The flowers outside are not the only things blooming around Troy University. Student businesses are flourishing, and the IDEA Bank took action to expose the budding businesses to the community.
The Blooming Business Showcase is an annual spring student market held by Troy University’s IDEA Bank. The event allows students who have a product or service to sell their product and market their business.
“It’s a win-win because the community can find some unique stuff,” said Lynne George, director of the IDEA Bank. “Most things are handmade, and the students get the experience of setting up a table, selling their items, interacting with the public, being a sales and businessperson and learning what goes into selling a product.”
While community members and students browsed the students displays, they were able to sip on fresh lemonade and make connections with the business owners. In turn, the student entrepreneurs were able to gain valuable experience that will help their businesses flourish.
“It’s very important because this is one of the few programs we do that allows them to actually go and conduct a business,” George said. “They hopefully are making money at this event, but even more importantly than that, they are getting experience, they’re putting themselves out there, they’re answering questions from people about what they’re selling, they are figuring out their pricing.
“Theres so many small little things that go into participating in something like this. It’s a huge learning experience for some who is just starting out.”
Students in attendance sold everything from candles and posters to jewelry and clothing.
One entrepreneur from Jackson, Mississippi, sold scent-based products that was a huge hit among customers.
“I’ve always really liked making things, and the IDEA Bank gives us a good platform for young entrepreneurs, or just people in general affiliated with the university, to make, sell and market their products,” said Jameia Boone, a psychology graduate student and creator of J-Squared Workshops.
Boone’s display featured soy wax candles, wax melts and car diffusers. The candle titled ‘Georgia Peach’ was her most popular item.
Boone and other entrepreneurs, like Icie Wallace, said they learned invaluable information that they will continue to use in their business endeavors.
“I’ve learned from doing this that there are several different demographics that I sort of have to market towards, especially with college students,” said Wallace, a sophomore graphic design major from Sylacauga, Alabama.
Wallace is the creator of her graphic design business “TheWayIcieIt.”
“Not many college students keep a lot of cash on them, so things like stickers, prints and smaller items tend to do very well with them versus people who are looking for home décor or people who own houses or apartments that are looking for something more substantial,” Wallace said.
George said she hopes events like the Blooming Business Showcase will help entrepreneurs desire to stay in Troy and contribute to the growing business community.
“I hope that the community supports our young entrepreneurs,” George said. “Theres a ton of talent here in Troy and at the university, and I really just want to shout that from the rooftops and let the community come and see for themselves what we have to offer.
“I also hope that with students engaging with the community, it will encourage them to stay in Troy or stay local and be part of our growing economy and our growing business community.”
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