This Star Student From Edison Is A Social Entrepreneur

EDISON, NJ — Star Students are found in classrooms, on concert and theater stages and at debate lecterns, and out in the community doing good things to make life better for all of us.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize Star Students, and we’re working to tell the stories of these outstanding kids to their neighbors.

This submission comes from Burcak who nominated Lara, from 11th grade in Edison. Burcak is Lara's mom and says the student takes her responsibilities very seriously, despite a hectic school day.

Star local student’s name

Lara

Star local student’s home state

New Jersey

How do you know the star local student?

She is my daughter.

Why do you believe the star local student should be recognized?

In the summer of 2017, Lara turned her love of making slime, which is a gooey substance that functions like a stress ball, into a business and founded Puppi Slimes to revolutionize the way mental health is perceived. Lara is a 16-year-old young entrepreneur who strives to make sure that her slimes provide the opportunity to relax, increase focus, and become mentally aware because she is an avid believer that mental wellness is just as important as physical wellness and must be treated as such.
Since its inception in 2017, Puppi Slimes has sold over 5,000 units on all platforms (digitally and in-person). Most transactions are made through the Puppi Slimes Etsy shop on which Lara ships to 42 countries.
From 2018 to 2022, Lara has represented Puppi Slimes by attending dozens of slime conventions across the east coast in the states of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Connecticut, and Maryland. At such conventions, she has sold her slimes, offered live slime-making demonstrations as well as workshops, and donated proceeds to various non-profit organizations.
Through Puppi Slimes, Lara has launched an initiative entitled “Slimes Helping Minds” with aims of channeling profits towards Bring Change 2 Mind, which is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to encouraging dialogue about mental health, raising awareness, understanding, and empathy to end the stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
She aspires to continue her efforts to help small businesses in her local community that have been hit hard by the pandemic. Her national impact has been made possible by directing proceeds toward several causes, such as the ASPCA, the American Heart Association, and St. Jude Hospital. On a global scale, Lara is currently donating a portion of proceeds to the World Central Kitchen to help feed communities impacted by natural disasters and during a prolonged humanitarian crisis.
Today, with Lara’s leadership, Puppi Slimes is proud to be a social entrepreneurial entity that gives back to the community at large. Through her Instagram account, she is able to reach more than 15,000 people.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the star local student?

Despite her young age, Lara takes every responsibility very seriously; however, she always knows how to have a good laugh! Even during a very hectic week filled with school and work commitments, she can be found making a little joke to brighten everyone's day around her.

Congratulations on your achievements, and all of our best wishes to you in the future, Lara.

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Know an outstanding student? Nominate them here.