Joys of Creation + Curation: Getting to Love the Process Behind Our Business, Feat. Our Top Student Brands from JMU, Winthrop

Blooming from Nine to Nineteen: Memorable Celebrations + Mexican Family Values Define the Mission of Ari's Designs, Feat. Troy's Arianna Guzman

🎙️ Episode Description:  Journey with us from young creative in Alabama to full-time college student managing a thriving event planning business, Ari’s Designs. A Mexican immigrant’s family background, cultural values, and passion for memorable family experiences are the basis of this venture. Stick with us for Ari’s future ambitions, including expanding into global markets and owning her own venue one day. 🔑 Key Takeaways + Chapters * Passion and love for the work are key motivators for success. * Balancing education and business is possible with good time management * Building a brand that reflects cultural values can create a unique market position * Global sourcing and supply chain are vital for scaling a creative business 04:41 Arianna's Background and Family Influence 09:39 The Birth of Ari’s Designs 14:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs 18:24 Navigating College and Business Ownership 24:45 The Impact of Troy University on Business Growth 25:44 Empowering Student Entrepreneurs 28:17 The Meaning of Community in Business 31:40 Supporting Fellow Creators 32:51 The Role of a Retail Manager 37:31 Lessons Learned in Business 45:41 Building for the Future 48:15 Finding Inspiration and Motivation 53:13 Navigating Burnout and Health 57:20 The Importance of Balance in Entrepreneurship 01:00:24 Ari's Designs: Vision for the Future 01:07:07 Memorable Moments in Event Planning 📱 Instagram: @studentmade_troy [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_troy/] @arisdesigns [https://www.instagram.com/arisdesignsssss/] @ Student-Made Store [https://www.instagram.com/studentmadestore/?hl=en] @Making it Creative Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makingitcreative_podcast/]  📖 Read: Ari's Creator Story [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories/creator-story-arianna-guzman] 📺 Watch: Follow On Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@studentmadestore] 🎧 Relevant Episodes: Stickers, Strategy, School Spirit: Shop Julia Kelly is Accessorizing JMU’s Gamedays [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4fEVe6hvcgbjE2Zq0sFA36?si=7IcvTItQRHKNUS1AcFG5aA] Trash to Trends: Threefold Vintage Spawns from Finding a 70's Big Bird on the Street, Feat. OkState's Trey O'Toole [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yx0ddqBsEO7WV5YpnmKAM?si=WCx_8JiCT7qCerXPq2LLdw] 🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:  Troy U IDEA Bank [https://www.troy.edu/community-outreach/idea-bank/index.html] 🤔 Other Shoutouts Good Life Project Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/4QnAKEVl78qrvRokw3zy9H?si=ddfb53a62ce64848]

Bringing Your Fans into Your Creative Biz: Shaping Brand Voice, Doing Customs, Inviting Feedback, Featuring This Month's Top Brands from Mich State, Mizzou, UofSC

🎙️ Episode Description:  Welcome to our May Top Brands episode, (the last of season 6), where we explore the journeys of three innovative student entrepreneurs from Michigan State University, the University of Missouri, and the University of South Carolina. Discover their brand stories, social media strategies, and plans for future growth as they share valuable insights for aspiring creators. Key Topics: * Brand authenticity and community building * Social media content strategy and brand voice * Product development and manufacturing process * Balancing multiple businesses and time management * Future plans and scaling strategies Chapters: 05:36 Building a Brand: Kataira's Journey 08:42 Social Media Strategy and Customer Engagement 11:44 Visual Branding and Professionalism 14:40 Kora Lyon and Her Dual Brands 17:35 The Joy Journal and Creative Collaboration 32:43 Exploring Print Options and Customization 33:51 Showcasing Multiple Brands and Products 35:59 Introducing Caitlin Melton and Her Entrepreneurial Journey 37:12 The Evolution of Caitlin Creates 42:42 Launching Whisk Takers: A New Venture 47:20 Feedback and Public Interaction in Business 53:16 Future Aspirations and Brand Growth 01:02:37 Signature Moments: Defining Brand Identity 01:06:10 Community Engagement and Brand Representation 01:07:50 Creative Journeys: Personal Stories Behind Brands 01:12:43 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors 📱 Instagram: @shopbccosmetics [https://www.instagram.com/shopbccosmetics/] @kindlykora [https://www.instagram.com/kindlykora/] @madebyinjoy [https://www.instagram.com/madebyinjoy/] @caitlyncreates.sc [https://www.instagram.com/caitlyncreates.sc/] @whisk.takers.sc [https://www.instagram.com/whisk.takers.sc/] @Student-Made Michigan State [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_michiganstate/?hl=en] @Student-Made Missouri [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_mizzou/?hl=en] @Student-Made USC [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_usc/?hl=en] Read April Top Brands Blog [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories/our-april-2026-top-brands] 🎧 Listen to Relevant Episodes:  Our April 2026 Top Brands [https://open.spotify.com/episode/6gqQ7Mt7vWnhHFIf9M4MG7?si=jRAM4Y_LSDGUG7h83ZTCTA] 🏛️ Join Us! Launch on Your Campus [https://www.studentmadestore.com/launch]  🙏🏼 Thanks to Our Awesome Partners:  MSU Burgess Institute [https://entrepreneurship.msu.edu/] Trulaske Center For Entrepreneurship [https://www.studentmademizzou.com/our-mission] USC McNair Institute [https://sc.edu/about/centers_institutes/mcnair_institute/] Our Campuses [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses] 🌟 Other Shoutouts Soda City Market Columbia, SC [https://www.instagram.com/sodacitysc/] Get on a NYC Times Square Billboard! [https://timessquarebillboard.com/]

