Our school community is full of talented and driven students—and nowhere is that more evident than in the incredible businesses they’re building. During a recent club interview session, we had the opportunity to sit down with several student entrepreneurs to learn more about their journeys.
Below, we’ve highlighted each business individually, sharing their answers to key questions and what makes them unique.
🤠 Parker Luck (Western Clothing)
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
Parker Luck provides affordable western-style clothing for students who can’t access high-end boutique fashion. It fills a gap in the market where there is no accessible resale or boutique option for western wear.
What inspired you to start this business?
The idea came from recognizing that western fashion is often expensive and inaccessible to students.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
The focus is on affordability while maintaining a boutique feel, making western fashion more inclusive.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Building a brand strong enough to plan for a future storefront boutique.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Entering a niche market required building awareness and trust among students.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Making a unique style accessible to students who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
📸 Kalli Andrews Photography
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
Kalli provides student-focused photography, especially for dance and graduation, creating a relatable and comfortable experience.
What inspired you to start this business?
She noticed a growing demand for student photography and stepped in to meet it.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
She creates a warm, welcoming environment and focuses on storytelling—capturing the full university experience.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Growing a client base through word-of-mouth and consistent demand.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Overcoming self-doubt with support from friends and family.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Making photography accessible and personal, even offering flexible options like trades.
🌿 Lach Lawns
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
Lach Lawns provides seasonal landscaping services while helping community members who cannot maintain their own yards.
What inspired you to start this business?
Encouragement from family and a desire to help neighbors in the community.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
A strong focus on community and student employment, hiring other students and creating opportunities.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Building a reputation for high-quality work despite being student-run.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Facing skepticism about quality, which was overcome by consistently delivering strong results.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Providing job opportunities for students and helping those in need.
♻️ REDUX
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
REDUX tackles food waste by repurposing surplus food from restaurants and working with farms.
What inspired you to start this business?
A desire to create sustainable solutions and reduce waste.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
A strong community-based and structured approach, supported by a well-organized team.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Winning funding through Enactus competitions and forming partnerships.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Building trust and logistics in a new sustainability-focused model.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Reducing food waste while building connections with farms and local partners.
👕 Cultvre Vault
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
Cultvre Vault provides trendy, affordable clothing in areas where variety is limited outside major cities.
What inspired you to start this business?
Recognizing a lack of access to fashion options locally.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
A focus on community-building and accessibility, along with sustainable sourcing.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Opening a physical storefront, taking on significant financial responsibility.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Managing financial risk, including rent, inventory, and staffing.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Building a local fashion community and contributing to sustainability efforts.
🧸 Cozy Shack
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
Cozy Shack creates handmade, cozy products that bring comfort and serve as meaningful gifts.
What inspired you to start this business?
It began as a creative project at age 15, growing organically over time.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
A strong emphasis on creativity and authenticity, with handmade products.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Expanding from small items to a broader product range.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Managing space constraints while running a business from home.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Bringing comfort, creativity, and inspiration into customers’ lives.
🧼 Tidy Up North Cleaning Solutions
What problem does your business solve, and who do you serve?
This business provides eco-friendly cleaning services for the general public.
What inspired you to start this business?
A desire to offer a more affordable and environmentally conscious cleaning option.
What makes your business different from others in your space?
Use of eco-friendly products and a model that prioritizes cleaners by offering a percentage rather than fixed wages.
What has been your biggest milestone so far?
Establishing a growing client base and planning expansion into commercial services.
What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you handle it?
Entering the industry without prior experience and learning through hands-on work.
What impact are you most proud of creating?
Providing affordable services while supporting workers and sustainability.
These student entrepreneurs show that big ideas can start small. Through creativity, resilience, and a strong sense of community, they are turning everyday challenges into meaningful solutions.
Their journeys are just beginning—and the impact is already clear.
Guelph Entrepreneurship Society 
Leave a comment