Teenagers worldwide are just made differently and Filipino teenagers are the same! What do I mean by that? Well, teenagers nowadays are very financially literate and inclined to do business. A long time ago, our parents were more on the employee mindset. Study hard and apply to a good company, be loyal, and work hard for promotion, that’s what they said. But now, teenagers know, that they must step up the game.
Many teenagers earn more than their parents would have earned and even know how to invest. If you are a Filipino teenager and want to get started in business but don’t know what business to start, then this article is for you. We’ll discuss the Top 10 Businesses for Filipino teenagers to start.
Table of Contents
1. Pop-up Cafe Business
Filipinos are now obsessed with coffee! Whether workers, students, or unemployed, they want coffee, all the time! It’s almost an obsession and addiction so you have sure customers with this business. Aside from that, pop-up cafes are now famous around the streets of the Philippines. People couldn’t resist drinking iced coffee in scorching hot weather so seeing a pop-up cafe that sells affordable coffee, they’ll surely buy.
As a teenager, you still have a lot of time on your hands so go check Shopee and check out some of the coffee-making tools that you need. It won’t cost that much and you can get started easily. Just take a table, place your ingredients and packaging, put out a sign, and start selling. It’s that easy!
2. Plant Business
During the pandemic, many Filipinos became “Plantitos and Plantitas”. Even after the pandemic, Filipinos’ fascination with plants continued, and with the hot weather, we want some plants in our homes to cool the place and, of course, for aesthetics. Therefore, if you check Facebook Marketplace, you’ll see tons of postings regarding plants. You can sell indoor plants, ornamental plants, flowering plants, and any plants that you can think of! If you have a yard, you can display your plants there or you can join some local events where you can sell your plants.
So if you have a green thumb, this business is for you. You only have some soil and some seeds or plants you could propagate, and you are good to go!
3. Halo-halo or cool Treats business
With the heat index in the Philippines soaring between 42-45 degrees Celsius, everyone is constantly looking for ways to quench their thirst and enjoy some refreshing cold treats. And fortunately, we Filipinos have a rich array of delicious cold treats that are famous around the world. From the colorful and indulgent halo-halo to the refreshing samalamig, creamy buko pandan, and ice candy, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Starting a business selling these cool treats is an excellent opportunity, especially for teenagers looking to earn some extra money. The best part is that these treats are easy to make, making this a perfect entry-level business. You can also choose your selling times based on when the weather is hottest, such as during weekends or noon, ensuring you meet the demand when it’s at its peak.
The initial investment for this business is very low, with a starting capital ranging from only 100-300 pesos. Despite the minimal investment, the potential profit margin is impressive, with income rates ranging from 100% to 200%. This means you can quickly see a return on your investment and start making a profit.
Just set up a colorful stand in your neighborhood, filled with a variety of cold treats that are sure to attract kids and adults.
4. Arts and Crafts Business
If you walk around the malls, you’ll see pop-up stores selling handmade arts and crafts and they earn well from this business. As a teenager, creativity is almost innate in you, so it will be easy to create some cute stuff that you can sell either online or in a physical store. Some common arts and crafts that you can sell are paintings, bookmarks, crocheted stuff, home decor, stickers, resin art, and many more!
What’s good about this, is that your products are non-perishable so they can stay for a long time and you can wait when there’s already an order. You can simply post it online on your social media and some friends will gladly buy from you especially if you customize your products. This is good for teenagers since this only needs a little capital and it helps fight boredom.
5. Handmade Jewelry Business
Teenagers nowadays have a good eye for cute and unique accessories, making a Handmade Jewelry Business an excellent business to start. With creativity and some basic materials, you can make beautiful, personalized pieces that other teenagers would love.
You can purchase beads, charms, wires, and other jewelry-making supplies in bulk from online marketplaces like Shopee, which often offer a wide variety of options at affordable prices. Once you have your materials, you can begin designing and creating your jewelry.
As a teenager, you have the advantage of being surrounded by potential customers—your friends and classmates. You can showcase your handmade jewelry at school, social gatherings, or through social media. Filipinos are avid social media users, so it’s easy to reach a wide audience and generate interest in your products.
For inspiration, Pinterest is an excellent resource. You can explore countless ideas and tutorials that will help you develop your own unique style. Once you have a few pieces ready, start by taking high-quality photos of your jewelry and posting them online. Create an Instagram shop or a Facebook page dedicated to your business. Engage with your audience by posting regularly, using popular hashtags, and interacting with comments and messages. You can also collaborate with local influencers or offer special discounts to attract more customers. In addition to online sales, consider participating in local craft fairs, school events, or flea markets.
6. Desserts or Snack Business
We Filipinos love snacks! Other countries eat three times a day, but we eat 5 to 6 times a day. Am I right? We have breakfast, morning snack (recess at school), lunch, afternoon snack & coffee time, dinner, and sometimes, midnight snack. We just love to eat! And of course, we love desserts, pastries, or snacks that we can easily grab.
Let’s admit it, every afternoon, around 3-4 pm, Filipino minds are already clouded with the famous Filipino afternoon snacks and kakanins. That’s why, we get out of our house, office, or school to search for these foods. That’s why this is a good business to start! The demand is high and the income is good. You can sell any snacks that you have in mind and sell it in front of your house, or on your Facebook. Hungry Filipinos will always be there as your customers.
7. Selling Digital Products
In this digital world, people also need some digital stuff like books, audio, calendars, memo pads, courses, and more. That’s why, selling digital products is also a trend. This is good because you don’t have to think of physical inventory and your products don’t expire.
Here in the Philippines, common digital products that Filipinos buy are courses related to VA or freelancing since most young Filipinos are already into these. Ebooks are also good digital products to sell, especially for students who don’t like to have bulky books in their bags. Selling digital arts and creative assets is also good. This business has almost zero capital. Just use your brain, creativity, and technical skills, and you can start selling.
8. Make-up artist and hairstylist
During my time, teenagers didn’t wear makeup, but now, it’s a necessity. So, there’s no question that young people are good with makeup and hairstyles. Aside from that, people attend many events nowadays, and they need to have the best appearance possible.
You can make this your business if you’re good with makeup and hairstyles. Just create a portfolio and top some of your friends so you can do commission work, and soon, the line will appear. Be on the lookout for graduations, pictorials, debuts, birthdays, weddings, and other events where a makeup artist and hairstylist are needed.
To get started, you can buy makeup, brushes, foundation, and other things you need to transform someone into the prettiest girl she could be. The income is high and very fulfilling. You can even start your own TikTok channel, showing off your skills and the before-and-after.
9. Online Buy and Sell (Live selling)
One of the reasons young people nowadays earn thousands and millions is selling online. The sky is the limit in this booming business. As long as you know how to do good marketing, you can reach almost everyone in the Philippines. You can sell nearly anything online, from bedsheets, home decor, and clothes to small stuff, which are all essentials for Filipinos.
You can set up a Facebook page and use its advertising feature. Instagram is also suitable for selling, and of course, make sure to set up a Shopee store and TikTok shop. All these are good platforms for selling.
10. Photography and Videography Business
In connection with the makeup and hairstyling business, every event also needs a photographer and videographer. So, if you are good with cameras and finding the right angle, this business or gig is for you. Create your business name and set up a page where you can showcase your portfolio online. Be on the lookout for events, and you can even step up your game by making your own tiny studio. Once your business becomes bigger, you can also start collaborating with businesses and having product photoshoots.
To start this business, you need a good camera or video camera and, of course, the required skills. Once you have those, you’re good to go. Another plus point is to learn how to edit videos and pictures.
