Shop Rowan Grad this winter! Today we feature Rowan alumni who have started their own businesses.
Wider Awake
Alumna Courtney Stevenson graduated from Rowan in 2008 with a B.A. in Printmaking & Illustration. She and her husband Justin, also a Rowan alum, own a printmaking company called Wider Awake.
https://www.widerawake.com/ | Instagram @widerawakeprint
“I learned a lot of technical skills at Rowan as relates to the field of art/design because of my wonderful professors and their knowledge. I also learned that the community within your field of study is invaluable, especially what I found at Rowan and within Westby Hall,” Courtney recalls in this Rowan Blog profile.
Topos Teas
Blackwood, NJ (Camden County) natives Mike Lombardo, a Marketing grad and Rowan Global student earning an MBA, and Kayvon Jahanbakhsh, an alumnus with a Finance degree, started their small business, Topos Teas, while students at Rowan.
https://drinktopos.com/ | Instagram @drinktopos
“For me, Topos added meaning to everything I learned here. I could apply the material from my classes, even the parts that weren’t as fun, to my future, which made it exciting.” Mike reflects in this Rowan Blog profile. “Now when people ask me where I’m from, I can proudly say Rowan University. This degree is something of value, and I’ve been using it in the best way possible.”
That’s So Rad Designs, LLC
Alumna Jen Radwanski graduated from Rowan in 2002 with a degree in Psychology. Jen is from Egg Harbor Township, NJ (Atlantic County) and sells household quilted items in her Etsy shop, That’s Sew Rad Designs.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/ThatsSewRadDesigns | https://www.facebook.com/ThatsSewRadDesigns |
Instagram @thatssewraddesigns
“Being involved on campus helped me learn how to network and build my communication skills. So some advice I have for current or future students would be to get involved,” Jen says. “Although it might be a little more difficult during a pandemic, getting involved in clubs, organizations, community service or getting an on-campus job will help you academically as well! This is especially important for transfer students as your time at Rowan is even shorter.”
The Lion’s Mane Salon & Spa
Josh Forman, from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County), graduated from Rowan in 2006 with a Mechanical Engineering degree. He owns The Lion’s Mane Salon & Spa in his hometown.
www.lionsmanesalonspa.com | facebook.com/thelionsmanesalon/ | Instagram @thelionsmanesalon
“The friends and connections I made in college helped grow and expand my business. I think that everyone should get involved, make friends, and get the full college experience,” Josh says.
Face To Finish
Maria Barbieri, a 2017 Public Relations graduate from Marlton, NJ (Burlington County), does custom artwork under the name Face To Finish.
www.facetofinish.com | Instagram @facetofinish
“Rowan gave me opportunities and knowledge that I would not have had otherwise. Talk to your professors! About anything, they’re there to help and support you,” Maria says.
Cookie Munchers
Shortly after their May 2016 graduation, alumni Cassie Aran and Brandon Lucante partnered with local Rowan Boulevard business Ry’s Bagels to bring their own business idea to life. Brandon double majored in Public Relations and Advertising while Cassie double majored in Entrepreneurship and Marketing.
rucookiemunchers.com | https://www.facebook.com/rucookiemuncher/ | Instagram @runcookiemunchers
Cassie and Brandon unanimously agreed that Rowan prepared them to start their business.
MacGuyver Media
Steve McKeon, a first-generation college student and Computer Science graduate, is the CEO of MacGuyver Media.
twitter.com/Macguyvertech01 | www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpmckeon | TikTok and Instagram @macguyvertech
Steve says Rowan University taught him the networking skills and technical foundation that led to the success he finds today leading a software development company.
Idleminds Lifestyle Brand
Alumnus Brandon Perry graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Marketing and has started a retail clothing brand since then called Idleminds Lifestyle.
idlemindslifestyle.com | Facebook/Idleminds Lifestyle Brand | Instagram @idlemindslifestyle
“My advice would be to not be afraid of trying new things and putting yourself out there. Follow your passions even if it seems crazy and enjoy the journey,” Brandon says.
Like what you see?
Story and photography by:
Stephanie Batista, sophomore music industry major
Header photo by:
Anthony Raisley, senior history major
