Editor's Pick, Student Run Business

When we added Best Student-Run Business as a category for Best of Carolina 2022 it quickly became my favorite category. The owners of these businesses were thrilled to have been nominated, constantly encouraging their followers to vote and help them win! I always struggled picking just one to vote for, so I made an executive decision to highlight each student-run business nominee in the publication! These 4 students are so deserving and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to promote their work!

Shop Lila B

Lila Cromer began Shop Lila B a few years ago selling to supporters back home, but when she moved into her freshman dorm here at UofSC, the business came into its own. As students started coming to Cromer in search of perfect earrings for events such as formals and semi-formals, Shop Lila B continued to grow. 

“Shop Lila B has become the platform for me to really express my personality through art. Having even the smallest part in my customers' day-to-day life has been so fun and I am just so grateful for each and every one of them that has made my dreams become a reality,” Cromer said.

Shop Shop Lila B’s pieces

Student Made UofSC

Student-Made was created in 2017 to combat the common story of student-artists struggling to sell beyond a few close friends on campus or a small customer base in their hometown. The University of South Carolina Student-Made branch launched in September 2021 as an outlet for creative UofSC student-entrepreneurs to connect with the support of their campus community as they grow their business and share their message, while gaining the experience to turn their art into a viable business.

Meet all the artists and shop Student-Made UofSC

Shot by Grace

What started as a hobby in high school has become a passion and job for UofSC student Grace Sorrells. Within the past five years, Sorrells has accomplished far beyond what she would’ve expected — including filming and directing a commercial for NBA Rookie of the Year and All-Star Lamelo Ball. Sorrells hopes to continue paving a way for women in the sports industry and dreams of one day traveling the world photographing different companies, organizations and players. 

View Sorrell’s work and support her business

Summer Doodles

Summer Rogers created Summer Doodles as a way to raise funds for her mission work in Haiti. Five years later, Rogers is hosting events across Columbia and paving her way as a full-time artist. After graduating from UofSC in May 2021 Rogers has been able to expand Summer Doodles as she always hoped. 

From Soda City on Saturday mornings, pop-up events like Puppy Love Painting Classes and custom pieces, Summer Doodles has quickly become a Columbia favorite!

Shop Summer Doodles!