By Angie Nguyen
At the heart of a thriving high school business program, students in the Honors Entrepreneurship class are given the rare opportunity to experience the challenges of running a real-world business. This hands-on curriculum, introduced by Sarah McCance pushes students to go beyond school competitions and practice skills that will serve them far beyond the classroom. Instead of the usual course, Virtual Enterprise, this year’s students were tasked with creating actual student-run businesses, each one offering a unique product or service to the school community.
From baked goods to custom fashion, these student businesses are making their mark. The goal? To foster creativity, teamwork and leadership, all while learning how to manage the key aspects of business. Let’s take a look at some of the standout companies born from this innovative class.
BARON BUNS
Baron Buns is a bakery run by a team of eight students, offering delicious, on-the-go treats to satisfy hungry teachers. With a focus on cookies, cakes and their specialty, buns, Baron Buns caters to the busy school day when the staff often forgets to grab a snack.
“I think the idea of a school bakery is very cute. We have fun baking while managing orders and finance,” junior Karalyn Law said.
The company has quickly gained popularity for its simple yet effective solution to the snack-time dilemma, providing a sweet pick-me-up during busy school hours.
HIDDEN BILLS
Hidden Bills takes fashion to the next level by offering customized embroidered hoodies. Whether it’s bold lettering, intricate designs or detailed stitching, this student-run fashion company gives customers the chance to create one-of-a-kind pieces that showcase their unique style. The focus on quality craftsmanship and customization has turned Hidden Bills into an ever-growing company.
“I started this company because I wanted to make affordable clothing for people,” Aiden Chu said. “I want to make a lot of money off this company.”
FINESSE CAPTURES
One of the standout businesses this year is Finesse Captures, a photography service dedicated to capturing the essence of school life. Whether it’s sports games, dances, rallies or graduations, Finesse Captures focuses on providing high-quality, professional images that preserve the memories that matter most.
“We wanted to show our love and creativity for photos through something that could also make us money, so it’s a win-win,” Junior Anthony Lai, co-founder of Finesse Captures, said.
Finesse Captures offers more than just a typical photography service.
“We understand that students want specific types of photos or videos, and we cater to those needs by giving them more variety and quality,” senior Nolan Tran said.
The company’s mission? To tell authentic stories through photography and turn cherished school moments into timeless memories that students, families and schools will cherish forever.
For these student entrepreneurs, the journey doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Honors Entrepreneurship has given them a platform to learn valuable skills such as marketing, sales and leadership. With the support of peers, teachers and the school community, these businesses have the potential to grow beyond the campus and even continue into college or professional life.
“I think I like the new change from Virtual Enterprise to Honors Entrepreneurship,” senior Micah Yeung said. “Just because you get a more hands-on approach and you can really feel like how it feels in the real world to make a business.
The businesses created by students in the Honors Entrepreneurship class are more than just school projects, they represent the seeds of future growth and innovation. As students refine their products, expand their operations, and practice critical business skills, the possibilities are endless. Whether the ventures remain part of their high school journey or evolve into full-fledged enterprises down the road, these students are gaining the kind of real-world experience that will serve them well long into the future.
