From barbers to nail techs to confectioners, the student body is brimming with talented entrepreneurs getting a head start on their future careers.
“I’ve been cutting hair for about two years, since freshman year. I get about 5 or 6 clients a week,” junior Juan Pablo Alvarez said.
Being an entrepreneur is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and connect with others.
“The best part is meeting new people, because I used to not be so social, but then I started cutting and listening to others, and ever since I’ve been more out there,” he said.
Barbers are a popular job choice because of the importance of their work.
“I’ve been cutting hair since 8th grade, when my cousins needed buzz cuts. I messed up and wanted to get better at it,” senior Jayden Tran said.
Even so, hair isn’t the only cosmetic career interest by far.
“I do nails,” junior Anaira Anton said. “I started because I always got my nails done and my mom convinced me to do my own. I discovered I really like doing nails!”
Others prefer different crafty ways to spend their time.
“I make paper roses. I’d seen people online do it, so I went to the store and bought the material to start practicing,” freshman Alexandra Rico said.
While earning extra income is nice, having a job can cut into time for other things.
“It’s hard to balance work and school a little bit, like when I get a lot of orders as well as school projects,” she said.
Students with budding careers have to learn how to manage their time.
“It’s not too much to handle between work and school because I’m still trying to build my clientele,” Anton said.
Each student’s job choice has a different origin.
“I make bouquets! I started because I wanted to make my friend something different for her birthday, as well as something that would last a while,” junior Evelyn Ortiz said.
Making brag-worthy products is a sure fire way to attract customers.
“I’ve had a lot of customers come back and order multiple times from me because they like it,” she said.
Sometimes consumers are looking for a sweet treat to brighten their day.
“I sell strawberry pretzel treats. I started making them for parties, Christmas, and all that!” junior Joyce Martinez said.
Having a job you enjoy is one way to relax after a long day.
“Making sweets is a getaway from the stress of school and dance,” she said.
A few of these young businessmen and businesswomen have their plans for the future all lined up.
“Eventually I want to open my own barbershop,” Tran said.
With every product, design, or otherwise, students improve their work.
“The best part is when you finally see yourself grow and see progress,” Ortiz said.
