Lidia Dominguez places acrylic on top of fake nails at her business @nailsbymelissa, based in her San Jose her home. Editor’s Note: This article was written for Mosaic Vision, an independent journalism training program for high school students who report and photograph stories under the guidance of professional journalists.
Andalon Garcia, a senior at Yerba Buena High School in San Jose, has operated a jewelry business for more than four years. Her Instagram account, @thepalomajewelry, which is her main platform for distribution of silver jewelry, has more than 640 followers.Selling jewelry is not her first business. Another budding business owner, Lidia Dominguez, a senior at Latino College Preparatory Academy in San Jose, applies acrylic nails for clients who come to her house.Dominguez started in the backyard and now she has her own designated nail room inside her house. With over 1,530 followers on Instagram @nailsbymelissa.12, she was fully booked in May with around 10 appointments every week because of proms and graduations.
Another entrepreneur, Arely Rodriguez, a senior at Latino College Preparatory Academy, wanted to get a job but her parents wanted her to focus on school. So instead she started her own business, which her parents allowed her to do. She uses colorful ribbons to create artificial bouquets, crosses and flower baskets.She started last year and has slowly started growing. Her Instagram account, @rodriguez.bouquets, has about 90 followers since the business started last year.