ASU student entrepreneurs showcase creations on new online marketplace
ASU student Jenna Serag sells her jewelry, such as this blue stone necklace, on the Student-Made at ASU online marketplace. Courtesy photo
A new online marketplace has launched to showcase the creations of Arizona State University students.
Student-Made at ASU sells jewelry, apparel, knitwear, artwork and other items made by ASU students on an e-commerce site and campus pop-up site that also is run by students.
In all, 30 students are involved with Student-Made at ASU so far, including 23 creators, according to Lauren Dunning, director of student outreach and engagement at the J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute, which offers the experience. An additional 35 students are in the process of becoming creators, she said.
“People in the ASU community can directly support student ventures by buying something, which is different from the previous ways of getting involved as a mentor or subject matter expert,” she said.
“We know people will feel good about giving back to the university in this way.”
The site features colorful necklaces and bracelets, T-shirts and sweatshirts — some with holiday themes — beanies, art prints and photography services.
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Jenna Serag sells jewelry, including these earrings, on the Student-Made at ASU site from pearls and stones she sources from Egypt.
Courtesy photo
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Student Alonzo Coronado sells vinyl stickers of his artwork, like this one, on the Student-Made at ASU online marketplace.
Courtesy photo
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Madison Bullock sells her handmade beaded jewelry on the Student-Made at ASU online marketplace.
Courtesy photo
Some of the student creators joined Student-Made at ASU as a way to make some money from a hobby they enjoy. Others are promoting a brand they’ve spent years building.
Jenna Serag, a first-year computer science major, makes jewelry and sells it on her page, Dulcet Jewels.
She creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets and phone straps from pearls and gems she sources from Egypt, which she visits every summer with her family.
Student-Made at ASU includes photos and quotes from each creator. Serag says: “I want to share love and confidence with people through my jewelry. I know some of us may not always feel as good as we can on some days, but I want my jewelry to be that extra item that makes you feel more like yourself on those days.”
When she started at ASU last semester, she found she had to balance her time.
“My first semester was very tough. I didn’t have much time, but then I made a lot of jewelry over winter break,” she said.
“I’m really excited to see where this goes.”
Madison Bullock, a second-year interior design major, sells necklaces and bracelets on Beaded by Madison.
“I try to make a large selection of different styles, including for men,” she said.
“I work at a craft store and love the jewelry stuff, so I started buying it to make jewelry, and a bunch of coworkers wanted to buy it, so I though I’d give it a try.”
Bullock likes being on Student-Made at ASU as an alternative to social media.
“You can’t sell anything if you don’t have an Instagram, which is annoying because I don’t love posting on social media,” she said.
“I’m still learning about the Student-Made process but I’m excited for it.”
Alonzo Coronado’s venture, DadRockBand Shop, sells high-quality vinyl stickers of his artwork. He’s been creating sticker designs since 2020, when he was a student at McClintock High School in Tempe.
“Digital art is fun to create but seeing it physically is extra special,” said Coronado, a third-year animation major.
“A lot of my friends are into personalizing their laptops and water bottles.”
In high school, he put a poll on his Instagram account, got several replies and ended up selling a bunch of stickers, which he hand delivered for cash payments.
“It was a cool way to see my friends and getting to see their reactions firsthand was special,” said Coronado, who has since upgraded to selling through Instagram and mailing the stickers.
Pop-up shop
A pop-up will sell creations made by students in the Student-Made at ASU online platform as well as those in the Retail Devils program
Details:
10 a.m.–3 p.m. March 12
Sun Devil Campus Store
525 E. Orange St.
Tempe campus
He decided to join Student-Made at ASU to be part of a creative community on campus.
“The coolest part is the variety of items — jewelry, glassware, clothing,” he said.
“And it’s nice to have a broader audience.”
Coronado sold several stickers at the ARTfest event last year, held by the School of Art, so he’s excited for more in-person interactions with the Student-Made at ASU participation in an entrepreneurship pop-up event on March 12.
“It’s a cool experience to engage with people about my art,” he said.
Seven students help run the platform. Asmi Sanjay Kachare, a second-year computer science major, is a student worker who manages the site and uploads products.
“I was drawn to the mission to support student entrepreneurs and creativity,” she said.
“My job allows me to the at the intersection of technology, creativity and business, because I get to decide how to showcase the students’ items that they want to sell to the world.”
Sanjay Kachare said it’s rewarding to help the students bring their ideas to life.
“It’s genuinely fulfilling to see them get the recognition they deserve,” she said.
Esteban Garcia, a second-year student who is double-majoring in finance and agribusiness, manages the accounting for Student-Made at ASU.
“I do the numbers for the creators, the sales sheets, where the sales and gains and revenues go,” he said.
He’s also involved in outreach to get more visibility for Student-Made at ASU.
“I’ve done tabling and we’re looking at becoming a club to get more presence on campus,” he said.
“It’s a great place for an entrepreneur to launch their ideas. It’s big but protected by the university.
“And the buyers know they’re doing something good for the community.”
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