Arielle Rodgers Manley

Bee and Buttafly

Meet Arielle Rodgers Manley, a dynamic and accomplished student entrepreneur who took the reins of her family's business, Bee in Buttafly, in 2020 while juggling her academic pursuits. As a first-generation college student, Arielle's journey is marked by determination, resilience, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world of sustainable fashion.

Bee in Buttafly began its transformative journey in 2021 and 2022, laying the foundation for growth and success. In the past year, Arielle's vision and hard work propelled the business to generate over $30,000 in revenue, with an impressive estimated revenue projection of $180,000 for 2023, boasting a remarkable 72% gross margin.

Arielle's entrepreneurial accomplishments are nothing short of impressive, capturing the attention of prestigious platforms and competitions. Her business was selected as a competitor in the 2022 Baltimore Pride Parade Float, showcasing Bee in Buttafly's commitment to inclusivity and sustainable fashion. Additionally, Arielle was one of the ten founders chosen for the esteemed Blackstone LaunchPad Founders Academy, further validating her innovative approach to business.

Among her accolades, Arielle's pitch competition triumphs stand out. She secured 1st place in the EDAC Bears In Business Brunch competition and was the 2nd place winner of the HBCU 20X20 Pitch competition, showcasing her ability to effectively present her vision and secure recognition for her business acumen. Moreover, she earned the 2nd place at the CASE conference hosted by EDAC at Morgan State University, showcasing her ability to excel on her own campus.

Beyond her entrepreneurship pursuits, Arielle is a distinguished Morgan Mold Graduate cohort of 2022, a testament to her dedication to personal growth and development. Her excellence extends beyond academics as well; she was invited to a private after-hour dinner at Fulton Bank, further exemplifying her impressive networking and leadership skills.

As a member of all Maryland Chambers of Commerce, the Cube Women's Coworking Center, and a partner of the Women's Metropolitan Business Center, Arielle actively engages in the business community, establishing meaningful connections and opportunities for her brand.

Bee in Buttafly, under Arielle's visionary leadership, offers high-quality, curated consignment and thrifted goods that resonate with an adaptive urban aesthetic inspired by the streets of Baltimore. The brand's mission revolves around providing inclusive, sustainable, and accessible luxury merchandise through styling, shopping, and creative direction services, all while contributing to the reduction of pollution and promoting conscious fashion choices.

Arielle's plans for the future are nothing short of ambitious. She aims to raise $350,000 in capital for Bee in Buttafly, propelling the business to a break-even point by April 2024. Her priority right now is to audit and document the business's operations, laying the groundwork for scaling up and hiring employees as the business grows.

As Arielle continues her journey as a student entrepreneur, she faces challenges with finding an ideal business mentor who can provide valuable expertise in the niche her business operates in. Nevertheless, her determination and resourcefulness are bound to lead her to the right mentorship and guidance.

A junior at Morgan State University, Arielle exhibits a diverse academic profile, majoring in Applied Liberal Studies and minoring in Fine Art and Entrepreneurship. Alongside her academic endeavors, she is a dedicated paid intern at Blackstone Launchpad, further honing her skills and experience in the world of entrepreneurship.

In summary, Arielle Rodgers Manley is an inspiring student entrepreneur, first-generation college student, and passionate family business owner. Her journey exemplifies the power of determination, creativity, and sustainable business practices, making a profound impact on the world of fashion. As she continues to shine as a leader and innovator, Arielle's future is undeniably bright, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of conscious fashion and entrepreneurship.

Anaya Quarles

KC Cosmetics

Meet Anaya Quarles, a driven and visionary young entrepreneur who embarked on a journey to create KC Cosmetics, an inspiring brand specializing in organic skin and body care products. Anaya's story began during her sophomore year of high school in October 2019 when she won a prestigious business pitch competition, igniting her passion for entrepreneurship.

From the inception of KC Cosmetics, Anaya has poured her heart and soul into the business, taking on the responsibility of crafting the majority of her products herself, ensuring the highest quality for her loyal customers. With dedication and hard work, she has successfully generated sales through in-person pop-up shops, her website, and various social media channels, shipping orders to customers, and even offering a convenient pick-up option for her student clientele on campus.

