Calabasas High School sophomore Samuel Ilanjian has successfully turned a hobby into a full business, running Samo’s Cuts out of Woodland Hills, as well as managing several online businesses.
“I run a barbershop in Woodland Hills,” Ilanjian said. “Basically, I accommodate other students’ needs, help them with their hair, and give them confidence.”
Ilanjian charges $25 for a standard haircut, with beard work costing an additional $5. He also offers hot towel shaves and designs.
“Per day, it ranges. I wouldn’t give a definite number, but I would say it’s around one to three clients,” said Ilanjian. “I work Monday through Friday with set hours and on Saturday and Sunday I work the whole day.”
In addition to barbering, Ilanjian runs an online business building websites for local companies.
“If they don’t have a website, I reach out and offer to build one,” Ilanjian said. “Usually $200-$300 upfront, plus $100 a month to keep it running.”
He currently manages four or five websites and hopes to expand by creating social media pages for that business, but balancing both businesses with school has been a challenge.
“Last year my time management was bad, but this year I’ve gotten better,” said Ilanjian.
Ilanjian’s daily routine begins with a 5 a.m. gym session that lasts until 7. He then heads to school, finishing classes around 2:30 p.m., afterward spending about an hour at the library doing homework. At 4:30 p.m., he starts seeing clients for haircuts. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, he also goes to judo practice in the evening.
“Judo teaches me discipline and self-control, which I apply to daily life. It also builds physical strength and mental clarity,” said Ilanjian.
He usually ends his day around 10 or 11 at night.
With a long-term goal to become a doctor, Ilanjian says his businesses help him support his community and gain valuable experience.
“I strive to be financially independent at a young age instead of waiting until after college,” said Ilanjian.
While many students wait until after college to become financially independent, Ilanjian focuses on this goal at a young age, to get ahead of the curve.