Pierce High Students Transform their Passions into Profit
By Josie Painter
Not every business begins with a building or a business plan. For Pierce students some are just a passion project on the side, a small hobby to keep life a little bit interesting, and a way to do something they love and make a little bit of money.
Many begin their businesses because of FFA, which requires members to participate in a supervised agricultural experience (SAE). Evelyn Skrdla, a senior, Kaelyn Halsey, a junior, and Eleanor Bauermeister, a sophomore, all decided to pursue an entrepreneurship role in their SAE’s. Skrdla does photography, Halsey opened up a self-serving produce stand this summer, and Bauermeister makes sourdough and jams.
“I noticed an issue in our community that we didn't have a good place to get fresh produce, and I was looking for a new FFA SAE project,” Halsey said.
Others began their business simply because they have a passion for it. Adrienne Riggert, a senior, bakes cakes in her free time. She had always loved baking and after being taught all the tips and tricks from her grandma, she began baking cakes and bringing them to the Legion. Word spread of her delicious cakes and soon she was taking orders. Riggert participates in many extracurriculars, balances a difficult schedule and works another job on top of making cakes.
“I try to do it a lot on the weekends, and a lot of times I just plan orders around what I have schedule-wise. Sometimes it does become a lot, and I do have to say no,” Riggert says.
Much like Riggert, junior Lillian Stern began her business because of her love of animals. After watching over her grandparent’s farm, she realized that she could make a business out of this. Just like that, she began petsitting and boarding. She advertised through Facebook, with posters, and even hands out business cards.
“I love seeing the smiles on the families’ faces when they are relieved that they have help, so they can enjoy a vacation without worries,” Stern said.
Cole Snodgrass, a junior, and Gavin Hoff, a sophomore, have both started landscaping/mowing businesses. Both boys continue their work because they love getting to see the positive impact they have on their neighborhood and those who need the help.
Trying to balance everything has been quite the challenge for Snodgrass, though. He notes that the hardest part has been “gaining five yards this year and starting a job.”
There are a few students who have started their businesses just for fun. Juniors Aiden Frazier and Parker Gaes are a few of those students. They created “Midwest Culture,” a sticker business, where they sell vinyl stickers they make from the school’s vinyl machine for cars.
Senior Jayna Prochaska also began her nail business for fun after her mom gave her a nail kit. She began doing her nails and after some practice began doing her friends and anyone else who wanted them done.
Despite being very busy, these Pierce students work hard on the side to bring their hobbies and interests to life. Next time people need a lawn mowed, a cake baked, a petsitter, or anything other goods or services these students provide, make sure to reach out to them, as they are always happy to help.