As an ambitious young entrepreneur, Anaya continuously strives for improvement, particularly in the area of marketing her business. She recognizes the value of email marketing and is keen to receive guidance to optimize this aspect of her brand promotion. With her focus currently set on enhancing marketing and branding, Anaya has exciting projects in the pipeline, including a new commercial, website, and logo, all of which are presently in production.

Anaya's passion for growth extends beyond her entrepreneurial venture. Among her notable achievements are winning two additional business pitch competitions and securing multiple guest speaking engagements, showcasing her prowess as a budding leader and inspiring speaker. Anaya's love for the world of fashion has also led her to attend the renowned New York Fashion Week, where she gained valuable insights and connections within the industry.

While conquering the entrepreneurial world, Anaya is equally dedicated to her academic pursuits. Currently entering her Junior year at Morgan State University, she manages to balance her studies with an impressive internship at Deloitte, where she has gained invaluable professional experience for the second consecutive year.

But that's not all—Anaya's entrepreneurial spirit knows no bounds. Alongside her work on KC Cosmetics, she is busy laying the groundwork for her new fashion business called Lei Pink Apparel, a venture that promises to bring her unique creativity and passion to the world of fashion.

Looking to the future, Anaya sets her sights on a remarkable business goal: to have KC Cosmetics featured in stores and mall kiosks, paving the way for a new brick and mortar sales channel. Her tenacity, resourcefulness, and unwavering dedication to her dreams make her journey one to watch.

In summary, Anaya Quarles is an inspiring student entrepreneur who started KC Cosmetics from the ground up and has achieved remarkable success while continuously seeking growth and improvement. Her drive, determination, and passion for her business and other ventures serve as a testament to her bright future as a young leader in the business and fashion worlds.

Paul Kigaya

The Dons LLC

Meet Paul Kigaya, a driven and enterprising young student entrepreneur who made his mark in the e-commerce world with his thriving Amazon FBA business, specializing in durags under the brand name "Donrags." Paul's business journey began nearly three years ago in November 2020 when he bravely sent his first shipment of Donrags into Amazon's vast network of warehouses. To set his venture on a solid foundation, he registered his business as The Dons LLC, obtained a business tax ID, and set up a dedicated business bank account.

Since its inception, The Dons LLC has experienced exponential growth, showcasing impressive profit and loss statements that reflect improved cash flow and reduced expenses. Paul's ingenuity and dedication to his brand have contributed to a remarkable return rate of 3x over a two-month period, divided into four payments, exemplifying the value and appeal of Donrags to customers.

Paul's marketing prowess plays a crucial role in driving the success of his business. He employs a strategic mix of organic and paid Facebook posts, Amazon PPC ads, and customer incentives through discounts and coupons. However, his most significant focus lies in fostering strong customer engagement by actively seeking and collecting reviews, fostering a loyal customer base that sings praises for Donrags.

Despite being a senior at Morgan State University, where he is studying Engineering Physics, Paul wholeheartedly devotes himself to the continuous growth and expansion of The Dons LLC. His topmost priority right now is gaining a more substantial market share among his competitors on the Amazon platform. With a clear vision for the future, Paul aims to witness The Dons LLC generating a monthly income in the impressive four to five-figure range within the next two years.

While Paul has achieved remarkable success, he remains humble and acknowledges areas in which he could use assistance. One such aspect is inventory management and accurately forecasting sales. He recognizes the importance of efficient inventory practices to meet demand and optimize resources for sustained growth.

In summary, Paul Kigaya is an exceptional student entrepreneur who transformed his passion for fashion and business acumen into a flourishing Amazon FBA enterprise, The Dons LLC. With relentless drive and strategic marketing, Paul has carved a significant niche for Donrags in a competitive market. As he approaches the next phase of his business journey, his determination and focus on improvement will undoubtedly propel The Dons LLC to even greater heights in the world of e-commerce.

