At Niles North, students aren’t just focused on academics, some are also using their creativity and entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses. Whether it’s through baking, crafting, or fashion, students are turning their passions into thriving businesses and making a real impact on their school and community.
Zomaya Bakes
Zomaya Bakes, a home-based bakery founded by senior Nina Zomaya in July of 2024, specializes in cookies, pastries, and seasonal treats. For Zomaya, baking is more than just a business; it’s a deep-rooted passion that connects her to her family, particularly her grandmother who has been a major inspiration for her love of baking.
“Baking has always been something special to me,” Zomaya said. “I wanted to create something that [not] only honors my grandmother [and] also allows me to share my passion with others.”
For Zomaya, baking wasn’t just about the final product. It’s about the experience of sharing her passion with others. Whether it’s for a custom order or a special event, Zomaya puts a lot of care into every baked good she creates.
“I love providing hospitality and great customer service,” Zomaya said. “There’s something really meaningful about baking for people and seeing how a simple treat can make someone’s day better.
Zomaya highlights the importance of building community around one’s business. For Zomaya, this support has been essential to the growth of Zomaya Bakes and encourages others to take the leap and follow their passions no matter where they are in the process.
“My biggest piece of advice is to just stare,” Zomaya said. “It’s easy to overthink everything, wondering if you need a perfect logo, website, or plan, but the truth is, the best way to learn is by taking action. Start small, use social media to get the word out and don’t be afraid to make mistakes along the way. You’ll figure things out as you go. Also, stay consistent. Running a business isn’t always easy. But, if you truly love what you do, your passion will keep you going. Another key thing is, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s friends, family, or even other small business owners, building a community around your business is so important.”
Leo_Bear_Snaps
Leo_Bear_Snaps, a photography business founded by sophomore Leo Bearman, specializes in capturing shots of sports and schooling events. Bearman began his photography journey at North, taking a class to learn the basics.
“I started my freshman year of high school, I’m now a sophomore,” Bearman said. “I started by taking a class here at Niles North to learn the basics about how to use a camera. I do remember in 8th grade I went to the public library and borrowed a camera just to play around without thinking much of it.”
What began as a hobby quickly grew into a successful business. Bearman catches moments at sporting events and other activities that highlight school events.
“I started photography to meet new people as well as doing something I very much enjoy,” Bearman said. “Before winter break [of] freshman year, I went to take photos of the school’s basketball games just to see how I liked it. Ever since, things just kind of took off. Then I decided to start an Instagram page for posting some of the photos I had taken and the sporting events.”
Bearman’s business continues to grow as he captures memorable events for the school community. With his passion and talent, Bearman looks to expand his business and reach more of the North community.
Pam.and.Lily
Lily Nieves and Pam Youssef, two sophomores at North, came up with their business idea from a shared love of creating handmade jewelry and accessories.
“The reason me and Lily started the business is because of me,” Youssef said. “I really like making bracelets and I buy lots of beads and charms, and after I finish making them I don’t know what to do with them, so I decide to sell them. I asked Lily for help because she makes some too.”
Their shared passion for crafting led them to combine their talents and create a business that offers unique bracelets and phone charms, along with custom stickers.
Nieves and Youssef believed that their creations fill a need for cute, wearable accessories that can brighten anyone’s day.
“We think bracelets and phone charms are something people will love because they’re pretty things to wear,” Youssef said. “They can bring more people who want something fun and personalized.
What started as a simple hobby has blossomed into a successful business, the two are excited to continue growing the business while sharing a passion for creativity with the North community.
Glex by Lex
Glex by Lex is a nail tech business founded by junior Lexi Gabriel in August of 2024. Her passion for nails began long before Glex by Lex was born. Gabriel loved doing nails and making others happy by sharing her passion.
“I started it in August last year,” Gabriel said. “I’ve started because I’ve always loved doing nails, there’s just something about being able to give somebody else a cute little nail set and see them being happy about it. It just warms my heart so much. I love making other girls feel a little bit more girly, you know if that makes sense. It’s a really good way to tap into my artistic side.”
Managing school and business was not easy, but Gabriel was determined to make it work with the help of her father.
“It’s hard, it’s a lot of work, during the school day I get as much work as I can so that when I get home I can really focus on my little business,” Gabriel said. “For me that means talking to my dad because my dad is an entrepreneur, so everything I’ve learned [about] the business life comes from him. That means talking to my dad and talking about the possible future [of] my little business and being realistic obviously, I’m only 17.”
Gabriel’s grandmother has been a major influence on her journey into the nail tech world as well. A licensed nail tech and cosmetologist, her grandmother ran her own salon where she did both hair and nails. Growing up, Gabriel would spend hours watching her grandmother work, absorbing skills to implement into her own passion.
“My grandma is a licensed nail tech [and] licensed cosmetologist,” Gabriel said. “In her salon she used to do hair and nails, and when I was younger my mom, when she was working, would drop me off at my grandma’s salon. I would be there for literally hours and I would just watch her do nails, and I would watch her do lady’s hair, and I feel like I am so lucky to have had that. I started picking up my love for cosmetology when I was really young, and I was so lucky to have someone I [can] ask questions to.”
Gabriel’s love for nails and her business is fueling her mindset helping Glex by Lex grow. With her family’s support, she is excited to keep creating and sharing her passion with others.
These student entrepreneurs are turning their passions into successful business, showing creativity, dedication, and love. With the support of their communities, they make a long lasting impact while sharing their talents and growing every step of the way.
