St. Clair Students are becoming entrepreneurs

An increasing number of St. Clair students are becoming entrepreneurs. 

For many students’ college is a way to find your calling and get a job, but for some this is a way to start careers as business owners.  

Kobe Kilner, is a St. Clair sports and recreation management student who has been running his business “K&K Authentic” for around three years. With his business he can sell signed sports and entertainment memorabilia, all while maintaining a stable school life. Kilner said that it can be hard being an entrepreneur while still in school but if you have the drive and commitment, it will work out. 

“Being in school can be a struggle sometimes because you don’t have as much free time,” said Kilner. “But whatever free time I do get I spend it doing work for my business.” 

School and work can be a hard balance to find, but it is not the only struggles young St. Clair entrepreneurs face. 

Vanessa Johnston, a 19-year-old St. Clair student has been growing her business “Strength in Strings” since high school. Her business sells aurora therapy bracelets that come with custom designs of a horse (which represents Johnston’s high school) or an elephant (which symbolizes jumbo the elephant and his story.)  

Even though she has been selling bracelets for years, Johnston said that being a young entrepreneur can be difficult, but it never hurts to get out into the world and try to start a business. 

“Something that I learned through this process, and would like to tell young entrepreneurs, is to get yourself out there,” Johnston said. “It never hurts to put yourself out there and don’t be afraid of rejection.” 

Although it may seem difficult to start both Saint nation entrepreneurs said that it is never too late to start your own business and live your dream.