Jalin Walker

Chain of Events

Meet Jalin Walker, a visionary and passionate student entrepreneur who is the mastermind behind Chain of Events, a cutting-edge streetwear brand that weaves together fashion, history, and philanthropy. Jalin's unique creations feature tactical knotted paracord drawstrings, transforming each garment into a canvas that tells a compelling story. With a strong focus on black history and culture, every collection from Chain of Events is a powerful expression of art and heritage, making a lasting impact on the world.

Beyond aesthetics, Chain of Events goes above and beyond to make a difference. For every purchase made, Jalin ensures that $1 is donated to charitable organizations, adding a meaningful layer to the brand's ethos of giving back to the community. In addition to ready-made collections, Chain of Events also caters to businesses and organizations, offering custom clothing that further amplifies their brand identity.

Since its inception in 2021, Chain of Events has been on a remarkable journey of growth and success. With unwavering determination, Jalin's innovative approach and creativity have driven the brand to generate revenue, totaling an impressive $5,100 year to date. The first year saw Jalin establishing an e-commerce store for online shoppers, as well as strategically building a strong presence on social media platforms.

In Year 2, Jalin's ambition expanded, giving rise to "Chain of Events Customs," a venture focused on bulk personalization. He also maximized local outreach by vending at six pop-up shops in various locations across Maryland, effectively reaching out to a broader audience and solidifying the brand's position in the market.

In 2023, Chain of Events reached new heights, achieving significant milestones. Jalin successfully signed an official contract to have his brand sold in the prestigious Bowie State bookstore, a testament to the brand's growing recognition and popularity. Additionally, Chain of Events became the custom supplier for four businesses and one nonprofit organization, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and sought-after clothing provider. Jalin also attended a pop-up shop event, engaging directly with customers and forging valuable connections.

Recognizing the importance of intellectual property protection, Jalin is currently in the process of securing a design patent for his innovative drawcord strings, further establishing Chain of Events as a cutting-edge fashion brand.

Jalin's marketing strategy is a well-rounded approach, incorporating organic social media efforts, leveraging the power of word-of-mouth marketing, utilizing Google Ads for wider reach, and ensuring brand visibility by displaying marketing collateral at pop-up shops.

Balancing his thriving entrepreneurial venture with academics, Jalin is currently in his sophomore year at Bowie State University, pursuing his passion for success on multiple fronts.

Looking ahead, Jalin has grand ambitions for Chain of Events. Within the next two years, he envisions the business surpassing $125,000 in annual revenue and materializing his dream of opening a physical brick and mortar storefront, providing a tangible space for customers to experience the essence of Chain of Events.

While his journey has been marked by achievements, Jalin humbly acknowledges one of his biggest struggles: being a solopreneur and hesitating to delegate tasks as often as he should. However, with his relentless dedication and a growing success story, Jalin is undoubtedly poised to overcome this challenge and take Chain of Events to even greater heights.

In summary, Jalin Walker is an inspiring and driven student entrepreneur who has brought together fashion, culture, and giving in his remarkable brand, Chain of Events. Through his passion and dedication, Jalin's business has thrived, leaving an indelible mark on the world of streetwear. With his sights set on continued growth, he is on the path to making a significant impact and achieving remarkable success in both the fashion industry and his academic pursuits.

Gabrielle Hall

Grain of Arcane, LLC

Meet Gabrielle Hall, a talented and visionary student entrepreneur who embarked on a transformative journey with the inception of Grain of Arcane in 2019. With an eye for creativity and a heart for making a difference, Gabrielle's business offers a diverse range of products, from original art paintings to handmade jewelry, positive affirmation stickers, crochet clothing, and more. Grain of Arcane is not just a business; it's a platform for self-expression and empowerment, with a strong focus on mental health and community support.

What began as a clothing brand quickly evolved into something much more profound as Gabrielle recognized her true calling as an artist and creative. With unwavering dedication, she expanded Grain of Arcane to encompass a wide array of products that reflect her passion for creativity and her desire to share positivity with the world.

Grain of Arcane goes beyond selling products; it creates opportunities for connection and collaboration. Gabrielle hosts networking events, providing a platform for other businesses to promote their products and share resources for mental health. Her vision for Grain of Arcane extends beyond the world of commerce, empowering her community through positive initiatives.

