Sophomore Melanie Jones is building a business through her passion for baking. Specializing in homemade treats like cookies and brownies, Jones also prepares meal plates and offers catering services. Her journey in the kitchen began at just five years old, cooking alongside her stepmother. By seventh grade, she had developed a strong interest in baking, which later turned into a business. At 15, Jones started small, selling cookie dough bites, and by 16, she expanded her menu to include cookies, brownies, and full lunch plates. Motivated by a desire to earn her own money, Jones turned to the skills she already had.
“I grew up very privileged, but it wasn’t like I had everything given to me,” she said. “If I wanted money, I had to work for it. That’s what inspired me.”
In her first year of selling, Jones earned $1,000 and is now approaching $2,000 in total sales—bringing her one step closer to purchasing a car.
Junior Jhierh Ravenell is turning her passion for art into a growing business. Specializing in 2D paintings and drawings, Ravenell has been creating art since she was five years old. However, she began taking her craft seriously in seventh grade. By 14, Ravenell had already started selling her artwork, transforming a personal passion into an entrepreneurial pursuit. She credits her inspiration to prominent Black artists who showed her what’s possible in the industry.
“Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald painted the official portraits of President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama during his second term,” Ravenell said. “They both inspired me because they are Black artists who made it in the industry.”
Now, Ravenell creates custom art pieces for clients and is expanding her skills by exploring landscape art, continuing to grow both creatively and professionally.
Sophomore Kailyn Johnson is turning her creativity into a business through fiber arts. Specializing in crochet and knitting, Johnson began developing her craft in eighth grade. By 14, she was already selling her handmade pieces, using her skills as a way to become financially independent.
“Since I needed and wanted to make my own money, I thought something that I loved would be the easier way of doing things,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s passion is rooted in family tradition. Coming from a background where making items by hand is common, she credits her great-grandmother—a skilled seamstress who crocheted and knitted—as her biggest inspiration. That influence continues to shape the unique designs she creates and sells today.
Senior Madison Derrick is turning her passion for nail artistry into a growing business. She began practicing during her freshman year, working on herself and mannequins while learning a variety of brushing techniques. By her junior year, Derrick started taking her first clients, building both her confidence and clientele. Her journey into nail artistry was inspired by her grandmother, whose signature style left a lasting impression.
“My grandma always had her nails painted red,” Derrick said. “I also enjoy making people feel like themselves—not self-conscious, but proud of who they are. It’s about making people happy.”
Through her work, Derrick continues to combine creativity with self-expression, helping her clients feel confident while growing her skills in the beauty industry.
Junior Gesil Secundino makes treats. At 15, she noticed that many students wanted different types of sweets, such as chocolate-covered strawberries and candy grapes. After seeing others make similar treats, she realized she had a creative mind and could bring her own designs to life.
“I started selling them because I saw a lot of people enjoy chocolate-covered strawberries and candy grapes, and I knew that since I’m a very creative person, I could make those for people here as well.” Now, she creates a variety of custom treats based on what her customers request.
Senior Ja’Niya Moody has been baking since she was eight years old. She began baking more consistently during the COVID-19 pandemic. At 17, she started selling cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and her signature dish, banana pudding. She decided to start selling because she wanted to turn her passion for baking into something meaningful and profitable. “Seeing my friend Annabelle sell her products inspired me to start selling as well. I already loved baking, and it showed me I could turn my skills into something successful.”
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