Amid the hustle and bustle of college life, it’s becoming increasingly common to see students starting small businesses. Today, students are not only immersed in books and assignments, but also beginning to explore the world of entrepreneurship.
This aligns with the graduate profile of the Communication Science Study Program at Universitas Padjadjaran, which includes becoming a social entrepreneur, someone who uses business as a tool to help improve economic welfare. That’s exactly what Khansa Naira Larasati, a 2024 student of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Communication Science, is doing.
Known as Naya, she runs a handmade jewelry business using various types of beads. Her products range from rings and bracelets to phone chains, with prices ranging from 10,000 to 30,000 rupiah.
“I’ve loved making bracelets since I was little. In high school, I started thinking about selling them because a lot of my friends were drawn to the accessories I wore, which I made myself and eventually, they became interested in buying them too,” said Naya when asked about her motivation to start the business.
Naya started her business back in 2022 when she was in 11th grade. She promotes her products mainly through Instagram and by opening a booth at certain events. She can sell between 10 to 50 pieces of jewelry every time she opens a booth. According to Naya, one of the challenges in expanding her promotion efforts to other platforms is her busy schedule and involvement in various activities, which makes it difficult for her to manage additional promotional channels at the moment.
Finally, Naya shares a message for other young people who are thinking about starting their own small business:
“Don’t be afraid to experiment and create things that help you grow, because besides improving your skills, there are so many other benefits. You’ll learn a lot from the experiences you gain. Business isn’t just about making money, it’s also a valuable learning journey.”
Naya’s story is a powerful inspiration for anyone trying to start a business. She proves that a personal hobby can turn into an opportunity for growth and even an extra source of income. So, never be afraid to take the first step. [Ed]