Small businesses offer flexibility and the chance to work toward something you are passionate about. For some Chapman students, that opportunity starts in high school.

Sophomore Jayla West and junior Camille Barnette have both turned creative interests into small businesses.

Barnette developed her passion for art through banner painting, a skill she has practiced for two years. She started her business four months ago and said she is committed to producing high-quality work for her customers.

Her business has benefits beyond sales.

“This not only gives me something to do, but is also beneficial for me in the future,” Barnette said.

As a small business owner, Barnette encourages other students to pursue similar opportunities, but she said it takes commitment.

“It’s super fun, but you have to do a lot to maintain it and have good people skills,” Barnette said.

Barnette said Chapman’s personal finance class has helped her manage her business.

“The most valuable thing I’ve learned is from my personal finance class,” Barnette said. “It helps me with spreadsheets for budgeting and keeping everything organized.”

Barnette takes orders through Instagram at banners.co.camille.

West has found her passion through patchwork designs on shirts and hoodies. She said the idea started when she made a shirt for herself and decided to create more for others.

West’s business, Sun and Spindles, officially launched in June 2025.

West said owning a business has been financially rewarding and educational.

“In my personal finance class, I learned how to budget my money and how to start a business,” West said.

She said she hopes to expand her brand in the future.

“I plan on expanding and having a full clothing brand, not just the pieces I make,” West said.

West encourages students not to overthink starting a business. She takes orders through Instagram at @sunandspindles and on Etsy at sunandspindles.etsy.com.