The art of turning a passion into a successful business involves far more than just a good idea. It takes grit, dedication, and a passion for the work, often taking priority over many other things in life, including schoolwork at times. Being an entrepreneur at any stage in life is difficult, but an entrepreneur in high school is rare. Sr. Anjalina Chanthavong has become one of these rare students who has taken her first few steps in creating a well-maintained and functional business.
High school students may start a business for a variety of reasons, driven by personal and practical motivations. One major factor in starting a business is that it can provide a platform for students to pursue their passions and interests, turning hobbies into profitable ventures. Chanthavong’s goals aligned with these traits before she began her pursuit in the nail technician industry. “I wanted to start my business because getting my nails done was too expensive and I love being creative so I knew I could do it for myself and much cheaper,” Chanthavong said.
Chanthavong has an Instagram account (@glammedbyanj) that has a strong and consistently growing following. The account not only features her past commissions and completed jobs but also promotes her business’s policies, vendor events, and pricing. “I promote my business by creating social media accounts, posting nail sets I’ve done, doing giveaways to drive my community to support, and having peers and supporters repost my content,” said Chanthavong.
Promoting a small business can be very difficult, especially for a high school senior. However, continuous promotion of a business can offer real-world experience, enhancing future career prospects in marketing, financial management, and customer service. Chanthavong has successfully leveraged these skills to build a thriving business.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 65% of businesses fail within the first 10 years. Most people know this fact, but they don’t think much deeper into it. “Honestly I was surprised, I thought most businesses make it way past 10 years,” said Jr. Michiele Baum. Considering the number of businesses that are still around and thriving, it almost seems unbelievable. To think that companies like Target, McDonalds, Summer Fridays, and so many other popular businesses are only part of 35% of companies that flourish is mind-blowing. Achieving definitely isn’t easy though. This task requires driven people who stop at nothing to build their dream business. You need brilliant minds with brilliant aspirations. Entrepreneurs need to persevere through many challenges but also have to be tough and competitive enough to survive.
To be in high school and start your business might be a slightly different story. It’s tough to balance schoolwork, a social life, and starting up a business, even if it’s just a side hustle, but it is achievable. “I believe entrepreneurship is difficult if you can’t find a balance. If you spread out your business life and your personal life, you can make your business happen while still being a normal high schooler,” said Chanthavong. To be a high schooler and an entrepreneur can feel like sitting on both sides of a seesaw with your business on one side and everything else on the other. Persevering and finding balance is the most challenging, yet important task there is.
The story behind Glammed by Anj shows that pursuing entrepreneurship is a possibility and not just a far-fetched dream. “I definitely recommend others to chase their business dreams because I’ve always had a passion for making others feel beautiful and a nail business was the perfect way to do that. If you have the time and patience to start a business, absolutely do it,” said Chanthavong. She intends to pursue this passion after graduation by expanding her business. For bookings, contact glammedbyanj on Instagram.
