Small Business | Photo by Bethany Althauser | The Wright State Guardian
During Fall Fest, which took place on Friday, Aug. 30, six student and alumni entrepreneurs gathered outside Rike Hall to share their businesses with Wright State University. The market is expected to return to April Craze in the spring.
Keirstyn Thriftz
The market had six vendors set up during Fall Fest, which consisted of vintage clothing, handmade goods, baked items and more. Students could pursue the shops and explore the variety of what these small businesses had to offer.
One of these businesses included Keirstyn Thriftz, a thrifting and reselling business that the owner, Keirstyn Meisner, started six years ago.
Meisner is a senior at WSU studying Business Management. Besides having her own shop, she also helped organize the Small Business Farmers Market after attending various other markets at other universities.
“I’m a business management major, so I’m able to learn so much for my business and especially because there are small business management classes to learn things like ethics and financing,” Meisner said.
Meisner’s WSU education has been very beneficial in running her business and has landed her sources of support and networking opportunities.
When she graduates, the Entrepreneurship Club will take over running the Small Business Farmers Market.
Micharre Bakes
Michael Mathews is a graduate student at WSU getting an MBA with an expected graduation in May of 2025. Mathews mostly bakes for fun, but has baked for a variety of organizations and fundraisers across Dayton, Ohio.
Micharre Bakes is known for their unique baked goods creations. They sell everything from chocolate chip cookie cupcakes to sugar cookie brownies. These delicious goods are ones you do not want to miss.
Perseverance the Brand
Tracy Wilson is a WSU marketing student who was inspired by hard work and determination to create Perseverance the Brand.
Wilson’s business is a clothing brand that he started a year ago. Wilson’s goal is to have the entire university wear Perseverance the Brand.
Aerian’s Closet
Aerian Ellington is a 2019 WSU graduate. He graduated with a degree in finance and participated in the market.
Ellington sells vintage clothing from all over. His education at WSU has helped him network and find like-minded people to surround himself with.
Hand Painted Totes n’ Such
Jayne Retter is a first-year student studying mechanical engineering at WSU. She is involved in CRU on campus and is originally from Beavercreek.
Retter has wanted to start a business for a while and took the chance when she saw the flyer for the small business market. She hand paints tote bags and other miscellaneous items.
Wrinkle Frinkle LLC
Christine Moser is a 2022 WSU graduate, with a degree in entrepreneurship. She currently runs her business, Wrinkle Frinkle LLC, full time.
Moser has crafted a variety of goods throughout the span of her business but focuses on wood burning on a variety of items.
She started her education in biomedical engineering, and during her last year switched to entrepreneurship to follow her heart.
“If anybody is in the business world, just seriously follow your gut instinct. You know in your heart when something is right and you just have to go with that,” Moser said.
The Small Business Farmers Market is set to return during April Craze in the spring of 2025.
