Many teens consider starting their own business either as a side hustle or something they want to do full time—even while they’re still in school. It’s a great way to make extra money, gain real-world experience, and maybe even turn it into a full-time career one day. Being your boss sounds exciting, and for many teens, it gives them a sense of independence and control over their lives. For example, some teens start small by selling handmade products, running a lawn care service, or offering beauty services, like doing nails or hair.
However, even small businesses take real effort to set up. For example, if you want to start a nail or hair business, you must get trained and licensed. Most states require this to make sure you know proper safety and hygiene regulations.
“When I was going to school, I also had to get a job,” Patricia White said, “I worked to cover my school expenses, like tuition and textbooks, while also helping with rent and living costs.”
You can earn a license by taking online or in-person classes for four or more depending on what you go into, some licenses take longer than others at a trade school or community college. Being trained by professionals doesn’t just help you do better work—it also builds trust with customers. People are more likely to book with you if they know you’re certified and skilled at what you do.
Promoting your business is important, especially when you’re just starting. Posting your work on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook can help you reach more people. Sharing photos, videos, and progress results can show off your skills and attract new clients. Getting good reviews or positive feedback online can also boost your reputation. The more people see your work and hear positive things about it, the more likely they are to trust you and support your business.
While training and promotion are important, so is your reason for starting the business. Some people do it just for the money. They’re not looking to stick with it long-term—they just want to earn some quick cash while they’re in school or save up for something in the future. Some people start a business because it’s their passion. They love what they do and want to turn it into something bigger. These people are often more motivated, willing to improve, and more likely to stick with it even when things don’t go as planned. Passion can be a major reason some businesses succeed, and others don’t.
Another challenge is how expensive it can be to start your own business.
“I had a little advantage when starting my business,” White said. “I was already working for a kid’s hair cutting business so I had a little more experience than most would normally have when first start out.”
Many people don’t realize how fast costs can increase. One needs supplies, tools, and a space to work in. If you’re offering beauty services, you’ll need to keep buying things like nail polish, hair dye, gloves, and cleaning products. These supplies run out quickly and must be replaced often. On top of that, there are other expenses like paying for a license, marketing your business, and even renting a space if you’re not working from home. When you’re just starting and don’t have a lot of customers yet, it’s hard to stay on budget and keep the business afloat.
In the end, starting your own business as a teen can be a great experience, but it also comes with challenges. It takes money, effort, time, and the right mindset. Whether you’re doing it for the money or because it’s something you love, being prepared and dedicated can make a big difference. Having the right tools and motivation, turning a small idea into a successful business is possible—even for someone still in high school.
