エピソード

  • Blooming from Nine to Nineteen: Memorable Celebrations + Mexican Family Values Define the Mission of Ari's Designs, Feat. Troy's Arianna Guzman
    2026/05/30

    🎙️ 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

    @arisdesigns

    @ Student-Made Store

    @Making it Creative Podcast

    📖 Read:

    Ari's Creator Story

    📺 Watch:

    Follow On Youtube

    🎧 Relevant Episodes:

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

    Trash to Trends: Threefold Vintage Spawns from Finding a 70's Big Bird on the Street, Feat. OkState's Trey O'Toole

    🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:

    Troy U IDEA Bank

    🤔 Other Shoutouts

    Good Life Project Podcast

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    59 分
  • 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
    2026/05/20
    🎙️ 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 buildingSocial media content strategy and brand voiceProduct development and manufacturing processBalancing multiple businesses and time managementFuture plans and scaling strategiesChapters:05:36 Building a Brand: Kataira's Journey08:42 Social Media Strategy and Customer Engagement11:44 Visual Branding and Professionalism14:40 Kora Lyon and Her Dual Brands17:35 The Joy Journal and Creative Collaboration32:43 Exploring Print Options and Customization33:51 Showcasing Multiple Brands and Products35:59 Introducing Caitlin Melton and Her Entrepreneurial Journey37:12 The Evolution of Caitlin Creates42:42 Launching Whisk Takers: A New Venture47:20 Feedback and Public Interaction in Business53:16 Future Aspirations and Brand Growth01:02:37 Signature Moments: Defining Brand Identity01:06:10 Community Engagement and Brand Representation01:07:50 Creative Journeys: Personal Stories Behind Brands01:12:43 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors📱 Instagram:@shopbccosmetics@kindlykora@madebyinjoy@caitlyncreates.sc@whisk.takers.sc@Student-Made Michigan State@Student-Made Missouri@Student-Made USCReadApril Top Brands Blog🎧 Listen to Relevant Episodes: Our April 2026 Top Brands🏛️ Join Us!Launch on Your Campus 🙏🏼 Thanks to Our Awesome Partners: MSU Burgess InstituteTrulaske Center For EntrepreneurshipUSC McNair InstituteOur Campuses🌟 Other ShoutoutsSoda City Market Columbia, SCGet on a NYC Times Square Billboard!
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    1 時間 12 分
  • 4 Ways to Make the Most of Limited Time With Your Business or Creative Hobby, Feat. Student-Made Co-Founder Lindsay
    2026/05/10
    🎙️ 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 overwhelmRecognizing and avoiding the busy mindset that hampers productivityThe value of finishing what you start to build confidence and momentumHow to enjoy the hustle and find satisfaction in your daily progressThe significance of balancing urgency with intentionality, avoiding frantic rushes or retreatThe benefits of closing loops on projects to foster growth and reflectionHow to leverage limited time for meaningful impact, including in student entrepreneurship and organizational growthThe 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 StoreMaking it Creative Podcast👩🏽‍💻 Shop:⁠Our Campuses📖 Read:Lindsay's April Letter🎧 Relevant Episodes:5 Ways to Reset Your Creative Business for Spring4 Reasons to Love Being an Entrepreneur📺 Watch:Follow On Youtube🏛️ Join Us!Launch on Your Campus 🙏🏼 Thanks to Our awesome Partners: Our Campuses🌟Other ShoutoutsWhisk Takers Cookies!Gentle Soul Tea Blends
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    1 時間 6 分
  • Stickers, Strategy, School Spirit: Shop Julia Kelly is Accessorizing JMU’s Gamedays
    2026/04/30

    🎙️ 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

    @shopjuliakelly

    @ Student-Made Store

    @Making it Creative Podcast


    🛍️ Shop:

    Student-Made JMU

    Shop Julia Kelly

    All Campus Shops


    📖 Read:

    Julia's Story


    📺 Watch:

    Follow On Youtube


    🎧 Relevant Episodes:

    Trey's OkState Episode⁠


    🏛️ Join Us:

    ⁠Launch on Your Campus

    Apply to Be a Creator!



    🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:

    Gilliam Center for Entrepreneurship

    🤔 Other Shoutouts

    JMU Young Life

    Riles Design Co.


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    51 分
  • Joys of Creation + Curation: Getting to Love the Process Behind Our Business, Feat. Our Top Student Brands from JMU, Winthrop
    2026/04/21

    🎙️ 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

    landolakesvntg

    @Student-Made JMU

    @Student-Made Rock Hill


    👩🏽‍💻 Shop:

    This Month’s Top Products

    Shells by Brynn

    LandoLakes Vintage


    📺 Watch:

    ⁠Follow On Youtube


    🎧 Listen to Relevant Episodes:

    Our January 2026 Top Brands


    🏛️ Join Us!

    Launch on Your Campus


    🙏🏼 Thanks to Our Awesome Partners:

    JMU Gilliam Center

    Winthrop College of Business + Rock Hill Economic Development

    Our Campuses


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    48 分
  • 5 Ways to Reset Your Creative Business for Spring– Starting With Your Workspace, Feat. Student-Made Co-Founder Lindsay
    2026/04/10

    🎙️ Episode Description:

    Hear from our co-founder Lindsay as she shares practical tips on how to reset your workspace and mindset for spring, emphasizing the importance of your environment for boosting creativity and productivity. Ryan and Lindsay discuss seasonal shifts, workspace organization, and inspiring visual cues to enhance your work life. In Student-Made we work mostly with creative founders making cool things… and your surroundings matter for what phase of your project you’re in at the time!

    💬 Takeaways + Chapters

    • Having your goals visible daily increases clarity and intentionality.

    • Visual cues like posters or a cork wall can keep you motivated.

    • Organized spaces reduce overwhelm and boost productivity.

    • Your workspace should reflect what excites you.

    • Align your space with your energy and goals.

    03:17 The Importance of Workspace Clarity

    11:01 Designing Your Workspace for Productivity

    17:05 Adapting Spaces for Different Tasks

    19:36 Creating an Inspiring Workspace

    22:57 Personal Inspirations and Motivational Displays

    27:35 Visual Resets for Goals

    31:20 Goal Setting and Tracking Strategies

    37:23 Navigating Digital Distractions

    50:37 Mindset and Work Environment

    📱 Instagram:

    Student-Made Store

    Making it Creative Podcast

    👩🏽‍💻 Shop:

    ⁠Our Campuses

    ASU Desert Themed Merch Collection

    App State Mountain Themed Merch Collection

    📖 Read:

    Lindsay's March Letter

    🎧 Relevant Episodes:

    Lindsay's February Episode: 4 Reasons to Love Being an Entrepreneur

    3 Ways to Avoid New Years Goal Burnout as an Entrepreneur

    📺 Watch:

    Follow On Youtube

    🏛️ Join Us!

    Launch on Your Campus

    🙏🏼 Thanks to Our awesome Partners:

    Our Campuses


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    52 分
  • Trash to Trends: Threefold Vintage Spawns from Finding a 70's Big Bird on the Street, Feat. OkState's Trey O'Toole
    2026/03/31

    🎙️ Episode Description:

    Join us for a fascinating convo with Trey O'Toole, a student entrepreneur from Oklahoma State University, who built a successful vintage clothing brand called Threefold Vintage. Hear how he started from trash pickup day in the neighborhood, leveraged his campus culture to define his brand, and mastered marketing to grow his business into a potential full-time venture.

