By Amelia Melo, Year 11
Creating one’s own business is an extremely daunting task, and entrepreneurship is one of the boldest things you can do, especially if you’re a student. LGB is home to many proactive and inspired people who’ve channelled passion and vision into their own brand. It’s important as supporting members of our school to support those courageous young people that have begun their careers, and during COVID-19 where things are as tense and difficult as ever, supporting small local businesses is an absolute must. Keep reading to learn about 3 student-owned businesses here at Ecolint that you can support right now!
- Loulousbeads
Loulousbeads is a jewelry business owned by Year 11 Student Lara Suleiman, which was created earlier this year. Phone straps, bracelets, and necklaces are sold, and all the products are handmade with love. Here are Lara Suleiman’s words on what this business means to her: “The idea of starting a business was completely baffling but once I started working, I realized that it’s about more than just selling. The art of making and perfecting every piece is such a joy and blessing that I get to enjoy. Seeing my customers, friends, and family members wearing my products brings a smile to my face and a feeling in my heart that I wish everybody could feel.” So if you are looking for fun, stylish, and beautiful beaded jewelry and phone straps that come in all kinds of bright colors and designs whilst supporting an LGB student, check out @loulousbeads on instagram or contact Lara Suleiman.
- KodaiTees
KodaiTees is another student-owned business run by the Year 12 Ela Abbou, which seeks to raise money to aid the struggling families of Kodaikanal, India. Kodaikanal is a city in the south of India, which already needed our help due to poverty, and now Covid-19 has only worsened and exacerbated the situation. So on top of aiding the families of Kodaikanal, you would be buying trendy and original T-shirts with unique designs. If you wish to order, you can reach them by Instagram (@kodaitees), or their email (@Kodaitees@gmail.com). You can also access the website: https://elaabbou.wixsite.com/kodaitees.
3. Ubuntobeads
Lastly, Ubuntobeads is another jewellery business that is run by two LGB students, Kedina and Nora. The incentive behind the founding of this company was to save and protect the disappearing rainforests across the globe, notably in South America. After every purchase, 20% of the profit is donated directly to Rainforest Trust, a non-profit organization established in 1988 which seeks to protect tropical lands and endangered species. They also have a bundle deal, so if you buy more than one necklace at a time, you get 10% off. What’s also unique about this student-owned business is that it prompts recyclable jewellery. Students are encouraged to donate any old jewellery to Ubuntobeads, who will recycle it in a sustainable fashion. So in order to preserve rainforests, help sustainably recycle, and support your classmates, go shop Ubuntobeads via @ubuntobeads on Instagram. Here are some of their pieces:
So we strongly encourage all readers to head right now to the accounts of these student’s businesses, and show support for your fellow peers of the LGB community!
