Malcolm Sawyer adjusts his snapback just so it is a unique hat: the design on the front is a flying brain. The design appears again on Sawyer’s t-shirt, which reads, “LYFTD.” That’s the name of the apparel company Sawyer co-founded in 2010 — a venture that is still going strong today.
Sawyer is not alone.
According to a 2011 survey conducted by the Young Entrepreneur Council, 15 percent of Americans started a business while in college and 23 percent of young people started a business that year as a result of unemployment.
“I feel like being an entrepreneur in college is one of the best times,” said Micaela Siraj, a Georgia State freshman and founder of the Etsy store Whakistani, where she sells hand-crafted jewelry. “You’re surrounded by so many different groups of people and the diversity is so intense. Just being able to get yourself out there and hear their feedback is really awesome.”
Siraj just opened her online store, but she has been selling jewelry since age 9. She has already received a positive response from students at Georgia State. She was recently commissioned by Greek Life to participate in a fashion show.
“Study by day and jeweler by night,” Siraj said.
Last week, Siraj had three tests and custom orders to fulfill. “It’s a juggle. But it’s entirely rewarding that I can pull off all As while making bank,” Siraj said.
Sawyer explained that time management is a challenge for him too.
“Staying focused on my studies is hard. And then also being involved, like doing other clubs and organizations,” Sawyer said. “It’s a lot of running around, and then after all that running around I still have to come back and do homework.”
In addition to operating LYFTD, Sawyer is a Georgia State junior and former Inceptor. He said being an Inceptor at Georgia State helped him learn valuable leadership skills. Sawyer also explained the importance of networking opportunities on and off campus in Atlanta, as well as through the use of social media.
Building a strong base in your community helps solidify your relevance. Duane Ferrell, a Georgia State senior and founder/CEO of Mello Hype Music, did just that when WRAS 88.5 broke some of his label’s records.
“The fan base here at [Georgia State] has been very supportive,” Ferrell said. “Music is the most influential art known to man. So having this young community here, and the city of Atlanta which is very music-based…it’s a great opportunity.”
Ferrell plays many roles in the realm of music, but at Georgia State, he studies journalism.
“I took the journalism program to enhance my communication skills,” Ferrell said.
He explained that it’s necessary to have a team of people working together to meet common goals and stay on task. In those ways, he can apply what he has learned in the classroom.
