Bobcats’ entrepreneurial spirit on display in pop-up market on the Quad

Photos and story by Ephemia Nicolakis '23, MBA '24 April 22, 2022

A student smiles in front of the mountain.

The entrepreneurial spirit that defines #BobcatNation blossomed into a unique pop-up market for student-owned business ventures in a unique pop-up market under the spring sunshine.

A student hands a bag to another student.

Students can buy an array of custom crewnecks, hoodies, T-shirts, stickers and digital edits from Bonanza Unlimited, run by student Caterina Bonanno. “Bonanza Unlimited continues to grow and I’m grateful for all the opportunities that I have been given,” Bonanno said. Students can DM @bonanzaunlimited on Instagram to order. 

A student braids a bracelet.

Lydia Keys, owner of Bracelets by Lydia, started making bracelets as a hobby. Little did she know that this activity would turn into a business that now sells durable embroidery floss bracelets. Students can find more on @bracelets_by_lydia on Instagram. “I love seeing people happy with the results from a custom order and create every bracelet to the highest standards,” Keys said. 

A student hands another student a plate of food.

Liana Testa handing out samples of Testa’s Pasta Sauce to customers. “We are a unique pasta sauce since our tomatoes go through a process to remove the skins and seeds of the tomatoes that are harmful for some people with dietary restrictions and diverticulitis. We are the only skinless and seedless pasta sauce on the market,” Testa said. 

A student looks at jeans.

Students sift through clothing at Al’s Articles, a sustainable clothing business owned by Allison Demirjian. Al’s Articles is dedicated to “spreading secondhand love through unique, vintage-to-modern, hand-picked pieces,” Demirjian said. “Quinnipiac’s entrepreneurship class really helped me take my business model to the next level by mapping out the different aspects of Al’s Articles.” Al’s Articles can be found on Instagram @als_articles.

A student looks through clothing.

Students sifting through hanging clothing at Faith Ramadon’s table, owner of Hardcore Hippy. Hardcore Hippy features alternative and hippie vintage accessories and clothes. Interested customers can see availability @hardcore.hippy on Instagram

A student looks through a pin.

Easy going, nature-loving and thrift enthusiast are all terms to describe Madeleine Shellard. HAPPY PLANET THRIFTS, the place to get used vintage clothing, is owned by Shellard and includes hoodies, T-shirts, pants and more to help keep the planet happy. 

A student looks at merchandise.

Nia Braccidiferro conversing with customers about her products which include handmade jewelry, pins and stickers for all aesthetics. Thanks to one of the classes at Quinnipiac, Braccidiferro felt prepared running her own business. “I had the privilege of taking an entrepreneurship class this semester (ENT-210), and have thoroughly been taught first-hand how to operate and maintain a successful business and a product idea in general,” Braccidiferro said. 

A student holds up two Q pins.

ChristyLovesCrafts “specializes in handmade faux leather earrings in a wide range of styles and patterns,” according to owner and Quinnipiac student Christy Dzubay. Dzubay was set up for success for business moves such as her recent collaboration with Two Roads Brewing Company through involvement in the MAT program. “It really pushes students to be flexible and to take on a lot of responsibility,” Dzubay said. 

A student smiles in front of the mountain.

Nailed It!, a string art business run by Quinnipiac student Shannon Goria, featured an array of decorative pieces resembling the campus. Students can DM @shannon_goria on Instagram to get a customized piece. 

A student showcases her merchandise.

“All our products are natural and lack artificial preservatives and colorants,” owner of Composure Products Brian Ziegelhofer said. Students can find @composureproducts on Instagram. “Our products are tailor made for sensitive skin types. I started this business because I have sensitive skin and was tired of having reactions to existing formulas,” Ziegelhofer said. 

Students speak on the Quad.

Ryan Holden, owner of RCH Photography, showcases his work to students passing by. “Being an entrepreneur, and a sole proprietor in my case, demands that I must be advanced in every aspect of business and the past two years I have spent completing the Quinnipiac Business core as allowed me to do that,” Holden said. Students can book Holden via his website, photosbyrch.com.

A student gestures to his merchandise.

Justin Taddeo showcasing his products to customers.

A student makes a purchase.

All-organic and vegan products are important to Alexia Heurtelou. That’s why she started Luscious Lips by Lexie, featuring a lip gloss line that checks all the boxes.

The event was co-sponsored by the Office of Campus Life and People's United Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

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