Holiday market showcases UNI student entrepreneurs
Holiday market showcases UNI student entrepreneurs
Shoppers looking for unique, locally made gifts found plenty to choose from at UNI’s first-ever Holiday Market, where student-run businesses filled the lobby of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center with handcrafted items, artwork, apparel, live music and treats. The event was a collaboration between the Northern Iowa Student Government and the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
Despite winter weather that closed Cedar Falls schools, steady crowds made their way to the market throughout the afternoon. For organizers, the turnout demonstrated the community’s enthusiasm for supporting UNI’s future business leaders.
“I think it shows the impact the Cedar Valley community wants to have on UNI students here,” said Haley Hamm, marketing and events coordinator at the entrepreneurial center, also known as JPEC. “It’s an opportunity to work with NISG and give student entrepreneurs a meaningful chance to connect with the community. For many of them, this was their first opportunity to sell within the Cedar Valley.”
Among the 21 student vendors was Abby Kass, a first-year UNI student studying accounting and human resources. Kass says both majors will come in handy as she builds her own business, and highlighted how the JPEC’s guidance has been helpful.
“Knowing my value as a small business owner, it’s really hard to figure out what I’m worth,” she said. “Also just getting my name out there and building awareness and a client base... The JPEC has put me in contact with so many great people and that’s helped tremendously.”
Several students from UNI’s Marketing & Entrepreneurship department showcased products developed through coursework in Professor Matthew Bunker’s Marketing Strategies class. Graduating senior Haley Wills said bringing a product from idea to execution revealed how complex and rewarding the process can be.
“Marketing looks a lot easier than it is. It’s important to make it unique and personable, put yourself out there and relate to people.”
Destiny Ari’e, an art education major, uses her passion for art to create custom paintings and handcrafted jewelry. While she’s looking forward to being an art teacher, she said the JPEC has helped her grow a creative side business that she hopes to maintain.
“They’ve had a big impact on my journey and have helped me get resources to expand my art shop.”
If you're looking to support small student-owned businesses, visit the online directory.
