In Season 5 Episode 7 of the Idea Vault Podcast, we're doing something a little different. This special episode features an installment of the Student-Made Store's podcast, Making It Creative, where Student-Made Store co-founder Ryan McElhinney sits down with student entrepreneur Arianna Guzman, founder of ArisDesigns, to discuss her journey as both a business owner and student leader.

From organizing products, managing inventory, and creating welcoming displays as Student-Made Troy's Retail Store Manager to building a growing event decorating business inspired by her family's Mexican heritage, Arianna shares how creativity, culture, and entrepreneurship have shaped her path. The conversation explores balancing college and business ownership, building a brand rooted in meaningful experiences, and learning the skills necessary to grow a venture while pursuing a degree.

The episode also highlights Arianna's experience supporting fellow student entrepreneurs through Student-Made Troy and how that role helped prepare her for the next chapter of her entrepreneurial journey. Looking ahead, she shares her ambitions for expanding ArisDesigns, sourcing products on a larger scale, entering new markets, and ultimately owning her own event venue. This episode offers an inspiring look at leadership, perseverance, and the power of turning passion into opportunity while showcasing the entrepreneurial talent being developed through the Student-Made community.

Interested in gaining hands-on retail, merchandising, and entrepreneurship experience? Applications for Student-Made Troy's next Retail Store Manager are now open. Shop Ari's Designs and follow Arianna's journey as she steps into her new role as Student-Made Troy's Events & Partnerships Manager.

Apply to Student-Made Troy:

Student-Made Troy Manager Applications

Student-Made Troy Creator Positions

Connect with Student-Made Store:

Making It Creative Podcast

Read About ArisDesigns-Creator Story

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https://ideabank.podbean.com/

www.troy.edu/ideabank

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In Season 5, Episode 6 of the Idea Vault Podcast, the IDEA Bank team sits down with L.C. May, the driving force behind Clyde May's Whiskey and Conecuh Ridge Distillery, for a conversation rooted in heritage, entrepreneurship, and Alabama history. From stories of the original Clyde May, a veteran awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, to the evolution of whiskey production in Alabama, L.C. shares how a once-illegal industry grew into one of the state’s most recognizable and respected brands.

The episode explores the realities of building a nationally recognized company while remaining grounded in family values and community impact. L.C. discusses the importance of reputation, the challenges of scaling a business across all 50 states, and why investing back into Alabama continues to matter most. With reflections on leadership, risk-taking, criticism, and believing fully in your vision, this episode delivers an authentic look at entrepreneurship through the lens of legacy, resilience, and Southern craftsmanship.

Connect with the Clyde May's Whiskey & Conecuh Ridge Distillery:

Clyde May's Instagram

Clyde May's Website

Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank:

https://ideabank.podbean.com/

www.troy.edu/ideabank

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In this episode, we sit down with business owner and singer-songwriter JB Roberts. JB is part owner of Moseley Industrial Supply Company and Lawrence/Ace Hardware here in Troy AL. As well as a father, husband, musician, and IDEA Bank member, JB talks about what it really looks like when your way isn’t working. He shares how learning to surrender, work under authority, and stay consistent through failure shaped both his businesses and his leadership. As he puts it, "work for someone else for several years. Learn what it’s like to have decisions made for you before making them for others, and learn how to be under authority before becoming the authority." From waking up early and doing the hard work to facing fear and trying again, this conversation highlights the foundation most young entrepreneurs skip.

We also get into building businesses that genuinely serve people, the importance of clear communication, and why humility is essential before stepping into leadership. This episode is especially for students and young leaders who want to grow the right way, not the fast way. Go stream his album More Than You Know and be on the lookout for his next album.

Connect with JB Roberts Music

Connect with the Idea Vault Podcast & IDEA Bank:

https://ideabank.podbean.com/

www.troy.edu/ideabank

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Idea Vault Podcast on Instagram

IDEA Bank on Facebook

IDEA Bank on Instagram