By Sophia Bui
Winter is here, and it’s the perfect time for a warm cookie. However, before the start of arguably the best season of all, Fountain Valley High School (FVHS) students started the trend of small businesses. It’s one thing to work just for the money, but behind these small businesses lies passion and ambition, catering to the community around the area. In fact, a small business named “Pastries City” at FVHS founded by juniors Julie Nguyen and Rosy Nguyen arose, making an impact by donating profits to children all throughout Vietnam by taking orders through Instagram & delivering to students on school campus.
“Our focus is on baking and selling fresh, homemade pastries. We not only want to share our love for baking with others, but use it as a way to make a difference by raising money for orphans in Vietnam,” Julie Nguyen said.
It takes encouragement and confidence in order to put your creative work out to the public. Julie and Rosy Nguyen’s passion assisted them in publishing their small business.
“We started Pastries City because we both enjoy baking and wanted to use that passion to help people in need. Instead of just keeping it as a hobby, we thought it would be meaningful to turn it into something that could support a good cause,” Julie Nguyen said.
Most would agree with the difficulty behind putting their ideas out to the public, but with the right devotion and drive, the process can be simpler and prove itself worthy.
“It began with us baking for friends and family, and people really loved what we made. That encouraged us to sell our pastries and use the profits for something bigger than ourselves. We chose to support orphans in Vietnam because giving them better opportunities and care is a cause close to our hearts,” Julie Nguyen said.
With the support of those around you, hesitation and anxiousness seem to drift away.
Surely, there are pros and cons to starting a small business. Aside from the help, support and satisfaction–we are still students.
“It takes a lot of time and effort, especially balancing it with school, and sometimes the costs of ingredients can be challenging,” Julie Nguyen said.
The question is proposed–is it really worth it? For the two friends, the answer is yes.
Launched at the start of this year, Pastries City has made a long-lasting impact on the lives of the orphans in Vietnam, belonging to the Bao Lam Dong organization. Along with this, the two friends have built a reputation with their cookie business on the school campus.
“So far, we’ve successfully sold pastries to classmates, friends and local supporters. We’ve raised funds and already donated money to orphan organizations in Vietnam. Along the way, we’ve also built baking skills, teamwork and learned how to manage small business responsibilities,” Julie Nguyen said.
There’s no need to rush. While we’re still young, enjoy the simplicity of some of the aspects in life.
“Start with something you’re passionate about, because passion keeps you motivated during challenges. Don’t be afraid to start small and grow little by little. And if you can, connect your business to a cause that matters to you—it makes the journey so much more meaningful,” Julie Nguyen said.
If you have a desire for creation, something you think will bring back any form of currency needed–money, kindness, fulfillment; do yourselves a favor and start a small business.
