North Columbus News

The Ohio State University recently hosted the inaugural Buckeye Made Market, an event aimed at promoting student-led retail businesses. Organized by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship and the Fisher College of Business Honors Cohort, the market took place at the Student Entrepreneurs’ Center.

“The Buckeye Made Market is all about supporting and celebrating student businesses,” stated Ashley Lippincott, a program coordinator at the Keenan Center. She added that it was gratifying to see students share their passions with the community.

The event showcased around twelve student businesses offering products from various categories such as food, fashion, collectibles, and custom goods. Students had opportunities to enhance their marketing skills and expand their professional networks.

One of the vendors was Riley Creagh, a third-year marketing major who transformed his interest in trading cards into a business. Creagh's collection features AI-generated trading cards with humorous mouse characters shared on social media. “I’ve always been a fan of trading cards, especially Pokémon,” Creagh explained. He noted that his project gained traction after sharing it online.

Another participant, McKay Brown, a fourth-year marketing major, used the platform to promote her custom apparel business specializing in iron-on vinyl clothing. Brown remarked on how game days at Ohio State inspired her venture: “Game days are huge at Ohio State, and students are always looking for something different.”

Brown expressed how participating in the market shifted her perspective on her work: “This started as a small project, but being here made me realize I am an entrepreneur.”

The Fisher Honors Cohort Impact Project supported this inaugural event as part of its community engagement initiative. Erin Brandwein, a third-year finance major involved in organizing the event said: “Our project challenge was simple: ‘Make an impact.’”

Organizers hope to make Buckeye Made Market a regular occurrence due to its positive reception. Brandwein concluded by saying: “We’ve seen the impact – students gaining real-world business experience while also engaging with Ohio State’s entrepreneurial community.”