Pop-up market to bring entrepreneurial student creations to the community

The following was contributed by Daniela Johnson, Campus Manager for Student-Made Arizona. Student-Made is a student-led platform dedicated to helping students launch their own businesses and showcase their creative talents. Established on 15 campuses across the country, this is the first semester that Student-Made is available at the U of A. By providing resources, guidance, and opportunities, Student-Made fosters entrepreneurship and innovation within the campus community. 

I’m excited to announce that the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing Family Weekend Pop-Up is just around the corner! Join us on Friday, October 25, from 2 until 4 p.m. at the Lundgren Consumer Science Lab, 650 N. Park Ave. (first floor), for an afternoon filled with creativity and community. This event is a fantastic opportunity for families to discover and support the incredible talents of our student creators here at the University of Arizona. 

The Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing has been dedicated to shaping future retail professionals since 1993, blending academic resources with industry expertise. Through hands-on learning and professional development, the Center equips students with the skills and training necessary to thrive in today’s retail marketplace. 

This year, Student-Made is thrilled to partner with the Lundgren Center to bring you an unforgettable pop-up event. Student-Made is a platform built by students, for students, to help launch their own businesses and showcase their creativity. Our collaboration with the Lundgren Center fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, making this pop-up an exciting addition to U of A Family Weekend festivities. 

At the event, you’ll find a diverse selection of handmade products crafted by our talented student creators. Each piece reflects their creativity and the passion and dedication that fuels our entrepreneurial community. 

"Student-Made has been an amazing way to experience selling my artwork. I look forward to meeting new people at the event,” said Leighanna Olaker, founder of Desert Ecology Collective. 

For Liney Meis, owner of LIME TIME ART, the community we’ve built has been just as inspiring as the creative process. “My experience with Student-Made has been nothing short of amazing," she says. "The creativity and inspiration I’ve drawn from everyone’s unique creations have been uplifting ... I’m beyond excited for the upcoming pop-up—not just to showcase my own artwork, but also to support fellow creators and help get our brands out there!” 

Savannah Franco of Zabana shared the same excitement, adding, "It's been great connecting with other art entrepreneurs and growing a circle of support. Pop-ups are always fun because you get to meet new people and see everyone's work in person." 

What makes this event even more special is that it’s entirely student-run. With support from the Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and Startup Wildcats, our team of talented students has taken the lead in organizing the pop-up. It’s an amazing opportunity to see firsthand how students can turn their passions into reality while connecting with others in the community. 

As the Campus Manager for Student-Made, I’ve been so proud to watch this platform grow. Building it from the ground up and creating a supportive environment for student creators has been incredibly rewarding, and I can’t wait to see it continue to thrive. 

Don’t miss this chance to support your fellow students and discover some truly amazing creations. We look forward to seeing you there!