Creator TESTIMONIALS

“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. Looking ahead, I hope to gain knowledge from the Student-Made program about the numerous components of starting and running a business, such as concepts, marketing, and financial management.”

“What drew me to Student-Made is the community — being surrounded by people who want to help each other grow. Creatives are naturally generous, and Student-Made embodies that collective spirit. It’s a space where everyone has a voice and the opportunity to rise together. My goal in the program is to uplift other creatives, give them space to grow their businesses, and foster a community that’s inclusive and culturally competent.”

“It’s been amazing to get to be involved in ‘Market Wednesdays’ and just promote my business. The Student-Made staff are such kind souls who are really just hoping for the success of our businesses– wanting to help however they can. I just love how much they supported my vision, and I cannot wait to continue working with Student-Made this last school year.”

“Student-Made has inspired me in so many ways, not only to continue making my creations as well as come up with new ones, but it has helped me either gain or improve useful professional skills such as time management and organization skills.”

“Throughout my entrepreneurial journey I have lacked a peer network of fellow entrepreneurs and students so when the opportunity to join Student-Made arose I knew I had to partake. Through selling in the markets I want to expand my distribution campus wide and share my products with more students not just on MSU’s campus but on campuses across the nation.”

“Having Student-Made on campus has helped me to define the various different markets 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. For example, what I sell on campus would be very different from what I’d make for galleries. ”

"I desperately wanted to sell my products and grow my brand, but I was overwhelmed with figuring out marketing, finances, shipping, and sales myself. Student-Made took care of all of that which made it easier for me to design new products and improve my quality."

“My sole promotional avenue was through Instagram, and it became increasingly apparent that to advance my business, I needed to explore additional avenues. This is one of the reasons I joined Student Made. The pop-up events, in particular, have proven to be a dynamic and effective means of not only growing my business but also encouraging meaningful connections with other Student-Made members and customers.”

“The main source of inspiration for me to pursue a business venture was Student-Made. I realized a Limited Liability Company would not only help me organize my taxes, but create a platform for me to share my work with the Marquette community. I hope being a business owner can help me organize my LLC and maintain a professional outlook to the real world. Student-Made has given me a platform to bounce around ideas and practice my business skills.”

"I have loved my time working with Student-Made. Working with them has helped me grow so much as a small business owner and a brand. They helped facilitate new ideas, confidence in my business, and a wonderful community of other student entrepreneurs. Being a part of Student-Made has opened up a lot of opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to manage on my own!"

“One of the biggest struggles I have faced is balancing my time between life, school, and business. I wish there were more hours in the day so I had that extra time to fulfill orders quicker and to have more time to create new designs and ideas. Which is one reason why I am extremely thankful for the Student-Made community. This organization is making a difference in our journeys, they are so FOR us! They want to help in whatever way they can! I can’t wait to continue to make new friends and grow my business with the help of Student-Made!”

"Before I joined Student-Made at UNC, I mostly knitted hats and other items for myself, or to give as gifts to family and friends. I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I never really thought that I’d be good enough to sell my knitted items. Student-Made has given me so much confidence in my abilities, as I sold several hats as soon as the site launched at the beginning of November! It’s also been great getting to know other student artists and entrepreneurs— we have our own little community that is incredibly supportive, as well as fun!"

"Being in Student-Made has helped me be more intentional about what I create. I try to make products that will sell well or appeal to a variety of people, even if what I'm making may not appeal to me as much. That's a good thing because I end up making things I love that I never would've considered making before. I've found a much larger audience than I had previously, and I've learned how to market my products and put myself out there more effectively."

“Student-Made has been such a positive influence on the art community at NC State by allowing creatives and young entrepreneurs to have an opportunity to sell their products. And along with that, feel an accomplishment toward something we are very passionate about!”

“Since becoming a part of Student Made, I have been able to become a much more effective student! The minute I have any free time, I am doing assignments for a few days out. This is because I am so excited to create new pieces to add to the Student Made collections! I do all my assignments early to give myself extra time to dedicate to Student Made!”

“After joining Student-Made, I was continuously inspired by everyone at JMU, as well as the Student-Made community as whole. This community is filled with so much talent and support, it is hard not to be amazed by everyone around you. I was so encouraged by all the incredible creators, and even though I had no experience making anything of my own, I decided I wanted to create something I could be passionate about, too.”

“The pop-up events have been an amazing way to get myself out there. Being able to talk to other students face to face has been really fun, and it makes me really happy to see their expressions when they see my work. It gives me hope and the courage to keep working at this!”

“I love making things on my own, but wanted to expand to selling my creations. Student Made offered an amazing opportunity to also meet student creators interested in doing the same!”

“Through my role in Student-Made I have learned what it means to be a leader, effective communicator, and a strategic artist. I think these traits will help me continue to improve my artistic skills as well as my leadership skills throughout my life!”

“I have made 3x the profit from being a part of Student-Made for two weeks than I did being on Etsy for almost four months, because their listing renewal/seller/commission fees are so high. I could not ask for a better group of loving friends and respectable business owners than those I have met through Student-Made. Their creativity bolsters my own, and the community makes me feel welcome.

“I found Student-Made on Instagram last school year and I immediately hit the follow button. Being able to have a space for NC State students to work together and promote each other’s businesses is truly amazing. I’m excited to continue finding community within Student-Made and utilize their resources to better my business and my products.”