Students kickstart their future

@ kolaycaofficial

@m.and.s._ jewlery.

Art by Amber Chia

STUDENTS KICKSTART THEIR FUTURE

Jenny Xu

Anna Wilkinson

More than 50% of high school students say that they want to start a business someday. Three Carlmont students have already accomplished that goal with the creation of Kolayca and M and S Jewelry. The students who run these businesses are just a few of the many students at

Carlmont full of entrepreneurial ideas. While some Carlmont students have maintained their businesses for many years, others have recently created businesses to help with the repercussions of COVID-19. Because over 60% of small businesses have been closed down since the beginning of quarantine, sophomores Maddie Weissenger and So-

fia Panagrossi decided that they wanted to find a way to help families in need. This duo has been donating the proceeds to the San Carlos Second Harvest, whose slogan is “Building a hunger-free community.” This organization provides food to people within the community.

“We wanted to start the business because we wanted to help out during the hard times. We donated there because we realized that some people lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and might not be able to afford food,” Panagrossi said. In May of 2020, Weissinger and Panagrossi started a jewelry brand on Instagram, with the username @m.and.s._ jewelry. Since then, they have made over 60 different handmade designs and have raised over $400 for the San Carlos Second Harvest. To make these designs, they find out what their peers are interested in and what colors people would most likely buy. The tedious process starts with them having to buy all of their supplies, such as charms and beads. Each design takes them around 20 minutes to ensure it is made perfectly for each customer. “This process taught me to never think that an idea for a business is not good enough,” Weissinger said. While these girls started their business during COVID-19, another Carlmont student had established their business many months before. In the middle of January 2020, Nuray Azizalili created her business, Kolayca. Wanting to study fashion design in the future and having an ample amount of ideas, she decided to make Kolayca to gain some experience and to express herself artistically. Azizalili isn’t the only entrepreneur in her family with a goal to create something artistic. Nuray’s parents also own their own business and have for many years. Azizalili wants to follow in their footsteps and hopefully continue to have a business when she is older. “You have to engage your audience and make memorable products that people find interesting,” Azizalili said. The name Kolayca is Turkish for “easy” and Azizalili uses this to show that fashion should be accessible to all. The designs created come from her background in painting and design. Phrases such as “We’re all the same” and “chool kills artists” are just a few of what Azizalili puts on her clothes. Within many of her audacious designs, Azizalili also features the definition of Kolayca. These designs are just a few of the many that compose Azizalili’s brand. “My main goal for Kolayca is to display my culture, passions, and designs to reflect who I truly am,” Azizalili said. Whether Azizalili is renting out studios for photoshoots or Panagrossi and Weissinger are finding the time within their busy schedules to make their jewelry, these three students are extremely dedicated to their work. Both businesses have worked hard to raise awareness and grow each of their following. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. While not all students are aware of each business, there is a common appreciation for fellow classmates who are taking risks and expressing themselves, such as starting a business.

@m.and.s._ jewlery.Art by Amber Chia

Associated Student Body Junior President, Jonathan Sison said, “Students are showing their dedication and strive to push themselves out of their comfort zone. Personal growth occurs most when one is not comfortable.”

@ kolaycaofficial

Jenny Xu