Photo courtesy: the UpWork
At Florida A&M University, where the rhythms of academia blend with the hustle and bustle of life, students are mastering the art of balancing books and bucks through a myriad of side hustles.
FAMU is not only renowned for its academic excellence but for nurturing an entrepreneurial spirit among its student body.
For many students, the traditional notion of relying solely on student loans or part-time jobs to make ends meet has given a more innovative approach – the side hustle.
Walking through the vibrant campus, students are engaged in a diverse array of entrepreneurial endeavors. From selling handmade jewelry and clothing, tooffering tutoring services and graphic design, FAMU students are turning their passions into profitable ventures.
Akeera Coqmard, a third-year health science student, started her business eight months ago as a wig vendor and said that the best part of it is the opportunity to learn new skills.
Coqmard also said despite not being the best, she has gained a new interest in marketing management.
“One thing I love about my business is that it forces me to pick up new skills every day, like creating different types of flyers or website development,” Coqmard said. “I’m not a creative person, but for my business, it just helps me come up with new ideas on how to draw customers in and market and sell my brand.”
Though, running a side hustle comes with its own fair share of advantages and disadvantages. Being a business owner, one must perform a high degree of customer service, especially when dealing w customer accommodation and satisfaction.
Cheridan Camper, a third-year business administration major, found her niche in the cosmetic industry as a nail artist. Armed with her intricate skills, Camper said one tip for achieving customer satisfaction and guaranteeing returning clients, you must abide by the “customer is always right” rule.
“One tip I would give is that the customer is always right,” Camper said. “Being a service provider, I do whatever I can to make the customer feel comfortable and pampered.”
The entrepreneurial spirit at FAMU extends beyond individual pursuits to collaborative efforts aimed at making a difference in the community. Each semester, student organizations organize pop-up markets and networking events, providing a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to showcase their products and connect with potential customers.
However, the journey of a student entrepreneur is not without its challenges. Balancing academic responsibilities with the demands of running a business requires grit, resilience, and a healthy dose of ambition.
Yet, for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are plentiful – from the satisfaction of seeing their ideas come to life to the thrill of achieving financial independence.
Justin McCray, a third-year public relations student, started his business as a fashion designer in 2019.
McCray said the hardest part about maintaining his business is competing with fast fashion sellers like SHEIN and that providing custom-made products ensures the continuity of his brand.
“The hardest part about running my business, is keeping up with orders and keeping up with trends and fast fashion, and SHEIN,” McCray said. “I try to keep my items up-to-date, custom, and different than what you would be able to purchase in a store.”
For many students, side hustles serve as more than just a means to financial independence – they’re a pathway to personal growth and empowerment. Through their ventures, students learn invaluable lessons in time management, marketing, and financial literacy, setting them apart as dynamic leaders poised for success in the professional world.
As the sun sets over the campus of FAMU, one thing is clear – the spirit of entrepreneurship runs deep in the veins of Rattlers. With each innovative idea and bold endeavor, students are not just shaping their own destinies but also leaving an indelible mark on the world around them.