Posted on February 10, 2021; Updated: February 10, 2021
By Jason Dermack, [email protected]
Student artists at the University of South Carolina are combining their creativity with business intelligence to earn money for themselves and their favorite charities. We spoke with three of these talented “manufacturers” to see how they started and what they are doing with their new source of income.
Emily Martin
“I have always been an initiative of my own. So when I wanted to start and license my own company, it was not a shock to many. I wanted a jewelry store that would satisfy my wishes and, when I couldn’t find one, I created www.fivesaintjewelry.com. “
“I self-taught different aspects of business and property principles, from SEO and coding techniques to wholesale purchases and taxes, and everything in between.
“Donating to a community I know very well is by far the most rewarding part of that effort. I donate a portion of each sale to To Write Love On Her Arms, which is dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-harm and suicide. ”
“The growth from creation for my friends and family to creation for other markets, such as the Student Made Store, until the creation of wholesale for boutiques, was beyond humiliating.
“At the moment, all of my designs are handmade, but I just finished designing and rendering my first line of manufactured rings in 3D. Through various conversations with CAD designers, casters, ethical stone sources and jewelry manufacturers, I am inspired by the future of Five Saint as we deconstruct the traditional model of jewelry through ethical and direct sales to the consumer. ”
Summer Rogers
“I started painting at school and making pieces for family and friends on request. As I made more and more pieces, I was encouraged to start selling some of my art after recently returning from a missionary trip to Haiti as a way to pay for my return trip after falling in love with the children there.
“My inspiration comes from the opportunity to come back and serve the children at the Cambry Orphanage in southern Haiti. Because of Summer Doodles, I have managed to fund the last three of my four trips and I am looking forward to returning. I am able to fund my trip, I love having the opportunity to do more in my community here at home. I think it’s so special to serve others. ”
“My favorite pieces to paint include pop art pets, college pieces and anything with calligraphy. I believe that the most powerful thing I can do with my art is to capture the highlights in people’s lives – be it a beloved pet, a special place or memories of birthdays, graduations, weddings and more. ”
“I love that my experience as a student and longtime Gamecock fan has shaped my favorite work of art and shows the culmination of months and months of dream, creativity and incredibly tedious work. The result is Willy B, a 30 x 40 canvas that I will always keep in my memory as a Gamecock. ”
“Running a one-woman business as a full-time university student has been a great responsibility and a treasure. My art has allowed me to meet and connect with people across the country and find countless customers who come back for more Doodles for different life events. He is certainly sweet as an artist who can be trusted to celebrate life’s great moments. ”
Allison Lambert
“I started to embroider out of curiosity during high school. At the time, I worked in a craft supply store and was always trying new things. Something about the embroidery just caught on.
“I only turned my hobby into a business years later, in college. The first time I sold my embroidery, I sold a piece I had worked on for hours for a friend for just $ 5.
“At the time, I couldn’t believe that someone wanted to have something I had done, much less pay me for it.
“The growth of my business through my Instagram, Etsy and Student Made Store really taught me how to see the value in what I create. It still feels like Christmas every time I get an order, but now I know it’s worth it.
“I love embroidery because it is unique. I love how you can see every stitch on the fabric. It is also incredibly versatile and customizable.
“Working on custom order designs is one of my favorite parts of running my business. I am happy to think about the rings I created hanging in people’s homes. ”
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Topics: Students, Entrepreneurship