Wright State University is an institution that strives to give students what they need to succeed. The knowledge and skills that have been given at WSU have helped members of its student body and alumni open and run successful businesses.
Businesses on campus
There are many financial factors that are at play when starting a business. Supplies, start-up costs and maintenance are all things that need to be taken into account and may make the overall process of starting a business difficult. Factoring in being a college student may add another level of stress. However, college may actually be one of the better times to start your small business.
According to the Society of Advanced Business Editing and Writing, or SABEW, due to the free knowledge and opportunities for grants, college may be the best time to start a small business.
Reagan Wiles is a writer for the website and has gained expertise on businesses in college.
“I have yet to speak with a professor or fellow student who did not want to assist me in accomplishing my dream. There have been multiple times where I have hit roadblocks and I turn to the online faculty directory for answers – I flush out the problem then find who teaches the class that solves the problem,” Wiles said.
“There are still various national collegiate-centered pitch competitions and hackathons that you can apply to and participate in, no matter what college you attend. Our yearly pitch competition, Entrepreneurship Quest, has a prize pool of $30,000 and many other national competitions are comparable. These can be found through a simple Google search."
WSU students are taking advantage of this, starting their own businesses. Aleese Walker is an Elementary Education major and the owner of a successful baked goods business on campus.
Walker sets up her baked goods at specific times in front of the Hangar at Allyn Hall. According to Walker, business has been going well for her.
“Some days are definitely better than others,” Walker said, “but overall, I have been very successful with selling my cupcakes.”
Walker explained that her friends have been what is keeping her going.
“My friends are so supportive, I always have them showing up and out to support me,” Walker said. “They really do believe in me and that is important.”
To catch Walker and her baked goods, you can find her located at the table in front of The Hangar on most weekday afternoons.
Alumni businesses
There are several WSU alumni who have created successful businesses in the community as well. One of these alumni is Ali Baara.
Baara graduated from WSU with a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) major and has since opened a very successful business, Gem City Eyebrows. Her business is located at The Greene Town Center, where they offer services such as eyebrow threading, tinting, grooming and henna.
Baara stated that they are successful and that they plan on opening more locations soon. The buisness started in a 10 x 10 space by her mother at The Greene, and it grew into what it is today. This space was open for two years before it grew into it's own space at The Greene.
“We already have a location at The Greene and are opening our second location down in Kettering,” explained Baara. “It is truly a milestone in Gem City Eyebrows' journey as we grow our business.”
Baara began her journey with doing eyebrows in high school after being encouraged to pick up the skill by her mother. The work-life balance was hard for her at first, but she was able to find balance and persevere.
"There’s so much to learn that no one really prepares you for. But once we got into it, we realized how rewarding entrepreneurship can be. Every challenge taught us something valuable, and watching the business grow made all the effort worth it," Baara said.
Baara attributes WSU to her confidence and opportunities with the business, saying that the collaboration efforts that were taught at WSU have geared her towards success. Research has helped her throughout the entire process.
"Start small, do your research and minimize overhead costs. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions — whether it’s about marketing, finances or logistics. Learning from others is one of the best ways to grow as a new entrepreneur," Baara said.
To book with Baara or browse service options, visit Gem City Eyebrows’ booking website. Gem City Eyebrows’ Kettering location is set to open in late October.
"We’re so excited to continue growing and serving the Dayton area. Our mission has always been to make every client feel confident and beautiful in their own skin," Baara said.
Entrepreneurship Club
In addition to fostering businesses, WSU also offers the Entrepreneurship Club. This is a club on campus whose whole goal is to foster how students interact with entrepreneurship through relationships and connections.
The club has mentors who are hands-on and willing to teach everything they know to help Raiders succeed. The club is based out of the Raj Soin College of Business but is open to any student who would like to learn the ins and outs of starting a business.
For more information, students can reach out on their Engage website.
WSU allows their students with an entrepreneurial mindset to succeed with on-campus resources and faculty willing to help.
