COMMUNITY STORIES: JULIA KELLY
I truly believe JMU has one of the best business schools, especially in how it supports and prepares students for real-world success, and the genuine care for its students.
I declined at the time because I wasn’t sure how I would manage everything as a first-year student.
After visiting the farmer’s market in the fall and seeing firsthand what Student-Made was all about, I immediately realized it was something I wanted to be part of. I joined soon after and have loved the experience ever since.
I chose this path because I love all things social media and enjoy creating engaging content for different platforms. Through my marketing courses at JMU, I’ve also developed a strong interest in sales, an area I hadn’t previously considered. Thanks to the JMU College of Business, I’ve been able to explore both creative and strategic sides of business and discover new career interests along the way.
I started it in 2021 when I was a junior in high school and have continued running it ever since. I’ve always loved crafting and creating items to sell, originally making products for family members just for fun.
After coming to college, I transitioned toward products like stickers and gameday buttons that better fit campus culture. One of my favorite parts of running this business is seeing my products around campus—whether it’s a sticker on someone’s laptop or a button worn on game day.
Transitioning from Etsy to my own website initially seemed like the best decision, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for where my business was at the time. Etsy’s built-in traffic is incredibly helpful when building a customer base.
While my personal website saw early success, sales eventually declined, and consistently attracting customers became challenging. After returning to Etsy, I’ve experienced steady and consistent sales, reaffirming that it is the best platform for my business at this stage.
The program has exposed me to the creativity and innovation of other student entrepreneurs who are building products and ideas I didn’t even realize were possible.
My goal within the program is to be the best version of myself: to generate strong sales while also building meaningful relationships and growing alongside other entrepreneurs.
Through this role, I’ve discovered a genuine passion for supporting other small businesses and helping them succeed. The program has expanded my network by connecting me with fellow business owners and opening doors to valuable collaboration and mentorship. As a result, I’ve grown alongside my business—refining my brand and creating products that truly align with my clientele.
It was extremely successful, with strong sales and great customer engagement, and it motivated me to continue participating in farmer’s markets each semester.
I want to stay closely connected to my customers while remaining true to my own personal style. I intentionally create products that I would purchase and use myself, ensuring that my work aligns with what my customers genuinely enjoy.
My current target market is college students, but I aim to expand my audience to include anyone who appreciates collegiate style, as well as girls of all ages.
I want to open a brick-and-mortar location in Richmond. I anticipate that Student-Made will continue to support this goal by serving as a resource for collaboration, mentorship, and connection with other creators.
I have learned what has worked well for other creators, which will contribute to my personal and professional growth. In return, I hope to give back by supporting fellow creators, collaborating on products, and contributing to a positive and encouraging creative environment.
I want to outsource and feature other creators’ products, creating a space where multiple small businesses can succeed together.
While I am excited about the potential victories that come with growth and collaboration, one challenge I anticipate is maintaining long-term sustainability, and I recognize the importance of adaptability and continuous learning to ensure the ongoing success of my business.
