Many students start getting jobs around 16, working at retail stores, fast-food places, and local small businesses. However, about 60% of students would rather start their own business than work for a corporate company. From young artists needing money to others hand-making beautiful dresses, teens started to make more of an independent lifestyle, figuring their way through the economy in their younger years. Some students here in Liberty fit this category, using their hobbies or interests to share with others while also gaining financial stability.
Ashley Alfaro-Castellon is one of the few here at Liberty with a business. Ashley, about three years ago, came up with the idea of selling creative bouquets. She started selling them about 10 months ago, but the idea grew from her uncle’s passing, when she would make flowers for his tombstone. Her friend had seen this and told her to start a business selling these for people, and even became her first customer, thus sparking her into selling them for others.
At first, it started somewhat time-consuming, taking about 4-5 hours to make a 7ct, but eventually, as she grew more used to it, she now usually takes about an hour and 30 minutes. Her prices usually depend on the order. Pricing is based on how much material and time were used to make the order, especially something as personalized as bouquets. She calculates that she profits from about 45% of every order. Even at the start, her family and friends would support her by purchasing her bouquets, eventually growing out towards strangers or classmates who had heard of her. “I am thankful for everyone who buys from me because these bouquets are made with love and so much detail,” Ashley stated.
Ashley has promoted her work on her Instagram (@memorable.bouquets), and also owns business cards she’ll sometimes share with others, though she states she prefers to just use Instagram. Ashley’s advice to other beginner students wanting to create their own business is to take your time as an entrepreneur and go at your own pace, not feeding into the pressure of those around you.
Ashley’s bouquets are really beautiful, you can see the amount of effort she puts into the flowers and decorations. Valentine’s, Anniversaries, you name it, her bouquets are worth it for that special someone, and buying her flowers would help her in the long run. Teens across the country are stepping outside of their comfort zones to do what they are talented in, spreading it and sharing it with others while also earning the money they rightfully deserve.
