Many high school students fill their days with countless activities, from sports and clubs to advanced classes and even part-time jobs. Their schedules are often packed, leaving little room for extra commitments. However, only a select few take on the challenge of running their own business while still navigating the demands of school. Libby Thomas, a junior at Hudson High School, is one of those few. While balancing an intense academic workload and extracurricular activities, she has also built a successful cupcake business from the ground up.

   Thomas’s love for baking started at a young age. Whether it was experimenting in the kitchen with her family or watching baking shows for inspiration, she quickly discovered that baking was more than just a hobby—it was a passion. “Baking is an intricate science that I have always loved,” she says. Understanding the chemistry of baking, from how different ingredients interact to how slight changes in temperature can affect the final product, fascinated her. While the baking side of her business came naturally, she quickly realized that running a business required much more than just making delicious cupcakes.

   While Thomas knew how to bake, she had to develop an entirely new skill set to turn her passion into a profitable business. Managing orders, pricing her products, handling customer requests, and budgeting for ingredients were all challenges she had to overcome. Fortunately, she had a great mentor in her father. “There are a lot of numbers when it comes to breaking down what costs per cupcake and how ingredient prices fluctuate, and he is really good with pricing it out with spreadsheets,” she explains.

   Her father’s guidance has been invaluable in teaching her the fundamentals of running a small business. He helped her analyze costs, determine profit margins, and ensure she was pricing her cupcakes in a way that made financial sense. Running a business is more than just selling a product—it’s about making smart financial decisions, managing supply and demand, and maintaining a strong reputation with customers.

   As if running a business weren’t enough, Thomas’ schedule is already filled with activities that would challenge any high school student. She takes five AP classes, participates in field hockey and lacrosse, is an active member of the Outdoor Society and Hudson Community First, and even finds time to sing for her church. With such a packed schedule, time management is crucial. “Some months, I can only take two orders, while in others, I’ll take around ten,” she says. One of the biggest benefits of being her own boss is that she has complete control over her schedule. She can decide how many orders to take each month based on how busy she is with school and extracurricular activities. This flexibility allows her to maintain a healthy balance between her business and personal life, something that many entrepreneurs struggle with.

“I love teaching people how to bake. It’s so rewarding to see someone get excited when they finally perfect a recipe.”

— Libby Thomas, Junior.

   Of course, managing all these responsibilities isn’t easy. Late nights spent finishing schoolwork or prepping ingredients for the next day’s orders are common. However, Thomas finds fulfillment in both her education and her business, making the effort worthwhile. Her family also plays a huge role in helping her manage everything. Whether it’s assisting with deliveries, helping with bookkeeping, or simply offering encouragement, their support has been a key factor in her success.

In today’s digital age, having an online presence is essential for any business, and Thomas has done an excellent job of establishing her brand. Her website is welcoming and well-designed, featuring pastel colors and a simple, user-friendly layout that makes it easy for customers to browse flavors and place orders. She currently offers 15 different cupcake flavors, but what makes her business stand out is the ability for customers to mix and match flavors, creating unique combinations.

Beyond just selling cupcakes, Thomas also offers baking classes through her website. This allows her to share her love of baking with others while also providing an additional stream of income for her business. “I love teaching people how to bake,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to see someone get excited when they finally perfect a recipe.”

She is also highly active on Instagram, using the platform to showcase her beautifully decorated cupcakes. A strong social media presence has helped her connect with customers and expand her reach beyond just friends and family. Posting high-quality images of her work, engaging with her followers, and sharing behind-the-scenes content has been instrumental in growing her business.

Despite her success, running a business as a high school student comes with its challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been time management—finding the balance between schoolwork, extracurriculars, and baking can be overwhelming at times. Additionally, ingredient costs fluctuate, meaning she has to regularly adjust her pricing strategy to ensure she remains profitable while keeping her cupcakes affordable.

Another challenge is competition. The baking industry, even at a small-scale level, is highly competitive. There are always new trends in the dessert world, from extravagant cake designs to unique flavor combinations, and staying relevant requires continuous innovation. Thomas has embraced this challenge by regularly experimenting with new flavors and designs, ensuring her customers always have something fresh and exciting to try.

Thomas’ story serves as an inspiration for other young entrepreneurs. Many high school students may have a passion or talent but hesitate to turn it into a business, fearing they don’t have the time or experience. Thomas proves that with dedication, organization, and a strong support system, it is possible to pursue both education and entrepreneurship successfully.

Her advice for other students looking to start their own business? “Just start. It’s scary at first, and there’s a lot to learn, but the best way to figure things out is to take that first step. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, whether it’s from family, friends, or teachers. And most importantly, make sure it’s something you love—because that passion is what will keep you going.”

“Just start. It’s scary at first, and there’s a lot to learn, but the best way to figure things out is to take that first step. And most importantly, make sure it’s something you love—because that passion is what will keep you going.”

— Libby Thomas, Junior.

Running a business while balancing school and extracurricular activities is no easy feat, but Libby Thomas has managed to do just that. Her ability to combine her love for baking with a strong business mindset has allowed her to create something truly special. As she continues to grow her business and inspire others, one thing is certain—this is only the beginning for her. Whether she continues in the baking industry or pursues another career path, the skills and experiences she has gained from running her own business will undoubtedly serve her well in the future.

For now, she remains a dedicated student, athlete, and entrepreneur—all while making the world a little sweeter, one cupcake at a time.