From ice cream floats to bannock, to even celebrity-inspired candles, Portage Collegiate Institute students have been working hard to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into actual businesses.

While the final showcase won't take place until May 24th, students have already gotten started by producing and selling their products.

Casin Hawkins, Taylor Webber, and Haley Klaassen have chosen to model their business around celebrity-scented candles. Celebrities receiving the candle treatment are Jack Harlow, Drake, Morgan Wallen, and Doja Cat. They'll accept requests as well, as they know not everyone will love those celebrities.

They talk about the hardest part of getting their business off the ground.

"Considering that we're students the money was really hard to get because supplies are expensive," explains Webber, "It's also just the time having to wait for your supplies. Marketing is also difficult because social media is so big, but it can be hard for businesses to grab on."

From an item that appeals to smell to one that appeals to taste, Ty Hogue and Jacob Kristof have started selling PCI Floats. The two stocked up on soda and ice cream and had their first sale last week. They're both very happy with the success they've seen so far.

They say while it's very rewarding, if they don't have everything they need for the sale, it can lead to some understandably upset customers.

"We're thinking of expanding our flavours and getting different ice creams," notes Kristof. "As well as whatever kind of pop there is out when we have surveys up on our Instagram page, which is PCI Floats."

Hogue goes on to explain that the business concept began as what they thought would be low-risk, low-reward, but since they've started selling, it's been much more high-reward than they anticipated.

Cecileigh Daniels also went the food route for her own business, deciding to make and sell bannock for her business. She mentions that when she was looking at what type of business to run, she wanted the emphasis to be on positivity.

"In my culture, it brings positivity and awareness," says Daniels. "So, when you cook it you need to have that positivity to feed everyone else, and I just thought we needed more than that."

She says she loves hearing positive feedback and getting to watch people enjoy her product.

All the students are excited to continue to grow and sell their products as they gear up for the final showcase.

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