We all have hobbies and things we enjoy, but have you ever thought about turning your hobby into cold hard cash? Several students have done just that. Here are some details about these young entrepreneurs, what they do, and what they enjoy about their businesses.
Senior Thomas Benko
What business do you run?
I run a photography/videography business.
What about photography do you find to be most difficult?
What I find hardest about photography is finding [my] own style. At first, I was looking at other influencers’ styles. That [is] one thing that I recommend no one do because you can get jealous about others’ success, and it’s not a good idea. After countless trials and errors, I found my style.
How did you get into photography?
I got into photography when I was really young. Someone who really inspired [me was] filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, especially his trunk shot featured in the movie Pulp Fiction. Ever since then, I have been obsessed with photography and filmmaking. My mom did photography for the 2003-2004 Salem Yearbook [in] her senior [year]. She taught me a lot [of what] I know now, and I’m teaching my little sister too.
What do you love most about photography?
The thing I [love most] about photography is [that] you can spend countless hours working hard, getting content, [and] not liking it, then you get what photographers like to call “The Picture.” It is the most pristine photograph ever. The feeling of getting The Picture is like scoring a game-winning touchdown. I have taken a few of them, and I couldn’t be prouder.
Do you feel as if your business helps you with school in any way?
I believe photography has helped me gain friendships and also build connections across the Beach. It helps me have a finer edge when it comes to my creativity, and it helps me understand my brain better. I have made so many friends and helped many others find their passions.
Senior Paul Piche
What business do you run?
The business that I run is called Visionary. Visionary sells clothes. It is aimed at supporting veterans and raising awareness of the hardships that veterans face. This is important to me because my father is a veteran. He spent five years in the navy and was deployed to Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Rota Spain. The things he saw will be with him forever. Some days are easy and others, not so much. I want all veterans to know that even though the general population will never know what they went through, we still appreciate their service. If you are interested in supporting my business you can contact my instagram @_visionary_collection_.
What about running Visionary do you find to be most difficult?
What I find to be the most difficult is time management. When receiving orders, I need to find sizes, colors, and types of clothing. Then I need to find out prices and put it into a spreadsheet. Once the logistics have been completed, I will get to work on the production of the shirt. All of these steps need to fit into the standard schedule of a teenager. Finding time for sports, clubs, volunteer service, and my small business on top of that can be challenging.
How did you get into running Visionary?
I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I never knew what I wanted to get into. My uncle was doing heat pressing for a large company and started to teach me things he learned while he was at work. I slowly started to build interest, and that is how I got into making clothing.
What do you love the most about running Visionary?
I love the satisfaction of completing a long list of orders. When I complete orders, it gives me a sense of pride. I am proud of being able to make something that I can call my own, and I am proud to be able to share that with the world.
Do you feel as if running Visionary helps you with school in any way?
I don’t think that it helps me in school, although I feel that it helps me with everyday life. It teaches me important skills like managing deadlines, managing my schedule, and working with money. The skill that I find most important is managing money since a lot of young adults have trouble managing their financial responsibilities, especially in their 20s. Gaining experience as a teenager is setting me up for success in my later years.
Senior Keona Dooley
What business do you run:
I am [the] CEO and owner of J & K Style Grill, home of the original waffleburger, gourmet egg rolls, and stuffed wings. I have been leading the restaurant since the age of nine and won Entrepreneur of the Year in 2021-2022. Not stopping there, I went on to win several food competitions. I own two food trucks and restaurants, private catering, and I have a cookbook. J & K has been built off of amazing customer service, unique food concepts, and bold flavors. I have catered to many local celebrities, such as Jada kiss, Missy Elliot, and the governor of Virginia.
What about running your business do you find to be most difficult?
Sometimes my business confidence can be disturbed by negative people, words, and even [self-critiquing], and that’s okay. This will help [me] improve and gain a better handle [on] projects in the future.
How did you get into running your business?
I have always been interested in the cooking aspect, whether it was from baking cookies to cooking a high-end dish. I am not afraid to mess up because I know once I do it again, I will be able to master it.
What do you love the most about running your business?
Being a 17-year-old black entrepreneur is a living testimony. It shows motivation and inspiration that it can be done. I love being able to get out of my bubble and try new things. With my cooking skills, I can travel and even master new cuisines with my knowledge.
Do you feel as if running your business helps you with school in any way?
I participate in gardening club, robotics, and plenty more. I enjoy getting my hands dirty and trying new things. I use my restaurant leadership skills to lead in all aspects of life.
