Students at the Upper School (US) are increasingly starting side hustles alongside their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. Many have turned hobbies and skills into small businesses, offering services ranging from nail art to haircuts. Unlike traditional part-time jobs, these student-run businesses allow for more flexible schedules and provide opportunities to connect with clients and build experience in areas of interest.

Selena – Depop reseller

    Selena Daley ’28 is among many US students who make money in unconventional ways. She runs a weekly Depop shop, selling thrifted and self-sewn clothing to support her nonprofit organization, SisterBridge. Her passion for fashion motivated her to begin selling online.

    “My closet has always been overflowing since I change my style so often, and I love thrifting and shopping for clothes, so I have all these clothes that I don’t wear anymore. Usually, they would just sit in my closet,” Selena said.

    Through social media, she found Depop, a clothing reselling platform.

    “When I found Depop, it was really exciting because I could sell my extra clothes and make money off them. I also really like to sew, and sometimes I sew clothes to sell on Depop. It’s a nice way to get recognized for my hobby and what I do.”

    Every Wednesday, she builds time into her schedule to make 10 new listings and set up times for USPS to pick up purchased items. Selena said Depop’s convenient features, like auto-replies to offers, make the process low-effort.

    She said her side hustle has helped her develop stronger financial discipline.

    “It’s really interesting learning how to manage money,” Selena said. “When I see the amount of money, I want to take it, but I have to remind myself that there are things I have to save up for, since 50% goes towards my college fund and 50% goes towards SisterBridge.”

    Wanting to build connections with people who shared her background, Selena created SisterBridge earlier this year.

    “It’s a community for mixed race teen girls that combines writing, art, storytelling and mentorship. We also have state ambassadors across the country, who run events, discussions and bring in speakers. Usually, they’ll send me a budget, and I have to fulfill it.”

    Funded by Selena’s Depop profit, SisterBridge looks forward to hosting “Hair University” in Cambridge on June 13 which will teach girls how to care for and style their natural hair.

Barbara – Nail tech

     Three years ago, Barbara Ma ’27 walked out of a nail salon down $120 and unimpressed. Instead of booking another appointment, she watched some TikToks, bought a nail kit and figured she could do it herself.

    “I have always been a very hands-on person, so when I started to see nail TikToks on my For You Page, I decided to buy a nail kit,” Barbara said. “I learned to do nails completely through social media.”

    Barbara likes the flexibility of her work.

    “I don’t really have to worry about balancing doing nails with school and other stuff because I just book when I am free and want to do people’s nails.”

    Doing nails gives Barbara the opportunity to express creative freedom. It also allows her to change her own nail design twice a month at a lower price.

    “I do it for fun, mostly for my friends, and they are willing to pay because it is not as expensive as other places,” she said. “I love doing arts and crafts, so doing nails is really similar. I like to see a new set in my hand, but it’s also a very calming process. You start with the prep, then go in with the builder gel and then do the design, and it turns out really cute.”

    Although Barbara began doing her own nails during the fall of her sophomore year, she only recently started taking clients.

    “It’s not really something I do for the money, but because it’s fun. I am still not really full-swing making a lot of money. I’m just getting the hang of it, but I want to continue doing nails if it works with my schedule.”

Mateo – Barber

Haircuts on the field have become a regular part of Mateo Kramer-Gomez ’29’s post-soccer practice routine. What started with a borrowed clipper kit has grown into a profitable side hustle.

“I saw all these really satisfying videos online, and my dad had a kit, so I started to try and do my own hair,” Mateo said.

Mateo began by paying friends to let him practice on their hair. Now, he regularly receives Instagram DMs from people looking to book appointments.

“I give cuts sometimes right after practice on the soccer field to my teammates, and then I also do it at home,” he said. “I’ve been cutting hair for a year, so I have a good amount of experience now.”

He uses an Instagram account to connect with clients and book appointments. He also regularly posts “before-and-afters” to advertise his work.

“A lot of people from school started following my cuts account, and it helps me to grow it,” Mateo said.

Despite growing demand, he has learned how to balance his side hustle with being a student-athlete.

“I do my homework during my free blocks, and that gives me time outside of school to cut hair.”

Money is not the only benefit that comes with cutting hair for Mateo.

“With people I don’t know as well, I ask questions and get to know them, so I make friends through giving cuts,” Mateo said, “I haven’t been to the barber in a year since I started practicing.”

Mateo plans to continue his side hustle through college, as he enjoys the process and flexibility of being self-employed.