Up and Coming: Campus Entrepreneurs on the rise

Southern University built a legacy around the brilliance of Black students, whether they’re members of the class of 1921 or 2021. Trailblazing student accomplishments are displayed in organizational leadership, music, and entrepreneurship.
Kenneth Martin Jr., a freshman computer science major and musical artist from Baton Rouge, is a prime example of student entreprenuership. With the launch of his clothing brand Flock2Flock in 2019, he displays his original designs on shirts, hoodies, and sweatsuits, with much more to come in the future. “My brand is more than a clothing line, it’s a movement,” said Martin. Flock2Flock’s business name came from him living in his truth and seeking his spiritual journey. While praying and looking for answers outside, he saw flocks of birds. They came in groups of 2 and 3, and flew in a V-shaped form. Therefore, inspiring his logo.
The other branch of his company, 2Untamed, actually came before Flock2Flock. 2Untamed was influenced by a song he wrote, whereafter he ended up putting the two names together for his business. Kenneth thanks his mother for being supportive of his dreams, but gives ultimate praise to his spiritual motivation. “I want to give thanks to God because none of it would be possible without him.”
Mahcoe Edwards, a junior mechanical engineering major and member of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from Tulsa, Oklahoma, established his clothing line “4x4Visions” after the pandemic started in 2020. The brand’s name stems from his line number after crossing the fraternity and watching a lot of Anime. He thought the name 4 by 4 with an X would connect with his major because of dimensions and the logo being an actual box. Edwards’ love for drawing, designing, and colors are a few reasons why he decided to develop this business. “With my brand, it just gave me a reason to really do what I like to do while also pushing the mindset that you can do what you want to do.”
Edwards tries to target young adults with his clothing line, and thinks about possibly making the venture a full time effort. 4x4Visions started off as a six month project so he contemplated going forward. “As soon as I saw what I was doing in those six months and how lucrative it could be if I took it seriously, I went ahead and put my all into it.” By thoroughly pursuing this business, he plans to do what he can to push his mindset of ideas into his brand and make people feel as comfortable as possible.

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Up and Coming: Campus Entrepreneurs on the rise