San Jose teen entrepreneurs discover business is booming – The Mercury News

Editor's Note: This article was written for Mosaic Vision, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.

Teenagers like Naomi Andalon Garcia, 17, are more likely to become their own boss rather than apply for part-time jobs while in high school.

She is one of many students who started their own businesses while still in school. A 2022 survey by Junior Achievement USA showed that 60% of American high school students were more interested in starting their own business than in a traditional job.

Andalon Garcia, a senior at Yerba Buena High School in San Jose, has operated a jewelry business for more than four years. Her Instagram account, @thepalomajewelry, which is her main silver jewelry distribution platform, has over 640 followers.

“You would think I mainly sell to school, but it's mostly people on Instagram,” Andalon Garcia said.

Selling jewelry is not her first activity.

“I used to sell peanuts, I walked around the neighborhood shouting ‘cacahuates’… I like the feeling of freedom,” she said. The growth of his businesses gave him financial independence from his parents.

Andalon Garcia travels to Mexico two to three times a year to buy jewelry which she then resells. She estimates she spent several thousand dollars on it.

Another budding business owner, Lidia Dominguez, a senior at Latino College Preparatory Academy in San Jose, applies acrylic nails for clients who come to her home.

“I was doing this before my freshman year, so for almost four years,” she said.

Dominguez started in the garden and now has her own nail room inside her home. With more than 1,530 followers on Instagram @nailsbymelissa.12, she was fully booked in May with about 10 appointments each week due to proms and graduations. Because of all her activities, she no longer depends on her parents, she reinvests what she earns in her business.

“I took art classes throughout high school, which I think boosted my creativity and line work,” she said.

Throughout high school, Dominguez created loyal customers. As she grows her business, her schedule becomes busier and busier.

Another entrepreneur, Arely Rodriguez, a senior at Latino College Preparatory Academy, wanted to find a job but her parents wanted her to focus on her studies. Instead, she started her own business, which her parents allowed her to do. She uses colorful ribbons to create artificial bouquets, crosses and flower baskets.

It started last year and slowly started growing. His Instagram account, @rodriguez.bouquets, has about 90 followers since launching the business last year.

“I honestly love creating flowers, I don’t do it for the money, it helps me destress after school,” she said.

All three students are graduating this month and all three want to continue growing their businesses as they head to college.

Andalon Garcia plans to create pop-ups this summer in local parks. Next, she will attend San Jose State where she plans to study child development.

Dominguez plans to attend Evergreen Valley College in the fall.