🎙️ Episode Description:

Dive into the vibrant world of student-led entrepreneurship at Texas State University, where innovation, community, and real-world experience collide. This episode showcases the journey of student managers, faculty perspectives, and the exciting future of Student-Made, highlighting how experiential learning fosters successful entrepreneurs.

🔑 Key topics:

The evolution and impact of the Student-Made program on campus entrepreneurship

How hands-on, experiential education bridges the gap in traditional university offerings

Role of student managers and faculty in fostering entrepreneurial skills and community

Success stories and alumni outcomes, including student sales and competitions

The upcoming Scale by Student-Made Conference in 2027 and future expansion plans

Challenges faced and lessons learned from launching new university programs

The importance of community, networking, and collaboration in student entrepreneurship

The long-term vision: integrating entrepreneurial skills into diverse student journeys

📱 Follow:

Student-Made Store

Making it Creative Podcast

Quinn Valentine, Director TXST Center for Student Entrepreneurship - LinkedIn

Stephen Rayburn, Texas State Management Department

Regina Bautista - LinkedIn

Addie Villegas - LinkedIn

📖 Read:

Addi’s Manager Story

📺 Watch:

Follow On Youtube

🎧 Relevant Episodes:

Fall 2025 Manager Episode

Spring 2025 Manager Episode

🏛️ Join Us!

Launch on Your Campus

🙏🏼 Thanks to Our awesome Partner:

Texas State Center for Student Entrepreneurship (Formerly CIE)

🎙️ Episode Description:

Journey with us from young creative in Alabama to full-time college student managing a thriving event planning business, Ari’s Designs. A Mexican immigrant’s family background, cultural values, and passion for memorable family experiences are the basis of this venture. Stick with us for Ari’s future ambitions, including expanding into global markets and owning her own venue one day.

🔑 Key Takeaways + Chapters

• Passion and love for the work are key motivators for success.

• Balancing education and business is possible with good time management

• Building a brand that reflects cultural values can create a unique market position

• Global sourcing and supply chain are vital for scaling a creative business

04:41 Arianna's Background and Family Influence

09:39 The Birth of Ari’s Designs

14:42 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

18:24 Navigating College and Business Ownership

24:45 The Impact of Troy University on Business Growth

25:44 Empowering Student Entrepreneurs

28:17 The Meaning of Community in Business

31:40 Supporting Fellow Creators

32:51 The Role of a Retail Manager

37:31 Lessons Learned in Business

45:41 Building for the Future

48:15 Finding Inspiration and Motivation

53:13 Navigating Burnout and Health

57:20 The Importance of Balance in Entrepreneurship

01:00:24 Ari's Designs: Vision for the Future

01:07:07 Memorable Moments in Event Planning

📱 Instagram:

@studentmade_troy

@arisdesigns

@ Student-Made Store

@Making it Creative Podcast

📖 Read:

Ari's Creator Story

📺 Watch:

Follow On Youtube

🎧 Relevant Episodes:

Stickers, Strategy, School Spirit: Shop Julia Kelly is Accessorizing JMU’s Gamedays

Trash to Trends: Threefold Vintage Spawns from Finding a 70's Big Bird on the Street, Feat. OkState's Trey O'Toole

🙏🏼 Our Awesome Partner:

Troy U IDEA Bank

🤔 Other Shoutouts

Good Life Project Podcast