Student-Run Businesses at Dunbar
According to the Guardian, the number of teenagers starting businesses has increased eightfold since 2009.
While it might not be something that people would imagine a teenager to be involved in, students at Paul Laurence Dunbar run their self-made businesses alongside being full-time students.
Katie Yang is a senior this year who owns a business called Fresh.HoneyDew makes handmade jewelry.
“I started jewelry making in 9th grade because I don’t have pierced ears and clip-on earrings were pretty difficult to find around here so I decided to make them myself and designs I liked and based my designs around my personal interests,” she said.
She said that it is pretty distressing and it is also pretty fun as well.
“There is also an inclusive mission, like Jeffery was my model like anyone can wear jewelry.”
“I just saw it as an opportunity so I started selling.”
Another student-led business is Flores de Fabian by junior Emily Fabian.
“I started maybe December 2019, so I guess my family members really enjoyed it so I started selling from there,” Fabian said.
Fabian said that her parents are also huge contributors to her business.
“My mom helps me wash the dishes for the baking, and [my parents] will go take me to buy the flowers,” she said.
Even though Fabian’s family inspired her business, she had to be the one to launch her business.
“I saved some money, just enough to where I could get started like packaging and I don’t really pay for advertising because I use Instagram.”
When it comes to continuing these businesses in the future, both Yang and Fabian said they plan to run their business throughout college.
However, Yang and Fabian have faced some challenges throughout their business career.
“I think my biggest challenge as a business owner is definitely getting consistent sales,” Yang said. “Most of my sales come from the local community and I really want to expand my business to a broader online market.”
Even so, junior Emily Fabian said that one of her biggest struggles has been managing her business with her AP classes and the busy nature of second-semester junior year.
“It is kind of stressful because I think anytime you take a hobby and turn it into a job, it kinda takes the fun out of it,” Fabian said. “It is really hard [to balance].”
While senior Katie Yang agrees with having a difficult work balance, she has some ways around her busy schedule.
Yang said, “From the start of this year, I haven’t been able to spend as much time on it but that doesn’t stop me from at least thinking about it, and I try to post consistently as well.”
“Especially if I know I am going to be busy since I try to maintain a social media presence, I try to bulk up on social media.”
Even so, when it comes to continuing these businesses in the future, both Yang and Fabian said they plan to run their business throughout college.
They also have different advice for those who want to start their own small business.
“I think if you have something to offer to the market, just have something that you enjoy and you want to share it, it’s a great way to get your passions out there and kind of create a voice for yourself,” Yang said.
Fabian has similar thoughts.
“If you want something to enjoy and you enjoy your hobby, you can turn that into a small business, so just look at your time and start little by little,” she said.
Hi, I am Sia! This is my third year on staff and I am excited to continue being on Lamplighter! Outside of school, I am a big writer, runner, and debater!...
