By: Aleena Sanchez
Starting new businesses or even keeping up with a business, especially during the pandemic, has not been quite easy. Businesses have been coming and going over this past year due to having a less than desirable outcome.
Aileen Viveros, ’22, recently started a new business in late January called “Luxury Keychains”. These key chains are full of self defense items, and have been a hit ever since. Viveros has sold over 30 key chains over the past couple of weeks and she never expected the growth she’s been receiving.
On Instagram she has gained about 270 followers in such a tight amount of time and says she’s gained a good amount of profit starting this business.
“I’m able to buy more things for my family and help support them when needed, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the growth I’ve made.”
Aileen Viveros, ’22
Viveros says “I’ve always wanted to invest in starting my own business, but I didn’t want to sell the same things [that] everyone else was [selling].” Over this past year, lots of teens have been starting little businesses, but don’t do as well, because they are all doing the same thing.
Viveros sells these keychains for $30 and they include pepper spray, a puff ball, a wristlet, metal kubotan, and a safety alarm. She has also added one including a hand sanitizer, and a custom letter. Along with these, she also makes custom keychains including any of those previous items.
With such success in such a short period of time Viveros says, “It can get hectic having to make custom orders in such a short amount of time with not all of the items prepared.”
“With selling out of the popular items everyone wants, I feel bad not being able to restock right away for those who want the same thing, so it can sometimes be an inconvenience, and that’s the only struggle.”
“Women’s safety is so important with everything that goes on nowadays and these key chains can save a girl from danger in an instant, they are affordable and so convenient.” Viveros says.