Features

Student Owned Businesses

Sabine DeOrsay • November 17, 2023

Lack of job openings and availability due to the pandemic has left some students unable to find jobs and make money. Holding a job as a highschool student is a very valuable asset that helps students integrate into the workforce and learn valuable skills that are essential to their future. As a result of this lack of job opportunities, students have taken initiative to create their own businesses.

Boulder High students Alex Spiridellis and Blake Mechels run HighSchoolers4Hire, they employ highschool students to complete odd jobs around boulder. They mow lawns, walk dogs, shovel driveways, and any other household job you may need. Alex and Blake started their business in January of 2023. Since opening they have had over 200 clients and have generated about 20,000 dollars. Alex’s inspiration to create his own business came from being a part of FBLA (The Future Business Leaders of America) at Boulder High, he wanted to start a real business that would help highschoolers earn valuable work experience along with money.

Besides money, there are many other benefits to starting a business as a highschooler. Running a business looks great on college and job applications, and it also provides experience you can pull from if you’re lacking in a certain field. Along with benefitting yourself, you can also help out your community and fellow peers. Alex and Blake’s Highschoolers4Hire has employed twenty five high school students since opening, and are actively hiring.

Many other student entrepreneurs have successful businesses just like Highschoolers4Hire. Last summer Boulder High sophomore Lucy Paradise sold her chicken eggs to neighbors, friends, and even teachers. She also plans to start her own dog walking business: Paws in Paradise. Student entrepreneur Anya Hoth started her eco-friendly business: Save the Planet for All. She provides customers with waste collection services, waste audits, and even holiday trash pickups. Many students also sell their own art. Artist Ethan Muller runs SpecterKing’s Art Commissions through his instagram account, he specializes in mixed media and watercolor commissions. Artist Bo McDaniel also does art commissions, specializing in digital art and sketching.

If you want to support these students and their businesses please access the information below:

Highschoolers4Hire:

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/highschoolers4hire

Paws in Paradise:

Instagram @lucthegoose7

Save the Planet for All:

Website: https://helptheplanetforall.godaddysites.com/about

SpecterKing’s Art Commissions:

Website: https://specters-commissions.carrd.co/

BoBones Art Commissions:

Instagram: @bo_bones_art

About the Contributor

Sabine DeOrsay, Staff Writer

Sabine DeOrsay is a senior at Boulder High School and is taking Newspaper for the first time in her high school career. Sabine took APLang junior year and was inspired to take Newspaper because of Mr. Wright’s enthusiasm in the class. Aside from Newspaper, Sabine enjoys rock climbing, travel, and ceramics. She is enthusiastic about pottery class which motivated her to found the Clay Club here at Boulder High. Other than the Owl, Clay Club, and school, Sabine scoops ice cream at Sweet Cow. She is super excited to contribute to The Owl and can’t wait to be a part of the paper.