By Sophia Madeb, Staff Writer
In recent years, students on Yeshiva University’s Beren campus have launched small businesses catering to everyday needs on tight budgets, aiming to ease the high costs of living in Midtown, Manhattan.
Inflation has only added to expenses for New York residents. According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the September 2024 data revealed that while short-term inflation stayed the same, inflation rose over the long term.
“It used to cost three dollars for coffee, it is truly ridiculous,” Aleen Jardeh (SCW ‘28) told the YU Observer. “It almost hurts me to go into Starbucks Reserve to get a regular iced coffee with milk, with no special additions.”
Jardeh finds that rising prices make simple purchases feel like lavish expenses. Jardeh said that as she walks down 34th street to either grab something to eat, get a quick coffee on the go, or treat herself to purchasing a piece of clothing, doing so feels like an expense on top of another expense.
In response, students took their financial aggravation and began to use it for good. Beren campus students, especially in the dormitories, exemplify their skills and talents for profitable benefits, offering services that are beneficial for both themselves and their peers. Customers feel satisfied with good deals, while sellers can make some money to combat the ever-present financial frustration.
Eliya Goan (SCW ‘28) has found a way to balance her college life and make money by offering gel manicures in the Brookdale student lounge. “I started doing nails in my junior year of high school. It is a good skill to have, especially in an expensive city like Manhattan,” Goan told the YU Observer. Her set price is forty dollars for a basic set of nails, with an extra five dollars for additional designs. According to VBeauty pure, gel manicures in Manhattan can range from $40 to $100, and fill-in are $35.
Offering gel manicures in the Brookdale lounge provides convenience and cost-effective options for students. “I think it’s much more convenient to be able to get my nails done in the dorm building and I also enjoy spending time with other girls and supporting them rather than a business that I don’t have any connection to,” Zohar Ben Simon (SCW ‘28), one of Goan’s customers, told the YU Observer.
Although Goan’s manicure service is a business venture, it offers more than just convenience and an inexpensive option. It also adds a social aspect for both Goan and her clients. “Starting a business is worth one’s time for full-time students at Stern,” Goan said. “It is a great way to meet people while making money.”
Similarly, Emily Kelsh (SCW ‘26) turned her love for hairstyling into a thriving business, both on and off campus. “I started doing hair for my friends when I was little, and over the years, started growing my hair business, ” Kelsh told the YU Observer. She offers services such as curls, blow-outs and updos, with a set price of thirty dollars. According to a popular hair salon in Manhattan, DryBar, blow-outs can range from $55 to$ 77, but without a hair wash it can range from $35 to $45.
Aside from hair and nail care, another great tool for purchasing clothes without the burden of a high price is the Stern Thrift Shop, a WhatsApp group where students can sell their clothes for a fair price. “The Stern Thrift Shop is a great way to make money but also buy clothes for a cheaper price, so I will always check the chat first to see if I can first find more affordable pieces,” Noyah Misaghi (SCW ‘28) told the YU Observer.
Students of YUs Beren campus turned a challenging increased pricing situation into an opportunity. A promising silver lining: affordable options and the chance to turn their passion into a business venture that can thrive beyond college.
Photo Caption: A student nail business in the Brookdale Lounge
Photo Credit: Sophia Madeb