MEET THE CREATORS
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EMILIE POWELL
2027 + Neuroscience & Music Performance
Owner of Comfort Creatures
Since I first started, crochet has helped me practice self-care, as well as find an outlet for me to express my creativity and ideas. As a student, making time for myself to crochet allows me to relax after classes, and when in lectures, it helps keep me focused and engaged with the coursework.
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CHELSEA ZHENG
2029 + Computer Science
Owner of Chels Design Arts
My brand was created from my love for creativity and custom designs. Every design reflects my passion for the arts while bringing my customers’ ideas to life, creating designs that help them express themselves and celebrate what they love. At the heart of my brand is the belief that art has the power to connect people, brighten someone’s day, and turn simple moments into lasting memories.
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MAYA TARTER
2029 + Political Science
Owner of Painted in Periwinkle
When people buy from my home decor collection, I want the thoughtfully made art to make their home feel like theirs. College students are often homesick or stressed out studying, which is why I sell dorm decor that promotes positive thinking and gives a cozy and whimsical vibe to any room.
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LINDSEY HILL
2026 + Biomedical Engineering PhD
Owner of Looped by Lindsey
To create and share unique beautifully-crafted crochet items, sharing joy and comfort with the community.
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PAIGE EAST
2026 + Studio Art
Owner of Loubird Makes
I would like to provide people with high quality arts and crafts that bring them joy and/or provide a function.
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SAMANTHA WANG
2029 + Music Performance
Owner of LemonMade
When making LemonMade products, I aim to incorporate unique color combinations to create one-of-a-kind bracelets. My largest collection of products are daisy-chain bracelets, from the classic vibrant chains and white petals to fun variations such as cafe-inspired color combinations and strawberry chains, where the original daisies are replaced by strawberries!
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JILLIAN OAKES
2027 + English & History
Owner of Love-Me-Knot Crochet
Love-Me-Knot Crochet has become an interesting tie between my studies and my hobbies. During pop-ups, I’ve had acquaintances come up to look at my work before even realizing it’s me. Then we get to talk about crochet and what it means to me. It’s a great conversation starter and it helps me deepen ties with my peers by sharing that piece of my personal life with them on our campus.
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ALYSSA CRANE
2027 + Advertising & PR Major and Biology & History Minors
Owner of Crane Createz
I hope to inspire others to use creativity as an outlet for their mind. Creating and painting help clear my mind and reset my focus. I hope by sharing my process and my pieces, it inspires someone else to do the same.
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AYLA SHAPIRO
2028 + Psychology
Owner of Threads By Ayla
Starting my business has helped me grow in confidence and build my entrepreneurial skills. I am grateful for the opportunity to explore new opportunities as part of the supportive UNC-CH community.
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ESTHER ZHU
2028 + Archaeology
Owner of Cardinal and Co
What has been most rewarding to me is becoming a member of amazing communities. Crochet has enabled me to experience so many different events and meet so many different friends. Occasionally, it has been difficult to upkeep my business on top of my other responsibilities, but at the same time, it has brought me so much.
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STELLA BLACKWELL
2029 + Exercise & Sports Science
Owner of Stella Wears
Stella Wears focuses on creating unique and stunning upcycled clothing to add to your closet!
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COURTNEY HUMPHREY
2027 + Business Administration and Peace, War, & Defense
Owner of Court Does Knots
Court Does Knots emphasizes reliable communication between customer and creator to ensure that the perfect result is produced. Aside from communication, Court Does Knots specializes in plushies that are vibrant in looks and satisfaction when customers receive their newest stuffed animal.
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ALIVIA WEUM
2028 + English Major and Creative Writing in Poetry Minor
Owner of All Mirrors
I want my necklace designs to be a reflection of my interactions with customers. I am always open to incorporating elements of customers’ style or important memories into personalized design to make each person feel seen in their experiences and fashion!
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CARLEIGH MCCARTHY
2027 + Public Policy and Spanish for the Legal Professions
I am a self-taught creator who makes unique items. My story starts around 4 or 5 years ago, when I began crocheting to make birthday presents for friends and family, personalizing each project to their interests. I loved it so much that now I want to expand this beyond just the circle of people I know, and share my projects with others.
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CAROLINA COLLAZO
2028 + Physics & English
Owner of Elivxani Arts
Elivxani arts is about exploring creativity through different media! While digital art is my biggest passion, I am always drawn (pun intended) to trying new things. elivxani arts is a culmination of all of the different hobbies I’ve collected, but with my own flair.
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KENISHA NANDA
2028 + Pre-Nutrition: Science & Research
Owner of KN Designs
The goal with this business is to continue giving back and always supporting my community, while ensuring customer satisfaction. After each order is created and sold, I make sure that I evaluate any feedback that the customer has for me to improve future endeavors. I think the Student Made community will have a huge role in expanding my business, as selling on campus at various events will provide me and my business vast opportunities to grow and expand as a whole.
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LOLA EDWARDS
2028 + Exercise & Sports Science and Pre-Nursing
Owner of Lola’s Loops
I want to share a sense of warmth, creativity, and appreciation for handmade goods. Each piece I create is infused with time and care, and I hope my customers feel a personal connection to the items they receive. My goal is to encourage people to embrace unique, handmade artistry in their daily lives.
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MAKENZIE CLARK
2027 + Pyschology & Women and Gender Studies
Owner of Crafts by Makenzie
At Crafts by Makenzie, a lot of thought, care, and love is put into each and every item that is made. My hope is that the people who buy my products will love these items just as much as I did making them and that they make their day just a little bit better.
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AYANA PATEL
2029 + Biology
I hope to provide a sense of joy and comfort through my handmade creations. My goal is for them to become something people can treasure for themselves or share as a meaningful gift with loved ones.
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JASMINE HARRIS
2028 + Pyschology & Business
Owner of UNEEK Designs
UNEEK Designs’ goal is to design and create garments that produce excitement, awe, and a level of connection for everyone involved, whether through a purchased garment or through following the creative process.
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JENNA KIM
2028 + Biology
Owner of uhmoeba
I’ve always been a sticker hoarder, finding joy in collecting and using them. I hope to make people enjoy expressing themselves with pieces of art. Even something as small as stickers can add so much more personality to mundane, daily objects!
JOIN STUDENT-MADE UNC!
We’re always looking for more student-creators and entrepreneurs to join our community! We welcome all kinds of businesses, and we can’t wait to see what you’re making.