Jodie De Jesus ’21
Business is booming at OKS! It’s no secret that the school is filled with some amazing athletes, artists, and learners. But did you know that Oak Knoll is home to business owners, as well? In this article, we’ll explore three student initiatives currently being run by Oak Knoll students:
First, sophomores Katie Nguyen and Clara O’Mara are the co-owners of Gecko Shop, where they sell custom canvas paintings, clothing embroidery, and even handmade jewelry! They started their shop about seven months ago in July of last summer. According to Nguyen ’23, they’ve “always loved painting and embroidery and really wanted an outlet to share [their] work with others.” The girls hope to expand their collection and continue adding new products, especially now that they’re experimenting with different mediums, such as crocheting, clay, and wire. They’re also adding rings to every purchase over $15!
Instagram: @shop.gecko
Email: geckoshopteam@gmail.com
Clara Liang ’22 is also a new business owner! She and her sister Brenda, who graduated from Oak Knoll in 2018, co-founded their business Siren Basics about a year ago and officially launched it on February 5, 2021. They sell affordable yet good quality underwear, with sizes ranging from small to 3X. While the brand is currently directed towards women, they plan to expand to men’s in the future. According to Liang, they wanted to create their business to “not only sell good quality products, but to also create a collaborative passion project that [their] family, friends, and peers could all take part in.” Siren Basics is also meant to “embody the many values we hold as first-generation Chinese Americans, such as the concept of Hygge and Yin Yang energy,” Liang says. With their recent launch, the business has undertaken some exciting new projects, including designs for unisex undergarments. They also recently had a photoshoot for their second collection, with a creative campaign for their third collection now in the works!
Instagram: @sirenbasics
Website: https://www.sirenbasics.com/
Finally, junior Sarah Jordan currently runs Sarah’s Strings, her business that sells handmade keychains, bracelets (both beaded and friendship), necklaces, and rings. Jordan ’22 started her store this past summer. Though she took a break once school started, she had the urge to start it up again while quarantining during Christmas break. She divulged, “Originally, I just did it to pass the time and give items to my friends. However, I saw how much popularity small businesses were gaining, and I knew I could make some amazing pieces while making a profit, as well.” As for her future plans, Sarah wants to create lots of jewelry that are one-of-a-kind. Once she grows her business, she hopes to expand to clothing also!
Instagram: @sarahsstrings_
All of these students cited Oak Knoll as a key contributor to their entrepreneurial pursuits. O’Mara ’23 stated, “Oak Knoll has always taught us to put ourselves out there and be bold.” The school’s emphasis on public speaking skills has also aided the Gecko Shop owners in successfully promoting their business, while OKS’s value of relationship-building helped them connect with other small businesses. Similarly, Liang expresses that OKS has allowed her to recognize that she wants to combine her many interests into one brand. The Siren Basics co-founder explains, “OKS has given me an incredible opportunity to grow academically, but it has also made me realize that I want to explore my creative passions.” Jordan expressed similar sentiments, saying, “Oak Knoll helps me with confidence in knowing I can do anything I put my mind to.”
To have your small business featured in a future edition of Untucked, email dejesus.jodie.21@oakknoll.org!