Ari Johns, pictured above, holds a crocheted creation
Small businesses play a big role in their communities and have deep connections to the people in them. Here at Roosevelt, students have taken on the endeavor of starting small businesses of their own.
Big businesses, in comparison, are currently stumped by the supply chain crisis. Fueled by the pandemic, panic purchases, lack of supplies, and insufficient labor, empty shelves and higher prices are the results of this crisis.
While this has led to some panic for shoppers around the holiday season, it has also prompted consumers and viewers to look to other sources besides big chains to purchase their products. Small businesses, specifically, have been of interest.
The following are some examples of student-run businesses offering gifts and other products during the holiday season.
Legasy
Legasy is a student-run business launched last August by Noah Hayden, a Roosevelt junior. Legasy sells a variety of products, ranging from hoodies and T-shirts to packs of stickers, all featuring the brand’s logo or their original ‘Our World’ graphic.
Legasy’s philosophy revolves around empowering and supporting local homeless youth. On the brand’s website, Legasy states that they operate under the overarching belief that “The future can be better than the present, and we have the power to make it so.”
In actively working towards this mission, the brand’s business model is centered on donating 10% of profits made from each purchase to supporting local homeless youth. These proceeds are used to support YouthCare, a Seattle-based organization that offers shelter and programs related to education and employment, among other initiatives, to homeless youth.
One of Legasy’s upcoming sales further incorporates this principle. During December, in relation to the holiday spirit, for every Big Logo Tee sold, one will be given away to those in need.
Using Instagram as the primary promotion platform, the brand often showcases Roosevelt students on the page, usually posing in the brand’s clothing. Hayden describes the business as one with the ambition of a larger company, but with the roots of a smaller business.
In taking on the role of businessman and high schooler, Hayden must balance his life between school, soccer, and the brand—a reminder that he is a student incorporating multiple hobbies and interests into his life.
Similar to many small brands at Roosevelt, Legasy draws heavy support from the local community. “[The community has] been very supportive,” Hayden says. “They’ve been doing photoshoots and even buying some of the clothes.”
If you wish to support the student-run business, you can buy a crewneck, hoodie, tee, or sticker from the Legasy shop through the website (www.legasy.shop) via their Instagram (@legasy.shop).
MakingbyMegs
Makingbymegs is a student-run, handmade jewelry business that is located in Seattle, Washington. The founder of the business is Roosevelt senior Meghan Spring. Spring specializes in rings and necklaces with prices averaging around ten to fifteen dollars, often depending on the length of necklaces.
In the midst of the pandemic, Spring started making jewelry with an array of designs. Like many small businesses, incorporating support from the community is crucial.
“I think small businesses are an essential aspect of our school’s community, and supporting them is important. I know and I love buying from businesses owned by people I know because it feels more meaningful,” Spring commented. “I think it’s important that we all support one another’s creativity in all its various forms, whether it be music, poetry, handmade jewelry or anything else.”
While Spring is rooted in the Roosevelt community, she wishes to extend her brand to a larger scale, saying “I’d like to continue taking jewelry-making classes. Hopefully I’m able to major in something that can help me continue creating.”
Spring advertises on social media as an avenue to expand her business. She promotes and sells her products on Instagram, @makingbymegs. If you wish to order a custom made piece of jewelry you can directly message her on Instagram and pay for the transaction via PayPal or in person with cash.
Moocowcrochet
Ari Johns is a senior at Roosevelt High School who owns a crocheting business. In the midst of the pandemic, he opened the business to the public.
Johns was inspired to start his business by a TikTok trend, saying “I started crocheting because I saw people crocheting those big fuzzy bees on TikTok, and I was like, I want to do that.”
A familiar characteristic across all these student-run businesses is their shared use of social media as the primary method of promoting products. Johns’ business Instagram account, @moocowcrochet, posts a variety of different products, including a crocheted Totoro, cute bees, clothing, and, of course, cows.
Johns also notes his belief in students learning to crochet themselves. “I would rather have people learn to crochet rather than buy from me,” he says.
If you are interested in pursuing your yarn-related interests and passions, then you can come to the yarn club every Friday during lunch in the language hall nook, hosted by Johns himself.
While still exploring different websites, Johns currently sells on Etsy. Interested customers can also make a custom order via Instagram DMs.
Like all small businesses, Johns relies on the support of the local community. Supporting small businesses allows people to work with their passion. As Johns states, “I definitely prefer students because it’s more like a one-on-one.” Deeper bonds are able to be built between small businesses and consumers.
All in all, Roosevelt has its own accomplished entrepreneurs, with many students having taken on the challenge of running a small business while balancing their academic and social life. By buying from these student-run businesses, the Roosevelt student body can work to support one another’s creativity and drive, all while uplifting the local community.