    ✨ Highlights + Chapters:

    "Digging through trash led to my business"

    "Marketing and branding are key to growth"

    "That's roughly $87,000 in sales"

    02:07 Meet Trey O'Toole and His Vintage Brand

    04:03 Starting Out in Wiley, Texas and College Choices

    04:50 Discovering Vintage Clothing Through Trash Pickup

    07:05 Building Community and Networking in Vintage

    10:11 Applying Lessons from Trash to Business

    14:16 Connecting with Peers and Mentors

    19:06 Sourcing and Selling Vintage at Markets

    20:34 The Meaning Behind the Name 'Threefold Vintage'

    22:01 Campus Life and Business Culture at Oklahoma State

    23:26 The Impact of StudentMade on Business Growth

    24:32 Highlighting the 100 Piece Drop and Marketing Strategies

    28:31 Sales Volume and Revenue Insights

    30:50 Future Plans and Graduation Goals

    33:11 Strategies for Growth and Mentorship

    39:17 Signature Moment: The Vintage Find in the Trash

    📱 Instagram:

    @studentmade_okstate

    @threefoldvintage

    @ Student-Made Store

    @Making it Creative Podcast

    🛍️ Shop:

    Student-Made Ok State

    All Campus Shops

    📖 Read:

    Trey's Story

    📺 Watch:

    Follow On Youtube

    🏛️ Join Us:

    ⁠Launch on Your Campus

    🌟 Shoutout to the OSU Managers:

    Kaylynn Heath

    Hannah Buxton

    Emily Strange

    Trey O'Toole

    Rylie Bomhoff

    Kierra Miles

    🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:

    Riata Center for Innovation + Entrepreneurship

    🤔 Other Shoutouts

    Patagonia Worn Wear

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    41 分
  • One College Creator’s $35k Year: The Dynamic Collaboration Between Student-Made and Michigan State, Feat. Founders Megan and Ella From Blue Threads Co. + Stuck on You Design
    2026/03/20

    🎙️ Episode Description:

    Today we are talking about the power of collaboration– specifically between the Student-Made company and a nationally ranked entrepreneurship program– The Burgess Institute for entrepreneurship at Michigan State University. This partnership has enabled so many major impacts for Creative students becoming entrepreneurs on campus– some who came into college with an existing business, and some who came in with just a creative talent wondering if there could be an opportunity to expand it into something bigger. A staggering amount of the younger generations today are starting, or planning to start a side hustle business to supplement their income but also just be a outlet for creativity and balance as they take on other full time jobs. We’re going to hear from two college founders from Michigan State today, including Megan, who shares her journey from social work student to successful entrepreneur, highlighting her strategies for building a community-driven business that stays true to the values of her brand, Blue Threads and Co. But first up we’ll hear a bit from Lori Fischer, the Director of operations at MSU's Burgers Institute, as she speaks to how universities are evolving to meet the demand of creative Founders today, in a bit different way than the traditional startup Pathways that have been dominant in the collegiate entrepreneurship world in the past.

    💬 Chapters + Takeaways:

    "Start from a place of authenticity and keep it real"

    "Price all materials, time, and overhead accurately"

    "Know your purpose and your brand identity"


    00:00 Introduction and Megan’s Background

    04:46 Highlighting Megan’s Sales Success in 2024

    11:17 Community Building and In-Person Markets

    22:31 Pricing Your Handmade Products

    28:54 Scaling and Future Plans

    40:57 Advice for Student Creators

    42:30 The Importance of Authenticity in Business

    42:53 Q&A and Final Thoughts

    📱 Instagram:

    Student-Made Store

    Making it Creative Podcast

    Blue Threads & Co.

    Stuck on You Design Co.

    Student-Made Michigan State

    👩🏽‍💻 Shop:

    ⁠Our Campuses

    Student-Made Michigan State

    Bluthreads & Co.

    Stuck on You Design Co.

    📖 Read:

    MSU Success Story

    📺 Watch:

    Follow On Youtube

    🏛️ Join Us!

    Launch on Your Campus

    🙏🏼 Thanks to Our awesome Partner:

    MSU Burgess Institute

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    50 分