4 Ways to Make the Most of Limited Time With Your Business or Creative Hobby, Feat. Student-Made Co-Founder Lindsay

🎙️ Episode Description:  Student-Made Co-Founders, Lindsay and Ryan explore actionable tips for maximizing productivity during tight deadlines, whether in business or life. From clarifying priorities to enjoying the journey, they emphasize strategies to maintain focus and fulfillment when time is scarce. 🔑 Key Topics + Chapters: * The importance of getting clear on what truly matters to avoid overwhelm * Recognizing and avoiding the busy mindset that hampers productivity * The value of finishing what you start to build confidence and momentum * How to enjoy the hustle and find satisfaction in your daily progress * The significance of balancing urgency with intentionality, avoiding frantic rushes or retreat * The benefits of closing loops on projects to foster growth and reflection * How to leverage limited time for meaningful impact, including in student entrepreneurship and organizational growth * The mindset shift needed when approaching final moments—embracing chaos while finding joy in the process (02:05) Making the most of limited time in business and life contexts (03:00) Lindsay’s letter: How pressure influences our actions (05:04) Get clear on what actually matters and prioritize high-impact tasks (06:44) Sports analogy: the psychology of focusing when time runs out (09:28) The ripple effect: focusing on one impactful task to move many things forward (11:14) Avoiding the trap of responding to everything and focusing proactively (12:34) Managing email overload and maintaining productivity (14:16) The mindset shift: working smarter in the last weeks of the semester or year (17:36) The importance of middle ground—balancing grand ideas with achievable steps (22:13) Balancing focus and flexibility without defaulting to busy or frozen states (25:37) The pitfalls of frantic rushing: doing the wrong tasks under pressure (28:00) Composure and focus, exemplified by football’s game-winning drives (37:45) Finishing what you started: the power of closing loops (41:16) The importance of celebrating completed projects to foster confidence (44:10) Growing organizational projects and adding new initiatives responsibly (50:02) Maintaining ongoing systems for effective communication and engagement (56:25) The challenge of adding new ideas without sacrificing sustainability (58:45) Embracing chaos and enjoying the final push of a project or year (63:19) Leverage the chaos to find joy and gratitude in the process (65:49) The philosophical view: The journey is the only thing that truly exists (66:47) Reflecting on intense periods of travel and growth as opportunities (71:21) Accepting seasonal fluctuations—slow and busy times alike 📱 Instagram: Student-Made Store [https://www.instagram.com/studentmadestore/?hl=en] Making it Creative Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makingitcreative_podcast/] 👩🏽‍💻 Shop: ⁠Our Campuses [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses] 📖 Read: Lindsay's April Letter [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories/4-ways-to-make-the-final-push-count] 🎧 Relevant Episodes: 5 Ways to Reset Your Creative Business for Spring [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5fcLbaj2xTj0wyS9YWEUMS?si=xVyS0mhYTKGDzwZiYa6ioQ] 4 Reasons to Love Being an Entrepreneur [https://open.spotify.com/episode/0b41VXfTCd9KPIK0HDYLOy?si=9wFWdzeRSdCGEBwHwQ8jmw] 📺 Watch: Follow On Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@studentmadestore] 🏛️ Join Us! Launch on Your Campus [https://www.studentmadestore.com/launch]  🙏🏼 Thanks to Our awesome Partners:  Our Campuses [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses] 🌟Other Shoutouts Whisk Takers Cookies! [https://www.instagram.com/whisk.takers.sc/] Gentle Soul Tea Blends [https://www.instagram.com/gentlesoul_blends/]

