From sweet treats to woodwork, students at the University of North Georgia are building small businesses while also being full-time students.  

Caroline Redmond, a junior communications major, owns a small business called “Sweet Caroline’s.” Business

began to bloom when Redmond was fundraising for her spring break mission trip. Afterwards, Redmond was asked to bake for banquets and weddings. Redmond says, “I’ve always loved to bake and have felt called my whole life to serve others in a way that I am passionate about.” This passion of hers has turned into a business she wants to continue outside of college, “I plan to continue my business once graduated and turn it into a coffee shop or a cafe and eventually create a restaurant.”

Will Kelley, a senior computer science major, and Coralei Orth, a senior digital marketing major, have come together to form Kelley Creations, a custom wood design company. This business began in October 2024, and some of their most popular products are their cutting boards, cutlery and ornaments. Orth says, “We both love the idea of having our own business. I had a custom clothing business in high school and Will did lawn care. For Kelley Creations, it seemed like a perfect chance for us to pair my creativity with Will’s tech skills and do something we both love.”  

Faith Ann McGowen, a senior nursing major, also has a business that includes hard work. McGowen has run her own ring company, Rings by Faith Ann, for the past two and a half years. She says, “There are seasons when I am very active in my business and am selling spoon rings or giving them as gifts a lot, but there are other seasons where I don’t touch my stuff at all.” McGowen explains a common reality of being a full-time student with a side business, but ultimately, she encourages other students to give it a shot if they have the time. 

Dakota Hendrickson, a sophomore photography major, owns a photography business named “Kota’s Camera” This business has been going on for two years and it started when she was back home in Phoenix. Hendrickson says, “There have been many blessings that have come alongside the challenges of running a business in college. Most of the challenges come with being an out of state student- when I moved 2,000 miles to come to school, my clients didn’t come with me.” Through transitioning of states and new clients, Hendrickson still finds joy through having this business follow her to her new home in Dahlonega, Georgia.