Student-run businesses grow at San Marin High School

Students at San Marin High School have found ways to turn their passions into businesses. Freelance work is a way for students to make extra money, whether or not they hope to turn the work into a full-time career, or just use it in the short term.

Freshman Samantha Testa began a nail business in December 2024 to help her save up for a car. Testa offers GelX treatments for her clients, which is a soft gel nail extension system. She found that San Marin has been a tool to help her reach out to a larger audience.

“The [San Marin] community does help me,” Testa said. “Because [by me making] more friends, more people come in and get their nails done.”

In one year as a business owner, Testa has noticed a growth in her small business. “I’ve made around 3,000 dollars so far and have had mostly [clients from Marin County],” Testa said. “Some people from San Francisco, but no further than that.”

Junior Angelina Alvarez founded Angelina’s Sweets, a business that creates and sells personalized pastries, in January 2025.

“Ever since I was little, I always wanted to own a bakery,” Alvarez said. “When I was about 15, I wanted to start making that dream feel real. [Aspiring business owners] should follow their dreams.”

Alvarez’s business averages two customers a week, and as of April 14, has 942 followers on Instagram. Alvarez believes that Instagram has been essential to the growth of her business.

“If I make an [Instagram] post or somebody reposts [themself with my pastries], other people can repost it,” Alvarez said. “A new client’s following base can see it and be like, ‘Oh, this girl sells treats, I should [buy some from her].’ I have people come out from even as far as Santa Rosa [to pick up orders], and it’s going [well].”

Student businesses such as Angelina’s Sweets and Testa’s GelX service demonstrate that students can find success with the help of  their community.