Being a student by itself is already an arduous task for a lot of people, especially those who are still in college. However, there are some who—even in the midst of the exams and reports—have chosen to pair their studying with establishing their own business. Undaunted by the double workload, these people have decided to try their luck online.
Online shops have grown in number specifically during the pandemic. Since this industry is very accessible to both consumers and sellers, some students decided to use their creativity to earn in their free time. Indeed, there is no harm in investing in your hobbies to make some extra cash.
Without further ado, here are 5 online shops created and owned by college students that might just encourage you to try it yourself.
1. Bestido by Ju
Aiming to achieve class and different styles on a budget? Bestido by Ju is for you. This thrifted clothing store for women offers beautiful selections under PHP500. Julia Daluz, a 3rd year Medicine student, said that the shop started out as an idea she had after her mom set up a small garage sale. She shrugged it off back then as she was to enter Med school when lo and behold, the pandemic came. With a few clicks, she opened an Instagram business account, put up 15 items for sale, and sold 5.
The owner takes pride in showcasing the pieces sewn by her own grandmother, and the fact that she models her items. Ju also shared that the hardest part of starting the business was sourcing for clothes, having to dive in more than 300 pieces of clothing to screen for what to sell. With regards to being both a Medicine student and a business owner, she says prioritizing her mental health is the key.
“Sabi nila, it is amazing how I look after Bestido by Ju lalo na kapag may evaluations (this is the term we use for long exams). What they don’t know is that the more stressed I am, the more na I spend time in the shop kasi it calms me down.”
You can find her collections and order them through @bestido.by.ju on Instagram.
2. Elysianne Manila
Created by 3rd year Hospitality Management student Eivreanne Asencio, Elysianne Manila sells hand-crafted resin products such as jewelries, keychains, bookmarks, coasters, etc. The shop accepts customization requests as well. Also born of the country’s long lockdown, it started as the owner’s newly learned hobby that eventually turned into business.
The difficulties of balancing work and studies was not lost to Eyan. She said that aside from making sure to manage both well, she also had a hard time financially and creative-wise. Her materials are quite expensive, and the workload is draining enough that designing doesn’t always come easy. However, crafting is one of her coping mechanisms, so it’s not all bad.
“It became my stress reliever. Although I still find it tiring sometimes, it still makes me feel calm and satisfied while working.”
Elysianne Manila can be found on both Facebook and Instagram, along with its own Shopee account.
3. Andieaesthetic
With its mantra “crafted with love”, Andieaesthetic is devoted to reviving the traditional mode of journaling, writing letters and reading books through its original decorative stickers, washi designs, postcards, and magnetic bookmarks. The shop also creates logos, business cards, and other mementos for small business owners. Rabel Andrei Valencia, an incoming 4th year Accountancy student, was fueled by her love of journaling when she decided to start the business.
Andie stated that building her confidence was the difficult part of starting. Sleepless nights and the effort to source supplies did give her a hard time, but it took her a year to finally decide to open. Despite the struggles, she finds fulfillment in her business.
“Whenever I’m stressed out with my academics, I just do new sticker layouts so I can breathe and relax. Everything I do for my business is so relaxing, especially when I pack my orders.”
Check out @andieaesthetic on Instagram to see her works and learn how to order.
4. Merchisko
Incoming 4th year Entrepreneurship student Kyla Christine Santillan showcases her designs in Merchisko. A portmanteau of “merchandise” and “iskolar”, the shop aims to inspire students to pursue their goals through tote bags, bag tags, gift sets, and button pins. They also produce unofficial merchandise for OPM songs and Wattpad stories. Kyla started selling products in a school event to help gather funds for her organization. As the demands came pouring in, she was encouraged by a friend to eventually open an online shop.
She grew up interested in her mom’s printing equipment from a previous business, so it wasn’t hard for her to commit to it. As a true blue procrastinator, Kyla enjoys being stressed so the business was hardly a problem.
“I don’t know if it makes sense pero gumagana lang ‘yung kasipagan ko kapag malapit na yung deadline. Enjoy now, stress later.”
Merchisko is available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. It also has its own Shopee account.
5. By B PH
By B PH offers a variety of giftable items such as personalized stickers, tote bags, coin purses, mouse pads, and frames featuring the owner’s art. Ruth Beatriz Gerero, an incoming 4th year Education student, adds her personal touch in the items she sells. It all started when she decided to sell her works for a donation drive during the pandemic.
Bea uses the allowance she gets from the Manila City government for her shop. She shared that exhaustion is her main concern due to juggling both student and business responsibilities. Appropriate time management is essential in keeping her on track.
“Gumagawa na ako ng weekly schedule and may mga araw na focus lang sa aral, may mga araw naman na naka-focus sa business. Kailangan marunong ka mag-balanse kapag hindi lang iisa ang responsibility mo.”
You can find By B PH’s collection and order your own personalized products on Facebook.
All of these businesses started with a simple idea which blossomed into a profitable hobby. The students’ advice in starting one? Be responsible, determined, and resourceful. Make sure to research what you want to pursue. Show your authenticity but be open to your consumers’ feedback. And best of all, you need to take a risk.
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