Many students are turning their favorite hobbies into small businesses by selling snacks and sweet treats. From cookies to chocolate-covered strawberries, student entrepreneurs are finding ways to make money while doing what they love. What starts as a simple idea can quickly turn into a growing business. Several students, including Meyli Gomez, Zujeily Lopez, Arwa, and Alex, shared what it’s really like to run a business in high school.

Freshman Meyli Gomez runs a small business called “Varieties by May.” She sells trendy treats like Dubai chocolate cups, chocolate-covered strawberries, and decorated Oreos. Gomez remembers her first sale as a big moment. “It was good. I felt happy that I got a sale, and after that, more people wanted to buy,” she said. Gomez prices her Dubai chocolate cups at $10 and her chocolate-covered strawberries at $8 for four and $10 for five. She chose her brand name because she sells more than just snacks. “I just don’t sell food; I sell different varieties of stuff, like jewelry as well,” Gomez explained. She loves learning about marketing and hopes her journey encourages other students to never give up.

While Gomez sells many things, sophomore Zujeily Lopez focuses on baking with her business, “Cravenvookies.” She mostly sells cookies, but also makes candy and chocolate bars. Starting out wasn’t easy for Lopez. She said her first time trying to sell was “stressful and awkward” because she was shy. “Most people said no. I was embarrassed by the rejection,” Lopez admitted. Even though it was hard at first, she kept going until she made her first sale. Now, she prices her treats based on how much the ingredients cost. For Lopez, the hard work is worth it when she sees her customers’ reactions: “Seeing people love my products is what makes it all worth it.”

For freshman Arwa Ferradi, the owner of “Arwookiescrumbs,” starting a business was about being independent. “I’m at the age where I want to start buying more expensive things, and I can’t always ask my parents for them,” Arwa said. She has a big goal for her earnings: “I want to buy a car since I’m really close to driving.” Arwa’s specialty is cookies, but she also makes cakes and Rice Krispie treats. Like others, she was nervous when she started. “I was worried that nothing would sell, but then people started buying and saying they were good, and I was proud,” she said.

While some bake to save money, junior Alex started “sweets.by_alex” because of a lifelong passion for baking. After friends tasted the treats, they encouraged her to start selling them. “I decided to start baking because I always had a passion for it,” Alex said. “I realized that a lot of people really liked the way I baked.” She has a big menu that includes strawberries, cakes, cookies, and even cinnamon rolls. The name was chosen so people would know exactly who made the sweets. For Alex, business is about the heart put into the food. “Everything I make is made out of love, and I’m very thankful for the purchases everyone has made.”

Whether they are saving for a first car or just sharing a love for baking, these student entrepreneurs show that you don’t have to wait until after graduation to start a career. Running a business while being a student takes a lot of hard work and courage, but for Meyli, Zujeily, Arwa, and Alex, the reward is more than just a paycheck. By turning their hobbies into brands, they are gaining experience, helping their community, and proving that any student with a good idea can find sweet success.