Stickers, Strategy, School Spirit: Shop Julia Kelly is Accessorizing JMU’s Gamedays

🎙️ Episode Description:  Julia Kelly, a junior marketing major and founder of Shop Julia Kelly shares her entrepreneurial journey from high school slime sales to building a thriving  business around JMU school spirit– from stickers to buttons and anything else to accessorize your gameday experience. Stick around to hear her post-grad plans to eventually go full-time into the next phase of her business. 🌟 Key Topics + Chapters Julia Kelly's entrepreneurial journey from high school to college The role of community and campus markets in business growth Strategies for social media marketing and product photography The importance of adaptability and rebranding for long-term success 02:29 Julia's Early Entrepreneurial Spirit 08:33 Transitioning to College and Business Challenges 11:32 Finding Community at JMU 14:33 Product Development and Market Adaptation 17:23 Sales Strategies and Customer Engagement 20:22 The Role of Social Media in Business Growth 23:11 Balancing Business and Academic Life 25:58 Inspiration from Fellow Creators 29:04 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations 45:24 Adaptability and Sustainability in Business 48:05 Reflections on College Life and Growth 📱 Instagram: @studentmade_jmu [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_jamesmadison/] @shopjuliakelly [https://www.instagram.com/shopjuliakelly/] @ Student-Made Store [https://www.instagram.com/studentmadestore/?hl=en] @Making it Creative Podcast [https://www.instagram.com/makingitcreative_podcast/]  🛍️ Shop: Student-Made JMU [https://www.studentmadejmu.com/]  Shop Julia Kelly [https://www.studentmadejmu.com/shop?tag=Julia%20Kelly] All Campus Shops [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses] 📖 Read: Julia's Story [https://www.studentmadestore.com/stories/creator-story-julia-kelly] 📺 Watch: Follow On Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@studentmadestore] 🎧 Relevant Episodes: Trey's OkState Episode⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/episode/4yx0ddqBsEO7WV5YpnmKAM?si=hqQaPSaEQe-zH4NH5ae2SQ] 🏛️ Join Us: ⁠Launch on Your Campus [https://www.studentmadestore.com/launch]  Apply to Be a Creator! [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses] 🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:  Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship [https://www.jmu.edu/cob/centers/center-for-entrepreneurship/index.shtml] 🤔 Other Shoutouts JMU Young Life [https://www.instagram.com/jmuyounglife/] Riles Design Co. [https://www.instagram.com/rilesdesignsco/]

Joys of Creation + Curation: Getting to Love the Process Behind Our Business, Feat. Our Top Student Brands from JMU, Winthrop

🎙️ Episode Description:  Welcome to our April edition of “Our Top Student Brands,” hosted by Student-Made’s Digital Marketing Strategist, Liz, who breaks down why she chose these 2 student brands who have each shown a big key to success in creating buzz for their young brand. Our campuses featured today are JMU and Winthrop.  🤔 Takeaways: Brynn's entrepreneurial journey began with a simple idea: using seashells to create beautiful accessories and home decor. She personally collects shells from beaches, which adds a personal touch to each piece. "Collecting the shells is the part I enjoy the most. It’s what makes my brand unique.". This hands-on approach not only sets her apart but also allows her customers to connect with the story behind each product. Landon's journey into entrepreneurship began with a love for vintage fashion. He enjoys the thrill of hunting for treasures in thrift stores and garage sales. "I go out and try to find some fast, old stuff for cheap. It’s exciting to discover hidden gems that others might overlook." 📱 Instagram: shells.by.brynn [https://www.instagram.com/shells.by.brynn/] landolakesvntg [https://www.instagram.com/landolakesvntg/?__d=1] @Student-Made JMU [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_jamesmadison/] @Student-Made Rock Hill [https://www.instagram.com/studentmade_rockhill/] 👩🏽‍💻 Shop: This Month’s Top Products [https://www.studentmadestore.com/this-months-top-products] Shells by Brynn [https://www.studentmadejmu.com/shop?tag=Brynn%20Lepow] LandoLakes Vintage [https://www.studentmaderockhill.com/products?tag=Landon%20Lucero] 📺 Watch: ⁠Follow On Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/@studentmadestore] 🎧 Listen to Relevant Episodes:  Our January 2026 Top Brands [https://open.spotify.com/episode/5xLTAtrXX11wFOMBUiumwp?si=4yDud720S2eOtuirr5Zzxw] 🏛️ Join Us! Launch on Your Campus [https://www.studentmadestore.com/launch]  🙏🏼 Thanks to Our Awesome Partners:  JMU Gilliam Center Winthrop College of Business + Rock Hill Economic Development Our Campuses [https://www.studentmadestore.com/campuses]