Sept. 18, 2024
Contact: Courtney Perrett, cperrett@missouri.edu
From customizable hats and sneakers to lotus-infused energy drinks, the products available from student-run storefronts this year run the gamut. Now open and based in the University of Missouri Student Center, this annual hands-on experience is sponsored by Griggs Innovators Nexus (GIN), Missouri Student Unions and U.S. Bank, offering innovative Tigers an opportunity to showcase their products and receive mentorship.
“The students who are selected for this program learn firsthand the processes behind business licenses, sales taxes and marketing and experience supply chain and inventory issues,” said Greg Bier, Mizzou’s executive director of entrepreneurship programs. “Being involved with the program also means that they have a cohort of fellow student retailers going through very similar challenges and opportunities. They learn that entrepreneurship is a team sport, and they have a team to support them when needed.”
To support their retail efforts, each student entrepreneur receives $2,000 for startup costs, a credit card reader and an iPad to manage sales. This year’s businesses are:
- ButtonsbyTaylor
- Columbia Sneaker Exchange
- Green Society
- Sips on the Go
- Soundcheck
- The Patch Co by Ave
Read on to meet the retailers.
ButtonsbyTaylor
Location: Room 1212B
What it is: Premade and custom-designed buttons.
Operator: Taylor McMahan, a junior finance and banking, economics and real estate major from Sullivan, Missouri.
"Being an entrepreneur in college was something I always dreamed of,” McMahan said. “It has provided a huge creative outlet, and I am forever grateful for the past few years I have had here on campus. Mizzou entrepreneurship programs have been a place of encouragement, growth and mentorship. Whether it's CEO, the Griggs Innovator Nexus or one of Mizzou's pitch competitions, there is a place for everyone to be involved. My biggest advice is to just go for it! Fear kills more dreams that failure ever will, but you have to take the risk! You never know how your dreams could come true and be bigger and more successful than you ever imagined.”
Columbia Sneaker Exchange
Location: Room 1206
What it is: Affordable and relevant sneakers, fitted hats and other related items.
Operator: Kobe Messick, a junior secondary education English Language Arts major from Independence, Missouri.
Green Society
Location: Room 1212A
What it is: Affordable houseplants and services including repotting, consultations and plant advice.
Operator: Cailey Blackmer, a junior from O'Fallon, Missouri.
“My business means everything to me,” Blackmer said. “I love houseplants and want to be surrounded by them in my career. Starting this business has been an amazing first step into building that dream for myself. I hope that this experience will be a good resumé builder and help me land a job in interior plantscaping.”
Sips on the Go
Location: Room 1210D
What it is: Customizable lotus energy drinks.
Operator: Reagan Eaves, a senior interpersonal communication major, from Nauvoo, Illinois.
“My business and entrepreneurial journey means more than just financial gain; it's a chance to build something meaningful, challenge myself and make a lasting impact,” Eaves said. “This opportunity allows me to grow personally and professionally, paving the way for long-term success and creating a foundation for a future full of possibilities. I hope to use the connections and relationships I make in my entrepreneurial venture for possible future business endeavors.”
Soundcheck
Location: 110 Orr Street, Suite 104
What it is: A fully equipped music studio that provides musicians with professional-grade instruments, soundproof rooms and a seamless tech-enabled booking system. Beyond just a practice space, Soundcheck is a hub where musicians can connect, collaborate and grow their skills. Office space for the business is located in the GIN.
Operator: Kiley Grimes, a senior business major and economics minor, from Springfield, Illinois.
“As a musician for over 10 years, I’ve personally experienced the struggle of not having a proper practice space,” Grimes said. “I realized that creating a dedicated place for musicians to connect, jam and rehearse could reignite their passion for music. Much like how gyms offer a better place to work out, I’m offering a better place to play music. I’m excited to bring this vision to life in Columbia. Testing this concept here will give me the skills and capital to expand, allowing me to positively impact more musicians and transform music community across the country.”
The Patch Co.
Location: Room 1212B
What it is: A customizable hat company.
Operator: Averi Gray, a pre-nursing major from Buckner, Missouri.
“This means so much to me because already I have connected with such amazing people throughout campus,” Gray said. “It makes me so excited for my future here at Mizzou and to know I'm helping people create something they love and feel confident in.”
