Hello, Ilkomers! When you hear the word student, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Studying, joining organizations, or volunteering, maybe? Well, being a student isn’t just about those things! Many also have exciting activities outside the classroom, for example, our Ilkomers from the 2024 cohort who are starting their own businesses, from making stickers and doing nail art to becoming makeup artists (MUAs). Pretty cool, right? Besides gaining experience, they’re also learning about time management, networking, and of course, earning some extra income.
Starting a business always comes with plenty of stories to tell. Take Aurelia Anaqi, for instance, who founded Seni Jemari Oyen. She offers affordable home-service nail art for students and even custom press-on nails that fit each client’s size and style. Her passion began in childhood after watching YouTube nail art videos, and she finally decided to take it seriously in college. Despite challenges like pricing and not yet having her own studio, Aurelia sees uniqueness in her door-to-door service. She promotes her work through Instagram @senijemarioyen and word of mouth among friends.
Then there’s Fathi Rayyan, a creative student in the world of sticker design. What started as a holiday hobby soon turned into a business when the new semester began. With a lifelong interest in drawing, he transformed his artwork into eye-catching stickers. His main challenge? Finding a printing vendor that met his quality standards. After some research and recommendations from friends, he finally found the right one. His promotions run mostly on social media, like X (Unpadfess) and friends’ Instagram accounts.
We also have Zahira Mutiara Nurilain, who’s making waves as an MUA. Inspired by her love for art and cosplay, she offers both formal makeup services and creative character looks (cosplay, SFX, even spooky horror makeup). This unique specialization sets her apart from other MUAs. Even with tough competition, Zahira believes that differentiation keeps her services in demand. She promotes her work through Instagram @meznz_ as well as word of mouth.
From these stories, it’s clear that Ilkom 2024 students are brimming with creativity and determination. They’re not only focused on academics but also bold enough to explore entrepreneurial paths aligned with their passions. From nail art and sticker design to makeup artistry, they prove that opportunities are always out there if you’re willing to try. In a broader perspective, these entrepreneurial initiatives also reflect the spirit of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For instance, they support Goal 4: Quality Education by fostering creativity and practical skills beyond the classroom, and Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth by encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship, and financial independence.
Hopefully, their journeys can inspire other Ilkomers to keep exploring, keep creating, and keep developing their potential!
Building Inspiration through Students’ Innovation and Knowledge Vol #2