Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Art

By Irelynn McCormick

People of all ages start businesses, whether it be kids selling lemonade on the sidewalk or Steve Jobs starting Apple in his garage. It’s a possibility for anyone and everyone out there.

Even in our little Ojai Valley, there are many teenagers and adults alike starting their own businesses.

Nakaya Mendoza, a senior at Nordho High School, started her business at her kitchen table, sewing beads with her mom. For her, starting a business was a way for her to connect more deeply with her culture and share a small glimpse into her experience as an Indigenous woman.

“Being able to create and sell these things like earrings and bracelets means we are able to expand our culture,” said Nakaya.

Along with Nakaya, many Nordho students have discovered a passion for selling their art. Using Nordho facilities, they’ve expanded their abilities to work on their businesses, through past clubs such as the Business and Finance Club and through art programs.

The art and ceramic classes at Nordho have opened doors for many students to work on their creative skills and find true passions in them.

Nordho senior Adeline Evans started an art business her sophomore year. Due to the struggles of COVID-19, she was stuck at home and found drawing helped her pass the time. Once schools opened back up, she was able to take art classes at Nordho .

“I’ve definitely had a boost in my art class,” said Adeline.

She now sells cards and creates private commissions in the community. For her, selling her work was an escape into a di erent world that allowed her to work on her art and make money doing it.

Senior Rosemary Henson also was able to deep dive into her artistic passions at school and use Nordho resources to further her entrepreneurial endeavors.

Rosemary, like Adeline, first found her passion for ceramics on her own during COVID. While school doors were locked and art classes halted by the computer screen, Rosemary was able to connect with ceramics teacher Gray Duncan, who taught at Nordho for many years.

“Mr. Duncan inspired me because I took his classes outside of school before I came to Nordho ,” said Rosemary. “I would do ceramics in his garage.”

She first came to Nordho freshman year and has carried on taking Mr. Duncan’s and fellow ceramics teacher Ms. Westergard’s ceramic classes at school.

Rosemary has continued doing ceramics every year of high school, which has given her the opportunity to sell her ceramics in the community at Art in the Park and Ojai Day.

Although the determination comes solely from the young adults embarking on self-made business, Adeline and Rosemary personify how important and beneficial it is for schools and faculty to support artistic endeavors, and how impactful it is on students.

Being an artist, for all who participate, is less of a choice and more of a calling. But the ability to appreciate and be rewarded by your community for doing and sharing your art is a privilege.

“I think one of our teachings, at least in my circle, is you don’t do it for fame, you don’t do it for a higher place in heaven, you don’t do it for money, you do it for giving to the people,” said Nakaya.

Nakaya’s viewpoint on her business allowed her to expand her art and her life passions. She shows the dedication necessary to start and run a business.

“I really bring all that I can to my art, give it my best shot, and really put it all out there.”