By Shay Embler
The students at LREI have so much talent and potential, and a some even choose to start their own businesses. They use their businesses to express an interest or passion, while also making some extra money. Junior Ruby Bryan has started her own candle-making business this year. Junior Emily Lu makes handmade paper earrings mostly from recycled material and sells them on Etsy.
Ruby has always loved candles, and in eighth grade she started making her own. She buys most of her wax as well as the candle holders from Michaels Arts and Crafts Store, however she is willing to make candles in student-made ceramic pieces or their own containers. Because her business is not quite developed, the prices vary and it also depends on the the person she is selling to and the container size. She says that “if someone brings their own container and it’s small, it would be about three dollars.” Ruby is still deciding on a name for her business; she is deciding between Ruby’s Candle Co. and Ruby’s Wax Wonders. If you are interested, approach Ruby and ask for a form that you can fill out with the size, scent, and color of your candle. Her favorite scents are caribbean teakwood, and fresh mint with honey.
Emily Lu discovered her knack for making earrings about two years ago while looking for a “a creative and unique gift”, and created an Etsy story called Emily’s Recycling Bin. Her earrings come in many shapes and sizes, each one with a interesting and colorful design, and sell for about seven dollars a pair. She worked with Shauna on an honors project to help her begin the process of starting her business, and Emily and her mom created the store on Etsy. Despite the difficulties that came with starting a business as a minor, Emily “launched the shop at the end of this summer, and has since gotten several orders, mostly from family friends and other acquaintances”. She is also considering expanding her store to include bracelets and other jewelry, and hopes to keep her business going through the school year.
Take some time to talk to Ruby and Emily, or other students, about their business. You may find yourself getting a real great deal on custom handmade item!