America Estrada (12) is a multi-talented student athlete with an entrepreneurial twist. Estrada is the creative genius behind a delightful plushie crocheting venture and is the vice president of the newly reinstated Future Business Leaders of America Club on campus. At the same time, she participates in volleyball, basketball, and track.
Her small business is called “America’s Creations” and has gained a significant following on Instagram, which is the forefront for her sales. Estrada took up crocheting as a fun hobby to de-stress from school and sports. She did not expect her creations to spark such an interest and emerge into a business she could call her own.
“I started the business after a friend requested me to crochet a strawberry cow, and then I started getting more requests from friends and family to crochet plushies,” said Estrada. “Now, I take custom orders on my Instagram and I post them on my account for others to see.”
Having to manage schoolwork, sports, and now her small business has not been an easy task, but according to Estrada, the results have been worth the efforts.
When asked if it is difficult to balance being a scholar athlete and a small business owner, Estrada replied with, “Yes. It’s hard to balance the academic, athletic, and entrepreneurial lifestyle because I have to keep my academics in check and keep up my performance level as an athlete, representing the school, and on top of that my work life.“ She confidently added, “It’s a really difficult battle, but I end up winning.”
With her own background in business and having faced all the challenges that came with it, Estrada aspired to help others like herself. She was given a huge opportunity to do this when Diana Meza, the President and Founder of FBLA asked her to be her vice president and hold the title of co-founder.
“I decided to chip in and help because I wanted to expand my own business, and I sought to bring a new tradition here in school. I aspired to bring business on campus, especially through Tiger Markets. I wanted to help student vendors like me grow out their business. Diana brought up the idea of starting FBLA on campus, and that finally gave me the opportunity to bring my ideas into the club,” said Estrada.
To Estrada, being a Future Business Leader “means to display leadership upon my peers and guiding them towards opportunities.” She is determined to help make the club an absolute success this year and set the standard high along with the president of the club to make sure FBLA is a possibility for years to come.
“I plan on assisting the President as much as I can and helping all the members achieve their business goals. I want to guide members and serve as a mentor. Whenever we want to achieve something as a club, I will do everything in my power to make sure those ideas come to life,” said Estrada.
She has a lot to look forward to in FBLA as well. She is excited to bring Tiger Markets to life, where students have the opportunity to sell their products at a shopping fair. She is also looking forward to attending FBLA competitions and the upcoming field trip to Stanford Business School.
Estrada ended her interview on an inspirational note. She stated that, “Despite all the difficulties you may face, you must always rise up to the challenge and be willing to learn from those experiences, because it will make you resilient and capable of overcoming what the future puts in your path.”
For those who have been inspired by Estrada’s story or would like mentorship from other like-minded students in business, consider joining the Los Banos Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA). Their next meeting will be on September 22 during Pride Time in room 8 & 9, and it will be the last chance for new members to join! Don’t miss out on an opportunity to be a part of this flourishing innovative community on campus.
