Many students on the campus of Florida A&M University are entrepreneurs. Whether it’s
photography, a clothing line, hairstylist or barbers, FAMU students continue to show
diversity in entrepreneurship.
While some students choose their field of study based on their businesses or other
personal activities, some students do not correlate and use their business as a side
hustle.
Victoria Marie Maynard, a third-year in general health science student, developed a
business unrelated to her major.
“I started my nail business, Freak Nails, because in high school I always made sure my
nails were done. When I got to college, I did not have a way to make money, especially
once figuring out how much money it is to buy groceries or live on my own, so I decided
to get a side hustle,” Maynard said.
“I do not believe my major ties into my business, but one day I could possibly study the
science behind beauty products, but for right now it is just a side hustle until I get done
with school. Four years from now I see myself pursuing a career as a neonatal
physician’s assistant. I love my business, but I truly do not think I will make a career out
of doing nails, but I know every time my friends or I want an appointment I will provide
the service.”
Freak Nails offers a variety of nail services for regular gel manicures ranging from short
nails to long blinged-out dramatic nails.
Simone Johnson, a second-year criminal justice student minoring in English from
Toledo, Ohio, says she always knew she wanted to start a business.
“In the midst of COVID, one day the idea just came to me. I knew that I could make
desserts beautifully. When God shows you your talent, run with it,” Johnson said.
DeesertsbyMonie, Johnson’s business, is a bakery that offers mason pudding jars,
chocolate-covered items, donuts and milkshakes. Her pudding jar flavors consist of
banana, strawberry shortcake, cookies and cream, strawberry banana and red velvet.
“My major and minor are centered toward my career as a judge. I originally planned to
major in business, but I felt that law schools would be attracted to me more if I chose a
minor such as English,” Johnson said. “I use YouTube and the internet as a resource to
understand the ins and outs of entrepreneurship.”
“In four years, I see my products being sold to other students at the law school and I
also see myself working on the process of opening my bakery,” she added.”I am
confident that my business will flourish over the years being that I create all my recipes
from scratch. I provide a sense of originality that my customers love and crave.”
Myah Kemps, a third-year business administration student from Jacksonville, said
COVID-19 helped to shape her side hustle.
“During the pandemic, I wanted to find something that took time away from being bored
in the house all day. I have always had a created side of me that I wanted to explore so
I decided to start making chocolate-covered strawberries,” Kemp said.
“I struggled with the aesthetic look of a chocolate-covered strawberry, but I got the hang
of it after a while and began making them for my friends and family. Although I love
making these desserts, my career goal is to become a marketing manager and pursue a
career also in property management.”
Kemp has disabled her business Instagram page to reconstruct the business’s name
and logo. She plans to relaunch over the summer when she goes home to Jacksonville.
Many other students on campus share multiple future endeavors but continue to strive
for their career goals. Versatility has never been a question for Rattlers.