In a world of consumerism, lots of students turn to their regular fast-fashion sites and stores when shopping. What many are unaware of is the small businesses that circulate around our very own school. Student entrepreneurs put in daily efforts to grow their businesses and earn profit to support their dreams. The next time you are shopping, keep these three student-owned businesses in mind.
Pink Bow Treats – Aurora Phillips
In the mood for a sweet treat? Pink Bow Treats offers a variety of homemade baked goods, finished off with satin bows. Junior Aurora Phillips founded this small bakery to sell her red velvet cookies and cookies & cream cake pops.
“My love for baking started when I used to make things with my grandma,” Phillips said. “I got the idea for the business in December and this was something I had never done before.”
Sales started off on the slower side, as only friends and family knew about her business, but she continued to put in her best efforts to advertise on social media and spread the word around campus. She says she envisions her business growing after she graduates from culinary school, which is a goal she has always had.
“I want to open a bunch of bakeries around the world and give back to different causes,” Phillips said. “After I graduate I will start with one [bakery], but hopefully I can expand.”
With the support that she has received, she is able to continue chasing her dreams. Students can find her treats on her Instagram, @pinkbowtreats, and have them delivered right to Buena. Orders can also be made in person.
“Start a business if you have a passion, and there will be people that support you. This has honestly been a great opportunity for me,” Phillips said.
Jasmine’s Bouquets
To celebrate a special occasion or show your loved ones your appreciation, flowers have always been the way to go. Jasmine’s Bouquets, founded by Senior Jasmine Vidales, are crafted and sold locally at shops in Saticoy, and at Buena. She started this business in December and strives to create unique bouquets that are affordable for all.
“I started making bouquets for my friends and family and realized this could actually go somewhere,” Vidales said.
She was encouraged by her parents to start the business and get her vendor’s permit. All bouquets are made in her garage, with flowers from a wholesaler in Oxnard.
“All of the profits I get go back into the business,” Vidales said after having a boom in sales during Valentine’s Day. The money she earns allows her to continue doing this hobby. Her goal is to raise awareness about her business and spread joy through her work.
Her and her flowers can be found on campus, or at her stand in Saticoy. She takes orders through her Instagram account, @jasmines_bouquets, which displays the wondrous colors and varieties of her flowers.
“My goal is to make my bouquets affordable for people who don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars,” Vidales said. “Small businesses can be more affordable, and supporting them is a good way to help people in your community.”
“Start a business if you have a passion, and there will be people that support you. This has honestly been a great opportunity for me.”
— Aurora Phillips
Sami and Kota Designs – Samantha Martinez and Dakota Morrison
In the past year, crochet products such as shirts, blankets, plushies, and tote bags, have taken the fashion world by storm. Sophomore Dakota Morrison and Junior Samantha Martinez have taken advantage of this boom with their brand new crochet shop, Sami and Kota Designs.
“We both love to crochet, and we do it fast,” Morrison said. “We were debating [starting the business] last year, but we finally decided to take that leap of faith and move forward with it.”
The duo has a wide range of products they can make. Animal plushies, beanies, bucket hats, crop tops, blankets, and long-sleeve shirts are just some of the creations that are soon to be put on the market. The business started only two weeks ago, so they have received only a few orders.
“A long term goal we have is to get a P.O. box so we can sell and ship our orders out of state,” Martinez said.
They hope to raise more awareness about their business, and get more orders in. They look forward to practicing more crochet patterns, and adding to their skills. Orders can be made through their Instagram, @samiandkotadesigns.
“Starting a business can be scary, but there is a lot of good that can come out of it,” Morrison said. “It is a learning experience, but it is definitely something I am excited to continue with.”
