Student Entrepreneurs on Campus
STEPHANIE LEE
Co-Editor in Chief
Montgomery Burns in The Simpsons is often portrayed as a sketchy, money-chasing hound of a businessman. However, several students here at AHS are taking their own shot at entrepreneurship with a lot more than just fortune and power in mind.
Junior Dennis Dang and Senior Brian Tu created their own clothing line, titled “DramaMine” because they felt like major brands did not represent them well.
“At first people didn’t accept the name, but it’s not [related to the drug at all],” said Dang, “we’re trying to coin the term to [be about] success.”
Collaborating with two other friends, Dang and Tu began releasing their shirts in January as a test-run. Dang is responsible for the designs of the clothing and Tu handles the young business’ financial matters.
“[Those] in the [fashion] industry gave positive feedback so we see a lot of potential,” said Tu.
Their company, DramaMine is planning an event to officially release their line in the coming weeks at the Julhead store on Main St. Their “street wear” is targeted towards the younger crowd, with prices ranging from 16 to 25 dollars.
What started as a fun project for these students turned into a genuine interest. Both Dang and Tu plan to pursue business majors in college and would like to run “DramaMine” as a company in addition to their future careers.
Senior Edgar Osorio’s idea also revolves around teenagers. Osorio is launching a 16 and over club, called Club Z
“When [teens] think of parties, they think of sex, drugs and alcohol, but I’m really trying to promote a fun, clean environment for people to just dance—plus it’s in Alhambra,” said Osorio.
Club Z held its second opening on April 5 at Ultrazone, with tickets priced at 10-15 dollars. The Club’s opening debut last summer was quite popular, said Osorio. If the event is successful, it will be held monthly.
According to Osorio, all attendees were patted down by security to ensure that no one brought in anything dangerous or illegal.
Though Osorio claims that the management of Club Z is demanding, he feels that his family’s support and the motivation of accomplishment keep him on track to continue his work. In the future, Osorio would like to become a businessman or enter the field of aerospace engineering.
It may not be easy out there for those in the business world, but these students feel that the experience has taught them a great deal about running a business and becoming successful.
“You meet people who want to tell you more [about the trade]; there’s a lot of helpful information,” said Dang.