Entrepreneur-driven students at Champe are entering the business realm by operating their own businesses and side hustles preparing for future career opportunities.
At Champe, several students have already set their eyes on business ventures and the future goal of establishing financial freedom to lead themselves toward their career success. Although some of these high school students lack experience in opening and operating a business, it has not stopped them from limiting their passion for the business world. Rather, it has motivated them to learn more about business, how it works, and what appropriate business model to follow according to their age and personal interests.
“I’ve always dreamed of starting my own business and I’m willing to,” junior Lithik Kolagani said. “The marketing classes here at Champe, plus my own research, has taught me that there are so many opportunities with our current technology that makes handling a business so much easier.”
These business models vary based on their niche, target audience, value proposition and place in the market. At first glance, it may be difficult for these students to exactly pick and directly identify which works best for them, but once their core values and passions are aligned, it becomes easier to find the best model for them. Some examples of business models that work for high school students are dropshipping, Amazon FBA (Fulfillment by Amazon), reselling, affiliate marketing, and some side hustles like tutoring, dog & babysitting, and car washing.
“It all depends on how much time during the week one can offer to do any of these,” junior Rakshith Jangity said, “Still, it’s a good idea to find ways to make some cash because you invest your time into learning and enhancing the skills you already have that can be useful for your future career.
Ari Awan, a junior, created LUSION, his own clothing brand that he launched a month ago. The idea first came to him earlier this year after reflecting deeply on how much people spend on clothing merchandise that caters to their specific interests. Combined with this realization, he drew inspiration from clothing brands he looks up to and added his own personal twists to developing his clothing designs featured on his online shop at lusion.store
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is getting my brand out to the public and sales when it comes to balancing my studies,” said Awan. “But I was grateful to have overcome this challenge by putting time and dedication into LUSION by working on it during my free time and making designs during classes.
Another example of an entrepreneur-driven student at Champe is Yash Seshadri, a junior who recently took his passion for cutting hair and combining it with his interest in business. Seshadri started YzCutzz, his barber shop business in his garage, a month ago in Oct. 2024 after he taught himself how to cut and shave hair through the use of YouTube and practicing the skill on new clients whenever in need of a haircut. As of Nov. 2024, he operates his business with Abdul Zaman, a junior who manages appointments for clients, and cuts hair weekly after school.
“My friend Abdul and I wanted to start flipping cars but needed money, so we launched a barber business and advertised it to our friends,” Seshadri said. “The business took off, and we’ve earned $200 in profit so far, and I manage my studies by only cutting hair on weekends.”
Both of these students have proven that anyone can start their own business in high school, especially at a young age through dedication, consistency and effort, and that business success requires patience and an eagerness to learn, whether it be something new or from past mistakes. As the new interest in the field of business grows in time at Champe, the rate at which students are driven to become entrepreneurs can be expected to increase as they step foot into their business ventures.
“I would encourage those students who want to start a business to take the leap and do it,” Seshadri said. “They should pour their energy into creating a strong marketing strategy to showcase their product and connect with their audience.”
