The ability to make people entering a new community feel seen, heard, and welcomed is something incredibly powerful. Accommodating individuals of all backgrounds who have a diverse set of motivations, but bringing us all together with a common goal of being successful entrepreneurs, will be the most beneficial tool from this position. 

What initially geared me to take this next step with my artistry was the opportunity Student-Made presented. Prior to this, I was always hesitant to sell my artwork because most of the art I was making was with the intention of pleasing me and no one else, so I thought no one would find interest in it.

What I hope to take with me from this Student-Made community is the sense of connection and support that’s so crucial for creators. Being surrounded by people who are passionate about their crafts, and who are navigating their own unique journeys, has been inspiring.

‘Made for More’ is a Christian apparel brand that has my entire heart, soul, and testimony in it. It just felt so right. In the Jim Moran program at FSU, all of my professors say that coming up with an idea is the hardest part of starting a business. But if you either come up with a solution to a problem, or are coming from a place of passion, then you’ve got your idea.

One thing we have learned at Student-Made through these community voices is just how prepared and determined these young people are to make a major difference in the world… so watch out!

Being an entrepreneur for over half of my life I have always juggled being a student and working full time but being a part of Student-Made I have found amazing support and entrepreneurs I can relate to which has enriched my freshman year experience.

I have learned that success looks different for a lot of people and if you compare yourself to others and their businesses, you won’t be able to properly enjoy the wonders and experience of running a business and making art, which I believe every small business owner, no matter how big or small their business is, should be able to discover for themselves.

Having Student-Made on campus has helped me to define the various different markets out there for what I make. This has pushed me to further define my path in the future, and what I want my work to look like.

Being a part of Student-Made for only a semester has been extremely rewarding and I can’t wait to continue challenging myself and get involved more within the community.

The Student Made community continues to inspire me, and the people I’ve met along the way help me feel like my dream is within reach! I hope going forward, I can continue to learn more from other artists within this community, near and far!

I am extremely thankful for the Student-Made community. It’s awesome to be a part of a community doing the same thing you are! It’s a group of individuals going through many of the same struggles and the community shows me I’m not alone.

See how Josh’s photography business got its start during the pandemic, and how his unique lens has landed him amazing opportunities while at Marquette University.

“I went through a lot of changes in my four years at UVM. Those changes were all reflected in my art as I started to just create things that make me happy or remind me of things I love about myself.”

"I am an avid artist, writer, and community organizer. Taking all of my interests and experiences and mixing them with Student-Made has given me the opportunity to more consistently engage with my art-making practices while in school."

“I had to really sit with myself and understand that there is no clear road path. Obviously there have been thousands of successful artists, but every single one has done it differently So it’s just about learning how you can do it, and how you can get better at it every single day.”

“I no longer burden myself with producing work for the spectacle. Instead, I pour a bit of myself into everything I make in order to bring joy to my supporters, whom I do not chase nor beg for recognition. I revive old materials that would otherwise find themselves in a landfill. In essence, each of my customers receives a sculpture that adorns their body.”

“I have considered myself an artist for some years now, but it was not until I joined the Student-Made community, that I held a new sense of inspiration and excitement for the craft that I love!”