MEET THE CREATORS
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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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COURTNEY HUMPHREY
2027 + Business Administration & Peace, War, and 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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VICTORIA BERGSTROM
2026 + Environmental Studies and Medical Anthropology
Owner of Pear Honey Embroidery
I don’t think people understand that one-of-a-kind clothing doesn't have to be expensive. I want my designs to introduce whimsy and color to otherwise ‘normal’ clothing. Clothing is so important to culture and society, and should be just as unique as the customer.
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JILLIAN OAKES
2027 + English & History
Owner of Love-Me-Knot Crochet
Love-Me-Knot Crochet is the name under which I market and sell my fiber art. I’ve been crocheting on and off since middle school, but it was through Student-Made UNC that I could finally leap into selling my work! For me, Love-Me-Knot represents all the time and effort I’ve put into honing my craft – long hours, needle pricks, craft store trips and all – to reach a point where I feel confident producing goods to sell.
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KENISHA NANDA
2028 + Pre-Nutrition: Science and 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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MARINA MESSURA
2026 + Political Science and Global Studies
Owner of Made By Mar
My ultimate goal with my business is to continue being able to crochet projects and enjoy making them, while also being able to find a use for the things that I make through selling them. I hope that the Student-Made community can help me with this by continuing to motivate me to do what I love, and helping me figure out the means to run a successful business alongside so many other incredible creators.
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LOLA EDWARDS
2028 + Exercise and 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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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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BRITTA MARTIN
2026 + Studio Art
Owner of B.Renae Designs
I hope to possibly inspire others to create funky art, and to support those who do! I also hope to encourage others that are like me and were hesitant to start their business
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ASHLYN BARTLETT
2027 + Public Health
Owner of Ashlyn’s Crafted Creations
I want to bring joy to others and make some money from the items I create while learning about entrepreneurship. I believe that all of the resources provided to creators through Student-Made will help me on my journey of developing my business.
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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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CATHY WANG
2028 + Psychology and Studio Art Major and Chemistry Minor
Owner of CNH Nails LLC
CNH Nails is a small press-on nail brand based in North Carolina. We create ready-to-wear nail sets and DIY kits that make nail art easy, affordable, and fun. Our products are designed to give people confidence and self-expression without the cost or time of a salon.
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MEGAN MACDONALD
2026 + Studio Art, AD/PR
Owner of Megan's Museum
Certainly JOY, specifically in all caps. :) I hope the bright colors and fun messages help brighten up spaces all over campus after arriving home after a long rewarding day.
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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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NATALIE BOYLSTON
2026 + Biology
Owner of NB Hooksters
I would love to expand beyond UNC to other platforms and audiences! I love making new things, from clothes to stuffies, and I am excited to continue to do something I love to spread joy to others!
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JASMINE HARRIS
2028 + Psychology and 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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ALYSSA SCHOOF
2028 + Environmental Sustainability
Owner of Starcrossed Art
I hope to share my love of creating, along with all my niche interests that many others happen to share, through my art.
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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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ANNA ROUTH
2026 + Public Policy and History
Owner of Crow-Stitched Jewelry
Uniqueness in my crafts is important to me; I love that I can make jewelry that people haven’t seen before. I hope to make something for everyone so that no matter your interests or style, you can find something special here. I’m also selling UNC themed jewelry, so I’m looking to promote school spirit. Go Heels!
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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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SARA THOMPSON
2026 + Master’s in Global Studies
Owner of Scrub-A-Duck Soaps
I started making soap because I wanted to make a product that was both practical and personally expressive. Soap is an object that we use every day, but with a little effort, it can be made in all kinds of fun, vibrant shapes. I wanted to inject a little whimsy into the mundane experience of washing.
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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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ALIVIA WEUM
2027 + English and Creative Writing Minor
Owner of All Mirrors
My brand attempts to mirror the beauty of natural imagery in one-of-a-kind necklaces. Each necklace has a hand-painted bezel coated in resin, meaning that no two necklaces will look exactly alike! For this reason, I love to paint designs that preserve specific elements of my customers’ unique style.
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CAITLYN RUFFIN
2026 + Medical Anthropology & English Majors and Hispanic Studies Minor
Owner of Fairymonger
My ultimate goal with my business is to have fun and engage in the Student-Made community. Student-Made already does a great job of keeping us together and engaged, and I hope that they continue to do this in the future.
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.