Any Nicholls State University student aspiring to run a business was welcomed to advertise at the Bollinger Suites on Thursday, Feb. 29th. An email went out the week prior about a “Student Pop-Up Mixer” that students could sign up for.

“[…] we have recognized the diverse entrepreneurial talents within our student body,” the email said, “and we want to provide you with a platform to showcase your businesses […].” It also specified that students would not be selling products at the mixer, only advertising. 

Savannah Buteaux, a member of the Black History Month committee, said the idea originated from her university, Savannah State. 

“My initial idea,” Buteaux said, “was to have just local businesses come represent themselves on campus. And the committee–being the brilliant people that they are–said ‘Let’s have the students do it instead.’”

Students were allowed to decorate their tables and provide information about their business for anyone to see, from Nicholls students and alumni to those off-campus.

“This is a great opportunity for students to kind of get an idea of what they want to do and how they want to do it, to go through trial and error without actually being in the business marketplace.” Buteaux said.