By Niamh Gray

Student Success Media (SSM) hosted an event for local businesses Wednesday, bringing positive energy and inspired, creative minds to the Atrium Room at Stamp Student Union. The event featured a diverse range of University of Maryland student entrepreneurs who showcased their businesses to anyone interested.

Sydney Johnson, a junior finance and information systems major and president of SSM, outlined the organization’s initiatives and objectives for this event.

“The mission of Student Success Media is to provide resources and our knowledge to cultivate skills in students in creative sectors,” Johnson said. “We wanted to bring in businesses that are currently achieving things through networking and promoting their own businesses in innovative ways that our organization is trying to inspire others to do.”

Jeff Kyei-Asare, a junior finance and information systems double major, has been running his second-hand clothing business, Streetlove, for about two years. He explained that starting Streetlove was not just about selling clothes.

 “I wanted to build something bigger than me,” Kyei-Asare said. “It was a passion for creativity and fashion fueled with wanting to create something that people can be a part of.”

Astrid Tagne, a sophomore information science major, is the proud owner of Cordeaux A, a local business that sells handmade bags from Cameroon. Tagne said the business allows her to promote her culture.

“My bags represent a part of Cameroon and my business allows me and my designer to provide that experience for people,” Tagne said.

Students have been able to bolster a strong sense of community within their businesses.

Kyei-Asare is committed to creating personal bonds with his customers as Streetlove expands. He hosts an annual coat and food drive, giving him a chance to follow up with people and give back to the community.

“We like to say that if you’re not shopping Street, you’re not part of the family because we are really focused on building a community,” Kyei-Asare said.

Ashley Taupyen is a sophomore information science major and lash technician who started her business, Ashlashed.it, three months ago. 

Since launching Ashlashed.it, Taupyen has experienced significant growth and become a resource for students seeking lash extensions on campus.

“My business has created a community that represents confidence, inner beauty and overall just being kind to one another,” Taupyen said. “It really warms my heart seeing that I am making young women feel more confident in their natural beauty.”

Johnson emphasized how the pop-up is a great opportunity for entrepreneurs and businesses to be recognized for their creativity and inspire others.

For young entrepreneurs like Kyei-Asare, who initially struggled to be taken seriously by University of Maryland students, pop-up events have been a valuable tool for engaging potential consumers and growing their brand.

“A lot of people who look like me aren’t doing what I am doing. There are a lot of circumstances and situations that make it hard for us,” Kyei-Asare said. “I am just trying to show people that I’m building my community and making something for myself.”

Tagne strongly believes that entrepreneurship can inspire confidence and foster creative strength for oneself.

“I am the biggest project I will ever work on and the biggest investment I will ever make,” Tagne said. “If you are considering creating a business, just do it. By doing it, you are investing in yourself.”

Featured image: Jeff Kyei-Asare showcasing his business, Streetlove, on Wednesday, Apr. 3, 2024. All photos by Akunna Ndubuis.