Sept. 25, 2025
Contact: Brian Consiglio, consigliob@missouri.edu
At the University of Missouri, student entrepreneurs are making their mark — offering everything from high-protein smoothies and gluten-free snacks to gameday gear and lotus-infused energy drinks — right in the heart of campus.
Each year, student entrepreneurs are selected by the Griggs Innovators Nexus, Missouri Student Unions and U.S. Bank to showcase and sell their products in storefronts in the Mizzou Student Center, an experience that embodies the Missouri Method philosophy of hands-on learning.
“We are incredibly impressed with this year’s seven students already, who were selected for showcasing the demand for their products amongst the student population,” Kelsey Raymond, executive director of entrepreneurship programs at the Griggs Innovators Nexus, said. “They also have personal connections to the products they are selling and were able to highlight the pain points they are solving. It’s no surprise that there have been lines of happy customers out the doors.”
This year, seven Tigers are running businesses in the Student Center. Read on to see how Mizzou is fueling their entrepreneurial spirit.
Glutique
Location: Student Center room 1206
What it is: Gluten-free snacks and drinks
Operators: Alyssa Pick, a senior from Wildwood, Missouri, and Lizzy Dekrell, a junior from Jacksonville, Florida, both studying business administration in the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
After Lizzy Dekrell was diagnosed with celiac disease, she met fellow student Alyssa Pick, who is gluten intolerant, through Mizzou’s Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization. The two quickly realized they could turn their shared challenges into an opportunity to help others.
“Our goal with Glutique is to make gluten-free living more accessible and convenient on Mizzou’s campus,” Pick said. “Mizzou has so many resources, programs and people to help entrepreneurs succeed. I couldn’t be more thankful for Mizzou investing in us because not many people our age get this type of opportunity.”
Dekrell added that the organizational skills she has learned running her business will help her in the future.
“This experience has taught me you can do anything you put your mind to,” Dekrell said. “People who are gluten-free or have certain food allergies are super excited when they come into our store, and it is so nice that we can provide more options for them.”
RUSHfuel
Location: Student Center room 1212B
What it is: High-protein, all-natural smoothies and açaí bowls
Operators: Gabby St. Jean, a junior from O’Fallon, Missouri, studying environmental science in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Dominic St. Jean, a sophomore from O’Fallon, Missouri, studying business administration in the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business
When the St. Jean siblings noticed a need for more whole foods available on Mizzou’s campus for busy students on the go, the idea for RUSHfuel was born.
“It’s really cool having our business in the Student Center because there are thousands of people who walk by our store every day,” Dominic St. Jean said. “My favorite part is hearing customer feedback. Someone said we have the best smoothies in Columbia.”
When her brother pitched the idea of running a business together, Gabby St. Jean knew their skill sets would complement each other.
“His strong suit is knowing the numbers and running the financial aspect of everything, while I enjoy customer interaction and social media marketing — and we both have backgrounds as athletes,” Gabby St. Jean said. “RUSHfuel is where health meets hustle because our high-protein smoothies are quick and healthy.”
Shop The Foxxy
Location: Student Center room 1212A
What it is: Clothing boutique with dresses, tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories
Operator: Kalli Ward, a senior from Phoenix, Arizona, studying strategic communication in the Missouri School of Journalism
Inspired by her grandmother, who owned a boutique called The Red Fox, Kalli Ward opened her women’s boutique, Shop The Foxxy, online last April. Now with a storefront in the Student Center, Ward is excited to serve the Mizzou community in person.
“Being able to interact with customers and see people try on my clothes is something I couldn’t get with just online shopping,” Ward said. “I’m always coming out with new lines for Mizzou gamedays or sorority rush, and seeing other students so excited to have a boutique in the Student Center is very rewarding.”
While she’s having fun running her boutique, Ward is also learning about taxes and all the financial aspects of operating a business.
“It’s definitely a learning experience,” Ward said. “It’s crazy how Mizzou does this for its students and covers the rent for my store for the year. I’m very lucky to go to Mizzou and have this opportunity to turn my dream into a reality.”
Sips on the Go
Location: Student Center room 1210D
What it is: Customizable, lotus-infused energy drinks
Operator: Reagan Eaves, a senior from Nauvoo, Illinois, studying communication in the College of Arts and Science
Reagan Eaves is not a coffee fan and isn’t interested in the sugary, artificially caffeinated energy drinks that many college students enjoy. That is what inspired her to create healthy, lotus-infused energy drinks that offer natural, plant-based energy.
“Whether you customize yours with coconut cream or pineapple juice, it will be love at first sip,” Eaves said. “When I go to class and see people around me drinking their Sips drink and talking about how much they want one every single day, it is such an awesome feeling.”
Eaves said her favorite part of entrepreneurship is incorporating her outgoing personality into her store, which opened in the Student Center in 2024 with bright colors and a welcoming environment. She loves to mingle with others and make people smile, which is why each Sips drink is branded with a smiley face logo.
“Managing employees, tracking inventory and keeping up with the insane demand has been challenging, but it is so special to create relationships with my employees and know my customers on a first-name basis,” Eaves said. “I could not thank the Griggs Innovator Nexus enough for all the support and mentorship they have given me for two years now.”
State Street Spices, LLC
Location: Student Center room 1207
What it is: Authentic spice blends from different parts of the United States
Operator: Andrew Rubin, a freshman from Chesterfield, Missouri, studying business administration in the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business and statistics in the College of Arts and Science
Andrew Rubin combines his loves for travel and cooking into his business, State Street Spices, LLC.
“By offering four flavors — St. Louis Barbeque, Buffalo Buffalo, Los Angeles Taco and New York Steak — people can try food cultures from across the country in the comfort of their own home,” Rubin said. “I sell my products both online and in 11 retail stores. I always cook with my spices at home, especially for sausage and cheese croissants, French fries, guacamole and hummus.”
Rubin chose Mizzou because of its innovative business programs, including the Griggs Innovators Nexus. Every other Wednesday, Rubin meets with the other student entrepreneurs in the Student Center to bounce ideas off each other and share feedback about what is working and how to improve.
“I have learned the importance of time management skills, grit and determination through this experience,” Rubin said. “Mizzou is propelling future leaders of entrepreneurship, and I am so thankful for the support Mizzou has given me both as a student and business owner.”
