Have you ever wanted to buy eternal flowers or get a haircut from your fellow classmates? Have you ever wanted to be your own boss? Many students of Atascadero High school have started their own business and are now entrepreneurs, this can be a pathway to empowerment and self-determination to all the people who put in their time and effort to give out to others. Some began with the passion of being successful and others from being inspired to keep practicing at what they are good at. Supporting local businesses and student businesses is essential to the continued vibrancy of our community. Most of these successful teenage businesses begin with genuine curiosity and often can lead into something bigger. We gathered most of our students on our campus who became small business owners and they shared how their journey began. According to New research from Junior Achievement, it shows that 41 percent of teens would consider entrepreneurship as a career option, versus working in a traditional job. Having a business at a young age can be beneficial by scheduling your own hours and can set your own prices however you want. 75% of entrepreneurs say “Motivation” is an essential characteristic to have, among traits that were found most helpful when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur. Most of these students are doing what they love the most and being themselves when running their business, they gain money out of it and according to New research from junior achievement 92% of students say that their business has turned into profit.
Nina Mulhall- Nina is an at home barber, she started in 8th grade at a very young age because she realized that at the beginning of Covid there were no barbers and she lived with her brothers who needed haircuts. She first started with bread trimmers and worked her way up by training herself with youtube videos and practicing a lot on family and friends. Nina’s favorite part about her barber business is the connection she gets with her clients.
Victoria Soto- Victoria makes eternal flowers and ramos buchones. She was inspired to start her business because of her grandma sadly passing away. Her grandma loved making these flowers while knitting and Victoria decided to do something she loved in her memory. Victoria’s friends were always supportive and she started handing out the flowers for free. She wishes she could have given it to people who she benefited from. Victoria’s favorite part of her business is seeing so many couples happy and being able to see how happy girls get after receiving their flowers. Her grandma has motivated her to keep going.
Jacob Wilson- Jacob started his car detailing business with his brother and his friend. He has been detailing cars for a while now so he thought that starting a business would be the best for him since he was already good at it. All his friends and family supported him which kept him going and motivated. Jacobs favorite part about starting his own business is making people happy by simply cleaning their cars.
Taylor Aupperle- Taylor is an at home based nail technician. Seeing her friends happy after doing their nails, inspired her to learn more and have an open clientele. Being a beginner Taylor was often afraid of putting her work out, she believes that if she could change one thing about her work, it would be to not be afraid because it slows you down from your full potential. Taylor’s favorite part of her business is connecting with new people from around. Her friends are what motivate her to keep going.
Lizabeth Angeles- Liz is a home based nail technician, she provides nail care services for many people.What inspired her to start her business was seeing her brother work at a very young age. She first started by watching videos and educating herself by practicing with her friends and family. She wishes she could have been more patient with herself and not compare her work to other nail technicians.Her favorite parts of having a business is being independent. The positive feedback from her clients and the desire to be successful at a young age keeps her going.
Diego Ruiz- Diego is a self-taught photographer. He was inspired by seeing instagram creators and a friend who also did photography from SoCal. Diego first started by purchasing his first camera and shooting wherever he traveled to. He thinks something he could have done better is putting more money into equipment. His favorite part of having this business is the experiences he has had, and the places he can get into with his camera. He is motivated by having the opportunity to create art and being able to use the creative freedom he has, not only that but making money also benefits him too.
Jeremy Hendrix- Hendrix had a passion for media arts since his seventh grade. He then started specializing in web design, social media management, and graphic design last year in August. He was confident in his abilities and digital creation that uses knowledge to make some money. Jeremy’s favorite thing about business is working with companies and adults being able to learn the business side of stuff. He enjoys meeting people, making connections, and networking. Jeremy enjoys making people’s online sites look good and making money.
Micah Parsons- Micah is a self-taught barber, his passion for cutting hair began two years ago. When his mom got diagnosed with cancer he first buzzed her hair and his friend let him try something on him, that’s where it sparked his inspiration. To learn more he began by watching a lot of youtube videos and bought new tools to keep practicing. As a beginner he wishes he would’ve put himself out and brought in more clients. Micah loves to have his own schedule and work whenever he likes to. Being successful and having support on the side has kept him motivated.
These students like many others, show that entrepreneurship can start at any age. Whether they are cutting hair, designing websites, or creating handmade gifts, their businesses demonstrate creativity, independence, and determination. By supporting student businesses, the Atascadero High School community encourages young entrepreneurs to continue growing their ideas into something even bigger.
