How to Turn Your Passion Into Profits
Interviews with Student Entrepreneurs at Chopticon
Embedded Files
The Chopticon Post interviewed three successful businesses, but instead of local businesses in St. Mary’s County, we shone a light on businesses that thrive in the Chopticon High School community. Read about homemade desserts, the local band, and handmade bouquets, and learn what it takes to start your own business as a student.
A Freshman Baker That Makes Everyone’s Day
Freshman Ava Graves started her homemade baked goods business just two months ago, but has already gained attention among students and friends, earning her 278 followers on Instagram. Her business began to see success in mid-January when she received her first order for a full-sized cake.
The idea originally came from her mom, who encouraged Ava to consider selling baked goods after noticing her love for baking. “She knew I liked to bake and saw my potential through the little things I would make for my household…” said Graves. After receiving a KitchenAid stand mixer for Christmas, Ava saw it as her sign to start baking for other Chopticon students.
Once Ava agreed to pursue the idea, her mom helped her get started by ordering supplies and even writing several pages of steps to guide her through the process.
Ava promotes her baked goods on her Instagram page under @av1ynx_, with close friends Maddi Sorrels and Emilio Sanchez being her biggest supporters.
Her favorite part of running the business is the independence it gives her. “I also like making money since it allows me to be independent,” Graves said.
However, Ava mentioned that managing everything alone can be challenging. “...because of this, I bake on Sunday so that everything is pre-made and can be sold throughout the week.”
Local Band Turning Lunch Jams into Performances
Local Band Turning Lunch Jams into Performances
For senior Caleb Johnson and four of his close friends, music is more than just a hobby.
The group includes Johnson, as well as other current Chopticon students, Matthew Yelverton, Avery Keller, and Brayden Allen. CHS Alumnus Tyler Staples was originally a member as well, but has since departed due to being at college (he graduated last year).
The group originally started by learning songs together during lunch. Over time, their shared love for music led them to form a band to perform their favorite songs. Now, two years later, the band has grown into a recognized student-run project.
When asked why the band started, Johnson stated that they were, “... surrounded by talent, might as well put it to use.”
The band promotes their music on TikTok and Instagram under @wearethirdcoast. Their popularity began to grow in May of last year when one of their videos, which they recorded in the school bathroom, went viral.
One of their earliest supporters was Chopticon’s band teacher, Mrs. Sgrignoli.
Johnson says the best part of being in the band is having full creative freedom. He states he likes “doing things our way.”
Like many independent artists, the band has faced challenges with self-promotion and making connections. Their strategy for overcoming any obstacles: “... by just being unapologetic.”
Johnson’s musical projects are available on Spotify and Apple Music under the name WALEY. They recently released the album “Before U Go” in January of this year.
Handmade Bouquets Made to Last Forever
Handmade Bouquets Made to Last Forever
Senior Julio Vazquez Chagolla has been creating handcrafted ribbon bouquets for four years. His inspiration came from his love of flowers and his desire to make people smile. “I wanted to make people smile with flowers that last forever.”
His bouquets are custom-made from ribbon and designed to resemble real flowers in any color, shape, or style. Each arrangement is carefully handcrafted to match the customer’s vision.
He promotes his work on Instagram and Facebook under @july_designes_.
Vazquez Chagolla began receiving more attention during major holidays such as Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and Mother’s Day, when many people are looking for meaningful gifts. His first supporter was his friend, junior Nathale Estrada, who helped encourage him early on.
Vazquez Chagolla enjoys being his own boss but admits it’s hard to keep track of orders. “...but I made spreadsheets of my customers/clients’ orders in as much detail as possible.”
Advice for Future Student Entrepreneurs
Advice for Future Student Entrepreneurs
Interested in starting a business of your own, or just gaining some experience?
Graves believes that starting a business is a great way to teach yourself time management and gain independence. Her advice to you is to get to know your audience that wants your product. If you can do that, you can have high-engagement marketing that generates curiosity and builds brand loyalty.
But you would need to back up the suspense with a quality product; that’s why she says, “If the first product you sell is not good quality, do NOT sell it. It will drive people away since that is their first impression of you.”
Confidence is key for any business, especially if they revolve around your talents like Johnson’s band. That’s why his advice for you is, “Don’t be afraid of being ‘annoying.’” The only way he was able to make the connections he has now is by putting himself out there. Consistent visibility is key to a business’s growth.
Even if you have the audience and the confidence, there will still be difficulties in your path as an entrepreneur. That’s why Juilo’s advice to you is to “keep pushing … Don’t let others hold you back from your dreams.” Motivation is the biggest key to success. And don’t forget, Mother’s Day is coming up, so order your bouquets from Julio Designs now!
Report abuse