Photo by Calvin Robbins Jr
Florida A&M University’s student government association threw an event highlighting current and former rattler business endeavors.
SGA Vice President Alexys Lynn put together the event. Lynn’s goals were to help these entrepreneurs grow their businesses and to encourage entrepreneurship.
“I wanted to brand student ambassadors, students who have their own business, and rattler alumni with their own business giving them a chance to expose their entire business,” Lynn said. “There is not a lot of entrepreneurship on campus for our rattlers and alumni. So I wanted to give them a platform to not only gain exposure, but to inspire other rattlers.”
Exposure was the focus for all vendors at the event. Lash vendor, Alexis Ethridge, explained the importance of gaining new customers.
“When you are promoting your business you want to gain exposure, whether you sell your product or you don’t,” Ethridge said. “You always want to get traction on your business, your website and social media so you can sell products.”
Graduating senior and entrepreneur, Kiera Walker, agreed with Ethridge adding that she wants to gain clients as well as inform future clients about female healthcare.
“This event is a perfect opportunity to expand my clientele,” Walker said. “I hope to gain a larger audience and to inform people about the benefits of my all-natural products and oils.”
Some vendors used the event as a chance to network with other vendors to expand their knowledge. Junior realtor, Kyle Footman, took advantage of this opportunity.
“It is dope to see young black entrepreneurs,” Footman said. “I networked with other business owners and other people who are interested in becoming an entrepreneur. I went to each individual table and got to know the other business owners to pick their brains.”
Another benefit of the event was receiving feedback from consumers. Bracelet vendor, Keyunna McElroy, said the feedback she received can take her business to the next level.
“I have a better idea of what customers would want from a jeweler,” McElroy said. “I can improve on not only my business but myself to have more success.”
The event made students aware of the quality products and materials FAMU students are producing. Student, Loren Brown, shared how the event exposed her to products from FAMU entrepreneurs.
“I actually bought something from one of the vendors,” Brown said. “I gained more exposure to different black businesses and brands on campus. I did not know we had so many creative people on campus.”
For more future events from SGA events, follow their Instagram page at @famu_sga87.