On any school day, you’ll likely see Samuel Mendivelso, a 10th-grader with a mini fridge full of popsicles, making his way through the hallways. For Mendivelso, this isn’t just a hobby —it’s a business. What started as a small way to earn money has turned into a serious hustle, helping him save for his first car.

Mendivelsos’s popsicle business isn’t only about getting people to buy his product; he’s focused on making the experience enjoyable. Samuel saw an opportunity to stand out with something different. Something that students usually don’t risk selling. His business has helped him create a positive vibe at school, with students rallying around him and inspired by his dedication.

“Samuel’s business isn’t just another snack stand, it’s unique because he’s the only one selling popsicles, and he’s serious about it. It’s cool to see someone our age working toward something real,” Pablo Nichols a senior, said.

What really makes Samuel’s business stand out is the sense of community it creates. Students aren’t just buying a popsicle; they’re supporting a friend who’s working hard toward his goals while also making a positive impact beyond school. Samuel gets his popsicles from La Comuna 13, helping to support a local community. His classmates admire his hustle and feel inspired by his dedication. To them, he’s more than just a vendor—he’s a role model who’s taking risks and pushing boundaries in a way they can relate to.

“I think it’s awesome that he’s working towards buying a car, not just selling for the money. It feels like he’s building something, and it’s encouraging to see him make it happen,” Fernando Altmann, senior, said.

Students say that Samuel’s popsicles are refreshing and affordable, a perfect treat between classes or on a warm day. But what really catches everyone’s attention is that Samuel isn’t just selling for extra pocket money—he’s working towards buying a car to make his daily commute easier. Knowing that each popsicle brings him closer to his goal adds meaning to his business. It is inspiring to see students at such a young age building a strong business with their own resources.

“It’s always nice to see Samuel in the halls with his mini fridge, different from the usual chips and brownies, and it’s something you actually look forward to,” Nichols said.

Samuel’s impact on the school isn’t limited to his products. His determination to start and grow his business has inspired others to think about what they could do themselves. Some students are now considering their own small business ideas. Samuel’s business has shown them that with the right focus and effort, they can achieve their goals too, even while still in school.

“Buying from Samuel is super easy, got everything set up—from a quick QR code payment to his friendly approach. It’s convenient and simple, so you can just grab a popsicle and go,” Altman mentioned.

Mendivelsos approach focused on the customer experience is what makes his business successful. He’s focused on making it hassle-free, offering multiple payment options, and keeping things organized, which keeps students coming back. It’s this thoughtful setup that adds to his popularity and makes his business stand out as something more than just a snack stand.

“I’m making around 1.5 million pesos a month now. It’s surprising how much you can earn from something as small as a popsicle stand if you put in the effort and stay consistent,” Mendivelso said.

Samuel’s experience proves that students can make impressive income with a small business. His popsicle stand, which started as a simple idea, has become a profitable venture. It shows that with determination and the right approach, even a small project can generate big results.

“If the school allowed me to store my fridge somewhere, it would make things way easier. Right now, I have to bring it to class, and that can be a distraction for everyone,” Mendivelso said.

This rise in student vendors shows that running a small business is trending at school. Selling products teaches students important skills like money management, understanding customers’ behavior, and handling the basics of running a business. These are valuable experiences, especially for those interested in business careers. Supporting this trend could give students a head start, making school a place to build skills that will benefit them well into their future studies and careers.

“With each popsicle he sells, Samuel shows that even the simplest idea can lead to something big when fueled by ambition and purpose,” Nichols said.