COMMUNITY STORIES: PAYTON WILKINS
Even though it’s nearby, not many people seem to have heard of it, and only a handful of students from my high school came to UNC. I didn’t know many people going in, but Student-Made helped change that right away.
Once I got involved with Student-Made and met other student artists and entrepreneurs, this big school started to feel smaller and more personal.
I originally planned to study elementary education but pivoted right before college after taking high school journalism and yearbook classes that piqued my interest. It’s been a perfect fit! I love learning, meeting new people and helping tell their stories in ways that are clear and accessible.
Additionally, I have a minor in environmental science and studies. Long-term, I hope to combine my journalism background with my passion for sustainability in a communications role within the environmental or higher education space.
From the start, I felt like I had found where I was meant to be — a group of artists who, like me, all had hopes of turning their hobbies into businesses. I attended as many pop-ups and events as I could, and my business grew more than I had imagined it could.
When the Community Engagement Manager position opened, I knew I wanted to apply. I got the role and spent the next year planning events, managing recruiting and onboarding and helping new creators feel welcome. When our campus manager graduated, I jumped at the chance to take on more responsibility in this organization that meant so much to me. Since stepping into the role, it’s been amazing! I love working closely with each creator while shaping the overall Student-Made UNC experience and supporting our manager team.
Each semester brings new faces as creators and managers join and others graduate, and through it all, we have to work together to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience. My hope is that every creator who joins Student-Made UNC comes away with not only improved business skills, but the confidence, experience, client base and support network that we help them create.
While we love hosting pop-ups and events to help our creators earn money and grow their business, the best part to me is the community we’ve built. There’s always someone willing to offer a helping hand, answer questions, or talk about your craft. We work hard to make everyone feel welcomed and included. That sense of support and camaraderie is what makes our organization thrive.
Being a Student-Made manager has helped me develop many of the skills I’ll need to succeed in that path — from hosting pop-ups that taught me how to connect with customers, to leading meetings where I gained valuable organizational and leadership experience to managing a close-knit team and learning how to handle challenges effectively and efficiently.
I feel confident that I have the tools I need to do that, from launching my own website to selling in-person at craft markets whenever I can. Student-Made has given me a deep sense of confidence in both my creative abilities and my leadership skills, and I know I will be successful if I put my mind to it. Because Student-Made has given so much to me, I know I’ll keep coming back as a customer and supporter for many years to come.
We have an incredible community, with a sweet group of creators and kind, dedicated managers who go above and beyond to be sure each person has the resources they need.
I want it to become a go-to handmade-goods shop for not only students across campus, but for the wider Chapel Hill community. More than that, I hope creators continue joining, learning how to build their businesses, forming lasting friendships and carrying the lessons and connections they’ve gained throughout their careers and beyond.
