“I’ve always loved doing nails ever since I was little. Watching people on Instagram inspired me, and when Gel-X started becoming really popular, I thought, ‘Hey, I can try this.’ [Freelancing] makes it really easy, where I can follow my own schedule and take my time with my work or with doing nails. I’ve noticed a big difference between doing my own nails and doing other people’s nails because when you do other people’s, you have to pay attention to speed because you’re using their time too. Seeing other people enjoy watching me do their nails just as much as I enjoy doing them helped me improve my confidence and how fast and well I can do nails.”
— Shruthika Kunta (11), nail artist
“I’ve been making cards and drawing and just designing things on paper since I was really young. I liked pouring my heart into it so I’d be proud to give it to someone. As I got older, my parents told me I should start selling cards as a business, and I never really got around to it until the end of freshman year. Making cards is a really beautiful art form that’s kind of been left in the past with AI and digital art, but it’s really beautiful to receive a handmade card with a handwritten note inside. Depending on the person, especially if I know them, I can make something they’re going to like.”
— Shaalini Krishnan (11), card business owner
“I’ve been teaching little kids how to play the cello this summer because my friend did it and told me about how amazing and flexible it is. I think it’s taught me so much about patience and understanding. Working with younger students and beginners means slowing down and always trying to explain things in different ways. Since I’m a junior and have a really busy schedule, I like being able to set my own class dates and times. If you have a skill you believe you’re talented in, I 100% recommend going online, posting an ad and start teaching it to any children or beginners interested.”
— Tara Lee (11), cello teacher
“I’ve always liked to interact with kids, so I knew that was a job that I was sort of into. I think what I most enjoy is getting to know the student, and also when they ask me questions and they finally get the subject, it feels fulfilling like an accomplishment. I like how convenient it is and how it’s a casual setting. Advice I would give [to other tutors] is to not think of yourself as a teacher or someone distant or anything like that. I think you should see yourself as a friend if they need someone to talk to because tutoring someone that you have a closer relationship that you build gives them the trust to be wrong.”
— Rukstar (11), humanities tutor
