Student Made opens new doors for student creators

Student Made is bringing student creativity and entrepreneurship to Ohio Wesleyan. The nationwide program launched on campus this fall, connecting student creators, student managers and the campus community. 

The program recently hosted its inaugural pop-up event at the Connection Conference, where student creators showcased and sold their products. Behind the scenes, student managers helped build the website, recruit creators and organize events. 

The program advisor, Cliff Hurst, said he has been impressed by the leadership and teamwork shown by the student managers. He also praised the student creators for their sincerity and professionalism during last week’s inaugural pop-up at the Connection Conference. 

“The most rewarding part of working with Student Creators has been to watch the sincerity and professionalism with which each creator displayed, discussed, and sold their products at last week's inaugural pop-up event during the Connection Conference,” Hurst said. 

Student creator Maybellene McNamara joined Student Made after struggling to reach her target audience. She previously sold her crochet items on the side, but found it difficult to connect with the right customers. Student Made has helped promote her products to the university community.

She currently sells two products through the program: ghost keychains and book sleeves. Through Student Made, she has also learned more about marketing strategies and shipping processes. The experience has helped boost her confidence as a creator and seller. 

“Student Made helps promote your items and gives you a lot of opportunities to market your products to the community. This was very convincing to join because I would have a built in support system and marketing team,” McNamara said. 

Student managers also provide ongoing support. Aj Jalloh, a student manager focuses on the onboarding process and works to help creators succeed within Student Made. His role includes helping creators understand the program and providing support as they develop their business. 

“To ensure their success the managers have weekly meetings where we discuss between us what went well and what we could do to help the creators get promoted more,” Jalloh said. 

With its first semester underway, Student Made is giving students an opportunity to turn their creativity into products, build business skills and connect with their campus community.