More students at Edison are choosing entrepreneurship over traditional after-school activities. 

Students at Thomas A. Edison jump-started independent businesses as an expression of their creativity and ambition. Many of these business owners use their innovation to inspire their peers to think outside the box. 

“What being a business owner in our school means to me is basically being able to show not only my work, but also my personality through my business,” said Diana Ramos Medin, 12th grader.

Diana’s In Bloom 

Diana Ramos Medin, a senior at Edison, has run a floral arrangement business since she was a freshman. What started as a hobby has evolved into a way to connect with others through custom bouquets and vibrant colors. Orders are requested via Instagram @dianasinbloom

In an interview, Diana Ramos Medin shared her path to become a florist, and how it reflects her. 

“Basically me in general, the way I provide my service to everyone, the way I treat my customers. And also the way I personalize each bouquet shows a lot towards me. And that’s like my work basically. So I’m really happy that I get to show this talent of mine. And also my mom also really taught me really young,” Diana Ramos Medlin said.

Customs By Jai 

Another Edison student turning creativity into entrepreneurship is Ashton Ramnarine, a junior, who creates custom graduation caps and party decorations. His business was inspired by his family’s involvement in custom cakes and treats, which influenced his interest in celebration-based designs.

“To me, my brand means a sense of creativity as it takes a lot for me to design and put a lot of work and effort into my craft,” Ashton said.

Ashton manages his business by taking orders through email during graduation season (May and June),  allowing him to balance school responsibilities. Stay tuned for the next issue of Ashton’s designs on his Instagram page, @customsbyjai.

Memories By Brii

Photography is another creative path students are pursuing at Edison. Brianna Dyaram, a senior, has built a photography business that documents both school events and personal moments.

“I’m a photographer that takes photos at school events and also does portrait shoots. I focus on getting clean, well taken photos for different occasions,” Dyaram said.

She has captured student life around Edison by photographing events such as Fright Night, Senior Sunrise, Spirit Week, and PGC Activity Day. Brianna developed her skills independently after receiving her first camera.

“I got a camera a few years ago and became really interested in photography. I wanted to improve, so I practiced a lot and taught myself by watching videos and learning from my mistakes,” Dyaram said.

Brianna has her own booking website, memoriesbybriii.pixieset.com. She also shares her talent through Instagram, @memoriesbybriii.

“My brand means a lot to me because it represents my hard work and growth. It shows I turned something I enjoy into something professional,” Dyaram said.

Renee H2O’s Baked Goods

Renee Ramnarine, a student at TAEHS, turns sugar and flour into a thriving and profitable business. She began sharing cookies with teachers and friends and quickly gained traction for her baked goods. Eventually, she was encouraged by friends to open her own business. Renee attested to baking as an expression of creative freedom. 

“My brand means something of my own. No one can copy or mimic it because everything that I have created are my own original creations,” Ramnarine said.

To manage her academic life with orders, Renee sticks to a strict schedule; schoolwork is finished during the day so evenings are dedicated to baking and packaging. She believes the key to success is loving the work, not just chasing profits. In order to manage sales, Renee connects with customers through word-of-mouth and direct messages via her social media, @renee_h2o8.

In an interview, Renee shared meaningful advice for other young people considering entrepreneurship. 

“Be truly invested in what you do and don’t just do it for the money,” Ramnarine said. “When you are passionate about something it shows through what you produce.”