The Laker Outlet Pop-Up Shop, hosted by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, gave students the opportunity to showcase their business endeavors last Wednesday.
Lining the Kirkhof Center’s lobby, 10 tables displayed goods from beauty products and clothing to homemade sweets. The variety of products ensured there was something for every passerby to enjoy, and reflected the individuality and passions of Grand Valley State University’s student body. The monthly pop-up shop aims to celebrate students’ businesses, creating a space to showcase ambition, creativity and culture.
Student Javion Ward featured his popular clothing brand Money Over Fame. He explained the brand started as a side hustle in February 2021, alongside another job he worked in high school. Ward chose the brand’s name to reflect his reserved personality and goal of setting himself up for success. Money Over Fame originally offered two T-shirts with the slogan printed on them, however, as his business grew, he began offering a larger variety of styles such as hoodies, varsity jackets, sweatpants, shorts and socks. Around campus, the love and support for Ward’s clothing is clear, as students are often spotted wearing his signature School of Fashion distressed hoodie.
“I wanted a brand name to (match) the kind of person I am, kind of introverted but also wanting to be financially free,” Ward said.
Maisha Marriott was also present at the event with a spread of jewelry and beauty products, which serve as an outlet for her to express her creativity. Displayed on her table was an array of authentic crystal necklaces, handcrafted hair pins, bracelets and waist beads. While she specializes in custom pieces and enjoys bringing her customers’ visions to life, she keeps a special inventory just for the Laker Outlet Pop-Up Shop.
“I always loved to dress up, and think my whole outfit has to go together,” Marriott said. “But, I could never find pieces that could fit or embody who I was and what I wanted my clothes to express, so I started making my own things. The Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation has been supporting us to sell our products, especially with the Laker Outlets, by trying to facilitate student schedules and make space to promote ourselves and tell others about our businesses.”
Another table stacked with candy caught the attention of many students, quickly selling out of Amy Mendoza-Garcia’s most popular treat: dulces enchilados. Mendoza-Garcia’s intention behind her business, Jay’s Chilados, is deeper than only satisfying sweet tooths. She covers candy and fruit in homemade chamoy, a red, sweet sauce made of fresh fruits and tajín, a spicy seasoning. Both ingredients are typically used in Mexican cuisine, and the two contrasting flavors create an irreplaceable taste, leaving customers coming back for seconds.
“I had seen a lack of representation of my culture and its sweets around West Michigan,” Mendoza-Garcia said. “I decided to start selling them and bring more of my culture into the world, starting with sweets.”
With continued support from the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, students like Ward, Marriott and Mendoza-Garcia continue to find ways to both share and profit from their creativity.
