ironing, but as I went on I got the hang of it. My mom and I only took one shopping trip where I spent very little money. I reused many items I found at home.

Katie Nistler showcasing her invention, Slipurse.

I'm very grateful to the people at Marketplace for Kids for giving me the opportunity to showcase my talents and ideas at the North Dakota State Fair. I had a great experience at Marketplace, and I’m planning to go again next year!

Hi! I am Courtney Smith. I am 12 years old and a 6th grader at Stanley Elementary School in North Dakota. My twin and I were born on Valentines Day in 1997, three months too early. I lost my eye sight due to an eye disease called retinopathy of prematurity. My mom says I never really started talking, I went straight to singing.

Courtney Smith receives her first place award for her Business Idea.

I started my music business, Courtney Sings, when I was six. My musical debut came in kindergarten when I sang Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the school Christmas program. Not long after that I had my second public performance, performing Somewhere Out There at my aunt’s wedding. That fall, I went into the studio for the first time to record my debut album, a Christmas CD entitled Christmas Through Courtney’s Eyes. I did it for family, but then people wanted to buy it. So we ordered more and this is really where it started.

People then requested more of my music so I went into the studio and recorded a second album, Perfect in His Eyes, a collection of some of my favorites along with a few original tunes written just for me. It was released in October, 2005. Then last summer I went to Nashville and released a third album, called Butterflies.

Courtney Smith sings the national anthem at the Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest.

I sing and do performances all over North Dakota, Montana, and some in South Dakota. I especially love to sing and advocate for those with disabilities. I have gone into schools and did performances and talked about being blind and how I learn music.
My twin and I were the March of Dimes Ambassadors for two years and I have been a Pride of Dakota member for the last 4 years. I have been involved with Marketplace for Kids the last three years.

I have been very successful with my singing because it is not a job, but something I enjoy. Being a part of and doing activities with Pride of Dakota and Marketplace for Kids has helped my business grow.  Singing at events helps build relationships with people and teaches people if you have a dream, you can always try and achieve it. Being a part of Marketplace for Kids, has given me the honor of singing at the opening ceremonies the last few years.

The first year I went to Marketplace for Kids was with my third grade teacher, Mrs. Davidson. We went as a class and walked around and checked out all the projects. It was fun hearing about all the ideas. The next year I sang at the opening and closing ceremonies. This last July at the North Dakota State Fair, I sang at the opening ceremony and also was a contestant. I was excited to win first place in the Business Idea Category at the Marketplace for Kids Bright Ideas Showcase and Contest for the 5th grade.

When it comes to marketing my music, I sell it in stores and online at my website www.courtneysings.com. I also do a lot of performance throughout the year.

Courtney Smith showcasing her business idea “Courtney Sings.”

During the school year, school comes first. Education is important to my family. I hope through my music I can help people by advocating for those with disabilities and be able to sing the rest of my life, whether it is in the music business, or just for fun.

The question most often asked is, “Do you get nervous?” and the next one is “Do you ever forget the music?” The answers to those questions are No, I do not get nervous. A person just needs to take a deep breath and enjoy it. I know a lot of songs and have never forgotten any words to the songs. Marketplace for Kids has given me opportunities to show off my creativity and talents and has showed students and adults to get creative and make a business plan. My mom says to think outside your box!