Economic Opportunity Arises with School Supplies Spending
On September 1st, millions of students will return to classrooms for the 2025-2026 school year. The spending on school supplies, uniforms, and related items is expected to generate a $125 million peso economic impact, according to Concanaco Servytur.
This economic spillover benefits large chains and SMEs selling school supplies, as well as providing an opportunity for female entrepreneurs who have found a source of income and creative space through customized school products.
Microentrepreneurs: Mothers, Teachers, and Students
These microentrepreneurs are typically mothers, teachers, and students who leverage digital tools and social media to transform the back-to-school season into a business opportunity.
“As August approaches, social media communities showcase custom-made planners, unique school labels, organizing stickers, and backpacks adorned with personal images and ideas,” says Yanelly Reyes Sánchez, director of Cricut Latam communities.
From Hobby to Business
What was once a hobby in crafts has become an economic driver. According to the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (Inegi), over 60% of women who start businesses in Mexico do so from home, many engaged in artisanal or creative paper production.
The arrival of accessible technologies has lowered entry barriers: now it’s possible to design, cut, and print from home without industrial machinery or significant investments.
This shift coincides with evolving consumer habits. Millennial parents and Generation Z youngsters increasingly value personalization over generic items. According to Statista, searches for “personalized school supplies” have grown by 180% in Latin America between June and August 2024, reflecting a trend connecting with the desire to acquire unique and distinctive products.
Top-Selling Items
Among the most sought-after items are customized school planners, combining calendars, task lists, motivational quotes, and tailored designs for each student. Personalized school labels and eye-catching, practical stickers have also gained popularity as organizers and reminders for exams or crucial deadlines.
“For many of our users, the back-to-school period is one of the most important times of the year. We’ve seen microentrepreneurs increase sales by up to 40% due to high demand for customized products and their ability to quickly deliver unique designs,” Reyes Sánchez notes.
A Growing Phenomenon
This DIY (Do It Yourself) boom demonstrates how creativity, combined with digital tools, can turn into a profitable and scalable business. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have served as showcases for these creators, connecting them with customers beyond their immediate community.
For families, purchasing personalized products adds a unique touch to the school experience. Meanwhile, for entrepreneurs, it’s an opportunity to turn ideas into income, build customer loyalty, and establish a presence in a market that increasingly values authenticity.
The back-to-school season not only drives mass consumption but also serves as a platform for those who bet on handmade, functional, and original items. An example of how small enterprises can participate in strategic commercial periods and compete with major market players.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving the growth in female entrepreneurship during the back-to-school season? The increasing demand for personalized school supplies, made possible by accessible digital tools, has created an opportunity for women to start businesses from home.
- Why are customized school products popular? Millennial and Generation Z consumers prioritize personalization, seeking unique items that reflect their individuality.
- What types of customized school products are in high demand? Customized planners, personalized labels, and organizing stickers are popular choices among students and parents.
- How do digital tools support female entrepreneurs in this sector? Accessible technology enables design, cutting, and printing from home without requiring industrial machinery or significant investments.
- What platforms have helped these entrepreneurs reach their customers? Social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram have served as showcases, connecting creators with a broader audience.
