URGENT UPDATE: A remarkable side hustle is taking the suburbs by storm as 17-year-old Nathan Yin transforms his parents’ garage into a thriving barber business called Yinny Fadezz. What started with a simple $100 investment in clippers has quickly evolved into a venture generating around $3,000 in just one year, attracting over 40 friends and classmates who pay $20 per cut.
Yin’s entrepreneurial journey began with DIY haircuts that caught the eye of his peers, leading to a demand for increasingly complex styles. “They liked it and then asked for another cut, a burst fade,” he explained. The success of his garage operation has even forced his parents to park their car on the street, highlighting the rapid growth of his business.
Yin is a student at Haileybury College, a private school with tuition fees nearing $40,000 annually. The school emphasizes resilience and entrepreneurship through its StartUp program, which encourages students to identify and launch business ideas. Deputy Principal Anna Sever noted the importance of teaching students that failure is a part of the learning process, saying, “The resilience it takes to come back [from failure] is something kids need to learn.”
Other students at Haileybury are also seizing the opportunity to launch their own ventures. Oliver Schreurs runs a clothing label, Amelly Chea has an online decorative keychain business, and Suvan Sujeendran operates a drone photography service with five employees. These initiatives not only foster business skills but also teamwork and problem-solving abilities.
Meanwhile, at Mansfield Secondary College, students are gaining hands-on experience through the VCE Vocational Major program, recently boosted by $6,250 in state funding to launch small businesses. Assistant Principal Janessa Burkhardt expressed pride in the students’ achievements, especially the success of a car wash business that yielded significant profits with minimal investment.
Jade O’Connor, the head of the vocational major, mentioned that students have also started a label called Summit Society, selling beanies to the school and local community. “I’ve seen leadership like I’ve never seen before,” she stated, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered through these initiatives.
The impact of these programs is profound. Senior School Head Julie Anderson believes that the skills learned will create a lasting legacy, stating, “These are the kids who are going to coach footy, they’re going to donate prizes for things.” The initiative is not just about business; it’s about cultivating future community leaders.
As these young entrepreneurs continue to navigate their ventures, they are learning essential skills that will benefit them well beyond high school. The latest developments in these student-led businesses highlight a growing trend of entrepreneurship among youth, making waves across local communities.
Stay tuned for more updates on these inspiring young leaders as they shape the future of entrepreneurship in their respective schools.
