Most students at Eleanor Roosevelt spend their days focusing on homework, studying for exams, collaborating on club activities, or working out at practice. However, for some students at ERHS, their responsibilities transcend the average student. While they’re focusing on homework, they’re also confirming orders, tracking profits, marketing, and managing business pages. This is the difficult reality for many young student entrepreneurs, which can be a foreign concept for other students. To bring awareness and interest for those who are unaware, a brief dive was taken to understand how student entrepreneurs maintain a successful business.
Judah Ogunsola, a Junior, runs a barbering business called Ju Blends. For him, “ barbering is about more than money. It’s about the “financial freedom creating his own path.”
Although consistency can be challenging, Ogunsola defines success as having “a satisfied client is my advertisement, he explains, knowing a good haircut can lead to many referrals.”
Another photo captures Ghasi Shillingford promoting his new clothing designs for his brand 410 Studios.
Shillingford shares that “sourcing materials and finalizing designs takes hours of discussion and preparation.” However, Shillingford noted, “seeing people repost, comment, and show love to his brand motivates him to keep pushing forward.”
Freshman Jace Price is pictured behind the lens of his camera, running his photography business.
Inspired by his background in media, Price turned a “creative interest into income.” He admits that “securing consistent bookings can be difficult, but preparation and hard work keep him motivated.”
Senior Leia James is shown braiding a client’s hair with focus and precision. Inspired by her mother’s encouragement during quarantine, she turned her “talent into a business.”
Although building clientele was challenging at first, James measures success by “gaining both new and returning clients.“ James advises others to “promote yourself confidently and never be afraid to connect with people.”
Through dedication, creativity, and resilience, these young entrepreneurs prove that success doesn’t have an age requirement.
