The Student Hustle: Juggling creativity, entrepreneurship and academics `

Braxton Hare, Spectrum Editor 

College life is no longer just about late-night study sessions and cramming for exams. For many students, it’s also about managing a creative side hustle to make ends meet or explore passions beyond the classroom. Whether it is selling art on Etsy, performing at local venues or running an online clothing shop, students are finding new ways to balance academics with entrepreneurship.

Jayce Lips, a third-year health services student, shared their perspective on working as a nail technician while also balancing a rigorous academic schedule as a full-time college student. 

Lips said that learning new nail designs and trying new things has helped slowly shape them so they feel more comfortable expressing themselves in their everyday life.

“I am always wanting to try a new design or idea on nails. I love doing freestyles or nails that have a type of vision board for them,” Lips said. 

They said that the balancing act between nail technician and student isn’t always easy. 

“There are times I’ve had to pull back on how many appointments I have set up,” they said. “But I’ve learned to set clear boundaries and schedule my time effectively.”

Lips further shared that giving themselves days off during the week has helped them catch up with school, their social life and most importantly, themself. 

“When planning out my nail schedule, I give extra time with the appointments. That way I have enough time to yap and gossip with my clients, if need be,” Lips said. 

Lips said taking their business seriously has been the most beneficial factor in their success and has taken their side hustle to the next level.

“Save up for good quality tools,” Lips said. “Whatever creative outlet you may be in, get good quality materials and products. It will save you money in the long run. And research. It’s so important to see reviews on certain things.”

Lips encourages students to explore their interests in college, starting with a hobby to see what sparks passion. They said that three years ago, they never imagined being where they are today.

Olivia Cunningham, a third-year psychology and sociology student, works as a personal photographer on the side while also studying full-time. 

Cunningham said that by the time she was 15, she had booked over 50 senior sessions in one summer.

“To be completely honest, I have been balancing academics with my business since that moment, at 15 years old. Thankfully, the ‘busy season’ for portrait photographers is in the summer,” Cunningham said.

She said that she often takes one or two summer classes, but typically has a break from courses during back-to-back shoots, giving her more time to edit. 

“Start building up your portfolio! Take pictures of your friends, or ask to shoot with strangers to practice and learn,” Cunningham said. “It never hurts to take an introductory photography class if you have time before you graduate!”

Cunningham said that a contract with clients featuring clear guidelines and expectations is a must. 

“It is important to communicate with clients to avoid any misunderstandings about cost, location and timing” Cunningham said.

Furthermore, students are encouraged to get involved with the da Vinci Center at VCU. This program is “prototyping the future of higher education through cross-disciplinary academic, experiential, and experimental learning opportunities,” according to their website. 

The da Vinci Center is committed to increasing diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurial and technical ecosystems, recognizing that our students represent the next generation of innovators and creators.

Julien Reininer, a graduate student and a successful graduate of the program, shared their success story and how their small side hustle became a booming business. 

“In May of 2021, I entered a pitch competition and shared the idea of a Jackfruit Jerky company with community members and faculty of Virginia Commonwealth University’s da Vinci Center,” Reininer said. 

Reininer said that after gaining initial funding, it was time to turn the idea, now called Jacked! into a reality. They decided to stay at VCU for another 18 months and pursue their master’s degree in product innovation while also building Jacked! simultaneously. 

“We are now in countless retail stores in not only Richmond but across the entire country. I want this to be a tell-tale example that there is no such thing as a small idea, it’s more so what you do with those small ideas that matter,” Reininer said.