'The Artsy Juice Box' learns entrepreneurial skills, lessons with Student-Made Troy store

Student entrepreneurs find success

Taylor Grey Photo Taylor Grey's shop, The Artsy Juice Box, sells a variety of handmade or hand-painted items.

Student-Made, a national program partnering with the Troy University IDEA Bank, allows students and budding business owners like Taylor Grey to get their feet wet in the world of artistic merchandising.

Grey, a junior digital studio art major from Ashville, Alabama, is the owner of her own small business, “The Artsy Juice Box.”

She is currently offering a variety of items including crochet plushies, prints from self-made stamps, assortments of pins and stickers, greeting cards with various messages, t-shirts and tote bags.

“My business’s main goal is to give me a way to share my creations and spread smiles to the people who see and buy them,” Grey said. “It first started because I needed a name to go with my creations, and I didn’t like the idea of just using my own name or nickname.

“I wanted a brand and a logo to bring with me to pop-up sales, and now I’ve brought it to Student-Made.”

Taylor Grey photos

The Artsy Juice Box has illustrations for sale, on greeting cards, posters and clothing.

Grey shared that the program has given her more confidence in her creative abilities and been able to help her learn about how to be an entrepreneur.

While working under Student-Made, Grey has learned about how to manage her time, how to track her inventory and how to maintain her stock.

“It is not only an effective way to put myself out there and make a little money; it’s also cheap – only $60 per semester – and it helps me know how to run a business,” Grey said. “It also helps people smile when they see cute things that students have made, which is always great.”

Student-Made allows student business owners to retain 100% of their profits.

Student-Made and its partnered students’ wares can be found both online at studentmadetroy.com and in person at the Troy IDEA Bank downtown at 63 S. Court Square Unit A. Those interested in applying to join the program can do so through their website under the “Join Student-Made” tab.

“I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to check out the store and also check out the Student-Made creator application process,” Grey said. “It’s easy, cost-effective and super helpful for learning how to sell your products while still being a busy student.”