Upward Scholars Student Businesses
Supporting local small businesses started and owned by Upward Scholars students and alumni helps students continue to live out their entrepreneurial dreams!
Upward Scholars students are self-starters and go-getters, determined to achieve their academic and professional goals. Because of the barriers immigrants and English as a Second Language learners face when entering the workforce, many look to entrepreneurship as a way to make a living and forge a career. Below are a number of student businesses that Upward Scholars has supported, helped establish, and believes in. Support our students and give them the boost they need to keep their businesses thriving. If you have trouble reaching a business directly, complete the Upward Scholars BusinessUp Request Form for assistance.
Beail’s “Bea DJ”
Last year, Beail decided to try his hand at one of his life-long interests—becoming a DJ. At first, it was simply a hobby and personal interest, but as he began to learn new things and to take courses on DJing, Beail knew he wanted to do it professionally. He is a current Upward Scholars student completing his ESL courses at Cañada College.
To learn more about Beail’s business, visit his Facebook page, or complete the Upward Scholars BusinessUp Request Form.
Mario’s “MAS Movers Co”
Mario worked for a moving company where he noticed the customer experience could be improved and set out to start his own. With customer satisfaction at the heart of his new company, Mario sets out to making what is usually a high stress situation—moving—into one that can be easy and even enjoyable. He is a current Upward Scholars student studying business administration at Cañada College.
Visit Mario’s website for more information.
Natalia’s “Camila’s Garden & Floral Design”
Natalia is a single mother passionate about bringing nature and greenery into all spaces. She loves working with unique materials such as moss balls and creating eye-catching pieces of art as well as floral arrangements for any occasion. Natalia is a current Upward Scholars student studying Computer Business Office Technology and design at Cañada College.
Peruse her beautiful creations on her Instagram page or website.
Yésika’s “Yésika Wong Photography”
Yésika’s passion for art started when she was very young and developed as she traveled the world, taking in the beauty around her. After many years of practice, Yésika has honed her photography skills and works as a freelance photographer for herself as well as for Skyline College’s marketing team.
See more of the moments Yésika has so beautifully captured and learn more about how to hire her on her website.
Irvin’s “C.B. Cakes & Dessert”
At the onset of the pandemic, Irvin skillfully transferred his culinary skills into baking. He practiced different recipes, flavor combinations, and mastered the art of cake decorating, starting his own Instagram page to showcase his work. Now that he is back to his full-time job, Irvin continues to bake and sell cakes in his free time to the relief of his loyal customers. He is a current Upward Scholars student contemplating pursuing the culinary arts or interior design at Cañada College.
To see Irvin’s unique creations and inquire about his availability, visit his Instagram page.
Marta Lily’s “Lily’s Bilingual Family Daycare”
Marta Lily loved teaching and caring for young children. As an Upward Scholars student, she attended Cañada College and obtained her Early Childhood Education Certificate and Associate Degree. In the spring of 2022, Marta Lily graduated from San Francisco State University with a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Special Education.
Visit her website to learn more about her bilingual and bicultural daycare in the heart of Redwood City.
Raquel’s “Zumba Classes”
Raquel is as passionate about dance as can be. She began dancing at age three and never stopped. Currently, she leads weekly virtual Zumba classes for anyone in the community who wants to move in fun and challenging ways. Raquel is a current Upward Scholars student studying kinesiology with a focus on dance at Cañada College.
To attend her weekly virtual Zoom classes, complete the Upward Scholars BusinessUp Request Form.