Introduction to Business class at FHC is an elective that teaches entrepreneurship skills in a school setting. These students work hard on their Intro to Business projects throughout the semester, creating businesses that preach the practicality of everyday life. During the semester-long class, students work as groups to organize and control different aspects of a company. From production and finance to marketing and advertising, students explore key topics that are important to help run and start a business. This concept was especially true for this year’s student-made brands: Everyday Pack, Blush and Bloom, and Emergency Energy.
As students collaborate with their business members, many believe that it is crucial to create a business that explores new concepts and ideas for everyday practicality. The entrepreneurs of Everyday Packs are designing a bag of essentials that are key to the everyday life of FHC students and people outside of the school.
For junior Eliza Zorn, one of many students who run Everyday Packs, the Intro to Business class has been more than just a learning experience; it has inspired her to think creatively. This has let her—along with her other business members—create the brand: Everyday Packs.
“[Everyday Packs is] an essential pack [consisting of] a clear bag filled with chapstick, hair ties, a brush, and gum,” Eliza said. “It can be for anyone. It could be for a car or backpack—anywhere [one would] need essentials.”
This year, many of the class commerce students have developed brands that share similar goals and audiences. Each business draws inspiration from the needs and lifestyles of FHC students. Their unique ideas have sparked friendly competition between similar brands. Through their growing business skills, students have learned how important it is to stand out and create a distinctive brand within a competitive market.
“I feel like [my group’s] pack is the best deal out of all of [the other packs],” Eliza said. “There are a lot of other [packs], but ours has the best bargain for your buck. [We are also] keeping up with our inventory, sales, and staying on top of all our [business duties]. We are making sure that we are keeping up with their marketing, like Instagram and TikTok.”
Other business packs this year include Emergency Energy. This group of students has developed a brand that, while similar to other concepts, stands out through its different essentials that also focus on practicality. For Emergency Energy, senior Henry Weirenga has been an essential part of the business.
“[The pack] has got gum, a granola bar, hand sanitizer, mints, chapstick, and a Celsius packet, [which are] practical supplies for the school day,” Henry said. “[We] have put bright posters in the halls, and our ads have been looking pretty good, very high energy. We are keeping customers through practicality, convenience, and all of [those appeals].”
Emergency Energy has built a brand that understands what students need to stay focused and motivated throughout the school day. By combining practicality, convenience, and lasting energy, the company enhances the students’ performance and well-being in and out of the classroom.
“[What inspired the business] is kinda just seeing a need for a lot of practical stuff,” Henry said. “Throughout the school day, [we sell a pack that usually] people have to buy [the products] separately or just don’t have [a pack] that has an all-in-one [pack one would] need during the school day.”
Another new business started by FHC is Blush and Bloom. While this brand offers products similar to others on the market, it stands out through their heart-warming cause and artist styles they incorporate throughout their business. Freshman Mia Menzies and her group members have found a way to help the lives of more people than just FHC students.
“Our Blush and Bloom pack is $10,” Mia said. “We are donating 5% of our profits to Mom’s Bloom, and it is for single moms with newborns who are struggling with a new kid. We were thinking it would be a good cause. We were also thinking about how these products are necessities and [Mom’s Bloom] needs necessities.”
For many single moms, managing expenses can be stressful, especially when it comes to everyday necessities. Blush and Bloom aims to make even a small difference by supporting both families in need and students at FHC. Many teenagers work part-time and have limited budgets, so having access to affordable essentials helps them focus on school without worrying about the cost of small but significant items.
“I think a lot of people need [convenient items]. Mia said. “A lot of the time, it is going to be $10 for a hairbrush, and some people do not want to spend a large amount of money on little things that may [run out quickly], like gum.”
The Intro to Business course gives students from all grade levels the chance to develop creative ideas that make a real-life difference inside and outside of the school. Projects like these not only teach valuable business skills but also improve and meet everyday needs for others.
“I was really excited to join the Intro to Business class because I possibly want this as my major in the future,” Eliza said. “So I was just really excited to join and start.”
