Abby and Gabby Burbary, Ed Davis and Kady Cox are all students at MSU, but alongside being hard working students they have another big thing in common. These students are all successful business owners.
The Burbarys and Bella Gemelli
The Burbarys, who will be juniors in the fall, are twin sisters who own a business by the name of Bella Gemelli, which means beautiful twins in Italian. The twins had the idea for Bella Gemelli when they were 16. After a year of building, it officially launched when they were 17.
Their business is online and they carry exclusive brands, as well as Bella Gemelli spirit wear. They are still in the process of designing their custom apparel.
The Burbary sisters, however, don’t keep their profit all to themselves.
“Five percent of our net proceeds go to Graham’s Foundation, to support premature twins, multiples, and single birth’s,” the Burbary’s said.
Graham’s Foundation is a non-profit organization that delivers support, research and advocacy for premature children and their parents.
“We run this business alone with the help and guidance of our father (who’s also a business owner),” Burbary said. “He’s been a true mentor for us and has taught us a great amount about how to run a successful business.”
The sisters said although starting and maintaining a business is difficult, the results are worth it.
“Our advice to future entrepreneurs is to follow your dreams, and don’t give up,” the Burbarys said. “Our favorite quote to live by is, ‘If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’”
Davis and Detroit Up
Davis is owner of Detroit Up, a business that was started to sell apparel for Detroit natives, but has now turned into something more.
Beginning his business is 2014, Davis’ goal is “rejuvenating and reuniting the city of Detroit.”
“I see Detroit Up as one of the go to groups around the city that has played a major role in the city’s growth and uplift of the community,” Davis said.
Although his brand first involved selling apparel, it has now turned into an outlet and opportunity for Detroit musicians and artists.
“From Detroit Up I began coordinating showcases that allowed up and coming talent from Detroit, the opportunity to perform,” Davis said. “I am now in the process of opening a studio in a local Detroit neighborhood, as well as starting a development company named Rajeunir Developments, LLC.”
Davis encourages young entrepreneurs to network when in situations that could benefit them in the future.
“The biggest advice that I can give to aspiring entrepreneurs is to put yourself in the best situations in which you can capitalize and attain those aspirations that you may have,” Davis said.
Cox and VK Sweets
VK Sweets, meaning Very Kady Sweets is a business based in Lansing that sells baked goods, and though Cox hasn’t had her business up and running long, it has been quite a success on MSU’s campus.
“I began running my business alone, then a few weeks later I gained two interns, public relations and baking specialist,” Cox said.
VK sweets was started in January of 2016 and Cox later began her online store in February of 2016, and through VK Sweets, Cox has been able to begin a scholarship fund.
Cox hopes for VK Sweets to be a business that impacts the community in a positive way.
"In 5 years I see VK Sweet’s with a storefront, giving people jobs, changing communities, and allowing other to create jobs and business for our younger generation,” Cox said. “This will help us allow people, like myself, to become more set-sufficient.”
Cox tells aspiring entrepreneurs to not be afraid and not to forget about serving the community.
“Take the leap you’ve been hesitant to take,” Cox said. “Have multiple sources of income. Incorporate community service in whatever you do because that’s what makes us different from other companies. Our kids will thank us later for creating so many jobs and changing the world.”
