From nails and car detailing to baking, students are transforming their hobbies into successful small businesses. These young entrepreneurs find ways to combine their hobbies with real world experience, learning valuable skills in time management, marketing and customer service along the way.

Nails by Jiya

Driven by her love for art, junior Jiya Langalia has built her own nail business specializing in Gel X, acrylic and regular nail designs. Through her business, Langalia expresses her passion for art while learning to manage clients, scheduling and marketing.

“It got a little hectic and expensive going out to get them done all the time, so I decided to buy my own supplies and try it myself,” Langailia said. “Once I got better at doing my own nails, I realized I could make a profit from it.”

Balancing both school and business, Langalia typically books around five to six clients per

month, working mainly after school to maintain her schedule. She promotes her work through Instagram, word of mouth and friend referrals, which have helped her grow her clientele in just five months of starting her business. 

“It can get a little chaotic, but I try to do nails right after school so I still have time for homework,” Langalia said. “I make sure to balance it out because I prioritize my education, but I’m still getting business.”

To see more of her designs or book an appointment, follow her nail page on Instagram at @nails.byjiya.

Mercky Auto Detailing

Junior Samved Nalubolu took his passion for cars into reality by launching a detailing business with his partner, junior Ben Do. Focused on interior and exterior detailing, their business blends mechanical skill and professionalism

“I’ve been into cars and other automotives for a pretty long time,” Nalubolu said. “ One day I was cleaning my car like normal and started researching how I could make it more professional. Once I learned more about detailing, I realized if I got really good at it, I could turn it into something that could attract paying clients.”

Nalubolu officially started the business in June 2025, spending the first few months setting up payment systems and building connections. Along with balancing school, SAT prep and client work, he says the hands-on aspect makes it all worth it.

“My favorite part is probably the actual cleaning of the car,” Nalubolu said. “It’s really satisfying to see the final product and it’s even better when we can take pictures and post them on our Instagram.”

Follow their latest projects and car transformations on Instagram at @merckyautodetailing

Julia’s Butter Up Bakery

With a focus on creativity and community, Julia’s Butter Up Bakery offers cupcakes, cake pops, cookies and cheesecakes made by junior Julia Pollard. She combines her love of baking with her goal of supporting animal shelters and local charities.

“I started sharing extra portions of what I baked with my family and neighbors, and people kept telling me how much they loved it,” Pollard said. “After a while, people started asking for orders, and that’s how it all really began.”

Since starting her business, Pollard has learned to balance her schoolwork, orders and community involvement. She carefully organizes each order using spreadsheets and calendar, often baking independently with help from family when needed.

“Balancing everything is tough, but I make sure to stay organized,” Pollard said. “I usually need at least two business days for regular orders and three for custom ones.”

Pollard came up with the name Butter Up Bakery as a playful way to share her love for baking and her mission. She explained that the phrase “butter up” represents spreading kindness, just like spreading butter, to support animal and local shelters.

“I figured my business was going to be something for charity to support animals and shelters,” Pollard said. “The name ‘Butter Up’ is a fun way to hint at the idea of kindness and giving back.”

Follow her baking journey and charity initiatives on Instagram at @juliasbutterupbakery.