For most students, after school includes sports, hanging out with friends, or working. For OH junior Hailey Suazo, however, after school includes time baking, decorating, and working with florals.
Suazo started her business, Ribbons and Delights, in Feb. 2025 when she took her hobby to the next level by making an Instagram account to showcase her talent. Suazo said, “I’ve always been baking and selling, but I started the Ribbon Delights business because one of my friends wanted me to make a bouquet for them, and I just thought it was fun.”
Running a business like this in high school can raise its challenges, such as “time management, because I usually start baking late or start the order late,” Suazo said.
It can be hard to find time to keep up with demand while still being in school and having other day-to-day activities.
While store-bought cookies are more popular, OH junior Yamileth Martinez explained that “The process that goes into it and the time she takes out of her schedule making these cookies for everyone.”
Other than the year round cookies Suazo sells, she also sells seasonal treats during holidays such as halloween and christmas. In the past few weeks, some fun fall treats have been introduced.
Suazo spends time making sure each cookie is perfectly decorated and tastes just as good as it looks. Martinez said, “I really like her smores cookie,” and “People are always excited to buy from her, so I feel like her business has grown a lot.
Along with baking and decorating the cookies, Suazo’s business has skyrocketed these past two months. Martinez said, “She really puts a lot of effort into making them and decorating them… She has a lot of customers, and she always ends up running out of cookies.” Suazo has had to take extra time to make sure she has enough cookies for the high amount of demand she has experienced.
Suazo also makes sure that her customers feel appreciated and take their feedback into account. Martinez said, “She gives out cookie care cards to people who buy from her.” These cards include how to keep your cookies fresh for longer and instructions for heating them up.
Along with the main highlight of her business being cookies, Suazo also offers bouquet arrangements. These range from different colors and sizes. You can find Suazo on her Instagram account, ‘ribbondelights’
Hi! My name is Ainslee Gerardot and I'm a junior at Oswego High School. This is my first year of the 42Fifty staff, and I am proud to serve as Social Media Editor. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication!
