Tomas Sanchez, a senior at Columbus School, has turned selling barquillos into a thriving business. What started as a simple way to earn money has now made barquillos one of the most popular snacks at school.

Sanchez began selling barquillos to save up for his senior trip to San Andrés, but his business quickly grew as students recognized the quality and affordability of his snacks. Through smart marketing and consistency, he built a loyal customer base, balancing his business with school and soccer practice. 

“I wanted to save money for my trip to San Andrés in February, and I saw that a lot of students love snacks. So, I thought selling barquillos would be a great way to make money.” Sanchez said.

Running a business in school isn’t that easy, it comes with its own set of challenges. From gaining customers to managing time between sales and academics, Tomas had to learn how to balance everything.

“At first, it was hard to get people to try them, but I overcame it by offering more to different groups and asking friends to help spread the word,” Sanchez said.

His efforts have paid off. Students have taken notice not only of the quality of his barquillos but also of his commitment to providing good service.

“They taste fresh and have a nice crunch. I think they’re better than other snacks at school,” Jeronimo Serrano, senior, said.

For his best customers, Tomas is more than just a seller—he’s a part of their daily routine. Eloisa Pelaez, a senior, is one of his most frequent buyers, she appreciates both the product and the customer service.

“They taste amazing, and Tomas is super nice. He always has my favorite flavors,” Pelaez said.

Despite the growing success, Tomas has no plans to expand his business outside of school. For now, he’s happy with the system he has built, focusing on his goal while keeping customers satisfied.

“Just start! Don’t be afraid to try, and always listen to your customers to improve your product,” Sanchez said.