Starting a business can be beneficial in many ways. As their high school career ends, students start looking at flexible jobs that allow for family time and fun.

 Owning a business can provide that flexibility. Austin Dennis, a local small business owner who values spending time with his family, offers advice to new graduates thinking of starting a business. 

“Having a business can be a full-time job and more. Being your boss lets you determine what time you put in and money you earn,” Austin said.

EHS senior Kate McNabb wants to start a business of her own. 

“I want to start a business to earn money, be able to make my own decisions, and not have to worry about getting fired,” McNabb said.

Austin says new entrepreneurs should turn passion into profit and find a way to make money in areas that interest them. 

“Go for what you desire. Take those things you love and make it your job. Doing what you love makes working so much more fun and enjoyable,” Austin said.

Though it may seem hard to start a business, Austin believes there are few cons. 

“It’s not difficult at all; the only difficult part is making sure your product is worth people spending their own money on,” Austin said.

Mcnabb says that she wants to start low and slow. 

“I will start cheap in the beginning and raise my prices as I start to sell more art and bracelets,” McNabb said. 

Austin says that quality plays a big part in business; without it, some may not have much luck. 

“Without a quality product, people will not pay for what you may be selling. You also have to price it to a cost that is affordable but also profitable. Quality is everything.” Austin said.

Some jobs require the necessary information before work can start. In this case, the need for information is minimal. 

“You don’t need to know a lot. Whatever your passion may be is all you should need to know, then figure out how to make money out of it.” Austin said. 

Austin claims that social media is the best way to get a business known. 

“Start with social media,” Austin said.  “Years ago, it was much harder to get human interest because you would pay to put up billboards and not know if it would ever be seen. With social media, your page could blow up in minutes at no cost.” 

McNabb says that she would sell her things in-store.

“I would have a store so I could be able to interact with customers and get their opinion on things,” McNabb said.