As a proud member of Crowning Queens Mentoring, Gabrielle actively engages with a worldwide group focused on mentoring businesswomen, fostering growth and empowerment within the entrepreneurial community. On her campus, she is a valued member of LoveYours, a beauty and business organization at Morgan State University, where she contributes her unique talents and expertise.

Gabrielle's commitment to giving back is commendable. Every year, she hosts an annual fundraiser to raise donations for The National Alliance on Mental Illnesses, making a meaningful impact on mental health awareness and support.

With her business gaining recognition and success, Gabrielle has had the opportunity to promote her products in storefront locations and speak at prestigious universities as a panelist, sharing her entrepreneurial journey and inspiring others to pursue their dreams. She has showcased Grain of Arcane at various colleges and prestigious events, such as the Black Girl Art Show, amplifying the voice of black female artists on a national stage.

Gabrielle is relentless in her pursuit of growth and opportunities for her business. She actively participates in business pitching events at Morgan State University, seeking funding to fuel Grain of Arcane continued expansion and impact.

Inspired by her personal experiences of feeling misunderstood as an adolescent, Gabrielle's vision for Grain of Arcane is rooted in empathy and understanding. The majority of her products are lovingly handmade, reflecting the care and dedication she puts into each creation.

As Grain of Arcane undergoes rebranding and transitions into becoming a registered LLC, Gabrielle's aspirations for the future are even more ambitious. Within the next few years, she envisions transforming her business into a non-profit organization with a physical location, providing valuable resources and support to the community.

Currently a junior at Morgan State University, Gabrielle is pursuing a major in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Psychology. Her academic pursuits and entrepreneurial endeavors beautifully intersect, enriching her understanding of business and human behavior.

In summary, Gabrielle Hall is a remarkable student entrepreneur, artist, and advocate who has built Grain of Arcane from the ground up as a vehicle for creativity, positivity, and community support. Her passion for making a difference shines through in every aspect of her business, and her dedication to empowering others is an inspiration to the entrepreneurial community and beyond. With her bright vision for the future, Gabrielle's impact on mental health awareness and community enrichment is sure to leave an indelible mark on the world.

Kyra Manning

Knail Bakery

Meet Kyra Manning, a driven and creative student entrepreneur who established Knail Bakery, a home-based beauty care company, in March 2020. With a passion for nail art and customized nail and cuticle care, Kyra's business offers a delightful range of press-on nail art designs and personalized beauty services.

Knail Bakery's journey has been guided by a strategic marketing approach. Leveraging the power of social media, word of mouth, canvassing, and business cards, Kyra has effectively reached out to her target audience and built a loyal customer base. Online sales and promotions further bolster the brand's visibility and appeal.

As a sole proprietorship, Kyra is keen on maximizing the potential of her business and is eyeing a transition to an S-Corporation in the future, allowing her to access valuable tax benefits and take her business to new heights.

With a clear focus on growth and expansion, Kyra's immediate priority is optimizing the e-commerce channel to boost online sales. Embracing digital opportunities, she seeks to increase the reach and accessibility of Knail Bakery's products and services.

Looking ahead, Kyra envisions a bright future for Knail Bakery. Within the next few years, she dreams of establishing a brick and mortar location that will serve as a retail outlet for her products while also operating as a beauty school, offering specialized training and services in the realm of nail art and beauty care.

While Kyra has excelled in entrepreneurship, she recognizes that every journey comes with its challenges. One area where she could use some assistance is inventory management and supply chain optimization, ensuring a seamless flow of products and resources to meet growing demand efficiently.

Beyond her business pursuits, Kyra is a dedicated senior at Morgan State University, pursuing a major in Business Administration. The fusion of academic knowledge and real-world experience has empowered her to make informed decisions and drive the success of Knail Bakery.

In summary, Kyra Manning is an inspiring and determined student entrepreneur who has created a thriving home-based beauty care company, Knail Bakery. Her passion for nail art and dedication to personalized customer experiences have laid the foundation for a promising future. With her vision of a brick and mortar location and beauty school, Kyra is committed to making a lasting impact on the beauty industry. As she balances her academic pursuits with entrepreneurial endeavors, Kyra's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and showcases the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.