Student-Made pops out
Trojans got a chance to check out some student creators’ wares last Thursday during Student-Made Troy’s pop-up table.
Student-Made is an organization which aims to support students in growing their own small businesses, providing them with real-world experience while still in school. The organization partners with various different colleges across the nation – from Maryland’s Loyola University all the way to the University of Arizona.
“Today we have a pop-up here in the Trojan Center, and it’s just for us to showcase our products and sell things, but it’s also a great way to branch out and communicate with others,” said Griffin Earles, a senior graphic design major from Troy, Alabama. “A lot of people come by just to look and browse, but it works really well for getting engagement and for getting people to learn about Student-Made, because a lot of people don’t even know that it’s a thing here.”
From bags to bracelets and even bouquets, student creators gave others a variety of options to shop for.
For the creators, the timing of the pop-up was important – with the new semester and football season in full swing, the pop-up gave student creators the chance to get exposure for their products and businesses.
“During this time, we’re really launching Student-Made as a whole, but also still making sure we pay attention to each individual creator in showcasing their individual products,” Earles said. “Especially right now with football starting up, a lot of people want to come and get new outfits and things like that.”
Student-Made welcomes any student creator to take part in their program and sell their creations and wares.
For Arianna Guzman, a sophomore global business major from Albertville, Alabama, Student-Made has helped her further herself in her field of study and given her an edge before finishing her degree.
“It has definitely made me grow, especially in developing skills as an entrepreneur, whether it’s financial, keeping track of inventory, being more responsible, bringing new ideas [or] just working together as a team,” Guzman said.
One common topic among creators with Student-Made is the importance of putting themselves out there and sticking by their products and marketing.
“The hardest part of the whole process is just starting it,” Earles said. “That’s the hardest thing – you just have to make yourself do it.
“Once you get over that point it’s really easy.”
Those interested in shopping with Student-Made Troy can find their physical storefront downtown inside the Idea Bank. They are open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those interested in getting involved with Student-Made Troy can apply online at studentmadetroy.com/join-student-made.
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