By: Madison Meyers (meyem24@uwgb.edu)
In recent years, more students have been diving into entrepreneurship—launching businesses or side hustles while still in school. Whether it’s selling handmade goods, offering services, or running online shops, these young entrepreneurs are learning to juggle their passions and responsibilities all at once. It is not always easy, but for many, it is one of the most rewarding experiences they will have in their academic career. Starting a business as a student isn’t just about making money—it’s about gaining real-world skills, building confidence, and creating something truly your own.
Balancing school and a business can be tough. You do not have to be a business major or future CEO to understand the challenge of managing multiple responsibilities. Anyone trying to navigate school, work, personal life, and goals can relate to the pressures and the potential of doing something extra on the side.
When I started my own hand lettering business last September, I was not sure what would come of it. I had always loved being creative, but I did not believe I could make money doing what I loved. After years of designing banners for my mom’s classroom and doing calligraphy for her students’ nametags, she finally encouraged me to turn it into something more. That push changed everything. Now, I create painted banners, wedding invitations, personalized sports balls—just about anything that can be written, I can design. It’s surreal to do something I love every day while also connecting with people and earning money that helps support my education.
Of course, it has not always been smooth. The biggest challenge I have faced is balancing my schoolwork with the growing demands of my business. This past January, the Sun Prairie West Girls Basketball Booster Club ordered 15 customized basketballs for their senior varsity players. It was a huge opportunity, but I did not fully anticipate the stress and time commitment it would require. Balancing that project with J-term classes and deadlines forced me to get serious about planning. My deskpad calendar became my lifeline, and I started using my phone’s notes app to keep track of everything. Staying organized helped me manage my time better—and helped me realize that I could handle more than I thought.
Running this business has also boosted my self-confidence in a major way. I’ve always believed I was creative, but I never saw myself as “good enough” to charge for my work. But with every order and every kind of message from a customer, I’ve started to believe in myself a little more. Now, I’m proud to share my Instagram, talk about my work, and say out loud that I’m good at what I do.
Professor Paul Werner, who teaches business at the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay and runs several small businesses of his own, shared his perspective. He started his entrepreneurial journey with a paper route in seventh grade and quickly learned that consistency and reliability could set him apart. “You don’t have to invent something brand new,” he told me. “You just need to see a better way to do something and take action.” That mindset—of creativity, resilience, and action—is what defines an entrepreneur.
His biggest piece of advice for students was simple: Just start. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time. Entrepreneurs do not wait—they move. “Start selling, start building, start asking questions,” Werner said. “You don’t need all the answers before you begin.”
He also stressed the importance of learning to talk to people, build relationships, and not be afraid to make mistakes. That is where the real growth happens. Balancing school and business is definitely a challenge—but it’s one that teaches you how to manage your time, handle pressure, and believe in yourself. Whether your business is big or small, the experience can shape your future in ways that a classroom never could. For any student thinking about taking the leap, my advice is simple: if you love something, follow it. You might just surprise yourself with what you can build.