Senior Rida Abbas leisurely gathers materials to create a rose bouquet. Her client requested a custom-made arrangement that perfectly matches the colors of her wedding theme and features her favorite flowers, resulting in a stunning centerpiece for the special day. She cuts paper into various sizes and assembles the roses by gluing the paper-turned petals together, skillfully ensuring her client receives a professional, custom product.
“I run a small business on Instagram where I sell wedding decorations,” Abbas said. “I also sell home decorations, wedding signs, and anything craftable that someone might need.”
Abbas, a student at Tompkins High School, started her small business because of her passion for creating different types of decorations. Whether for weddings or homes, Abbas approaches each project with care and precision.
“I was obsessed with Pinterest and started getting these ideas,” Abbas said. “I saw a machine called a Cricut. It cuts cardstock and vinyl, and with this Cricut, I could do so much, so I started creating these shadow boxes. I would make paper flowers, roll them up, and put them in a big frame. It created this beautiful artwork, and I thought, what if I started selling these?”
Abbas began incorporating various themes into her crafts, including elements from Islamic art. She initially sold her creations to family and friends before expanding her business to Instagram, which helped her grow her clientele.
“I’m Muslim, so I like to incorporate Islamic art into my artwork and products,” Abbas said. “Living in the U.S., people don’t have many options for Islamic home decorations, so I like to advertise that as well. I started selling to my family and friends, and they encouraged me to post my work on Instagram.”
Although Abbas’s business is flourishing, she faced obstacles early on but ultimately resolved them while standing firm on her terms.
“I had this one sign I was trying to sell,” Abbas said. “My client ordered it, and I worked with her to make sure it was what she wanted. On the last day, she said her business partner didn’t like it and asked me to remake it. As a business owner, you have to stand firm, so I explained that I spent time, money, and sacrificed my schoolwork for the project. She ended up buying what she ordered.”
Abbas’s experience highlights the challenges young entrepreneurs often face, from managing client expectations to balancing the demands of running a business with personal responsibilities like schoolwork. Despite these obstacles, she perseveres, demonstrating the resilience and determination that many student business owners embody.
“If I had anything to say to future small business owners, it would be to start small,” Abbas said. “Start on Instagram or even just start by telling close family and friends that you have things items you’re willing to sell to them because starting small and making your way up is the best way to navigate a business.”
Student small business owners like Abbas are increasingly making their mark in the entrepreneurial landscape, merging creativity with a strong work ethic to turn their passions into profit. These young entrepreneurs juggle academic responsibilities while nurturing their budding enterprises, showcasing remarkable time management skills and dedication. They are not just selling products; they are crafting experiences that resonate with their clients.
Students like Abbas are redefining the business landscape by tapping into their unique talents, whether in event planning, digital services, or handmade crafts. Their ventures encourage innovation, foster community engagement, and provide valuable hands-on experience that will benefit them in their future careers, proving that age is no barrier to entrepreneurial success.
You can find Rida’s business on Instagram at @ridas.collection786.
