Success Stories from the Hornet Student Marketplace

Alex, a graphic design student, always loved creating digital art. One day, he realized students wanted custom T-shirts, stickers, and posters for clubs and events but struggled to find affordable, high-quality designs. That’s when TestHornet Prints & Merch was born.

How Alex Did It:

• Started by offering free designs to build a portfolio
• Set up an Instagram shop and posted behind-the-scenes design videos
• Listed his business on Hornet Student Marketplace to attract campus customers
• Partnered with local print shops to fulfill bulk orders

Where is Alex Now?
Within six months, Alex was making more money from his side hustle than his part-time job. Now, he runs TestHornet Prints full-time, working with businesses and student organizations across California.

Take Action:
Got a creative skill? Start offering custom designs, social media content, or digital art and list it on the Hornet Student Marketplace to attract customers.

Jasmine, a culinary student, always dreamed of owning a bakery but didn’t know where to start. She loved making vegan and gluten-free desserts, but most options in stores were expensive and bland.

How Jasmine Built Her Business:

• Started selling small batches of cookies and cakes to friends and classmates
• Created an Instagram page (@TestHornetEats) to showcase her treats
• Offered free samples at Fullerton College events to spread the word
• Signed up for the Hornet Student Marketplace to take online orders

Where is Jasmine Now?
Her business, TestHornet Eats, now has weekly pre-orders from students and faculty. She’s planning to expand by selling at farmers’ markets and local cafes.

Take Action:
Do you have a passion for food? Start selling small batches of baked goods or snacks and test the demand before scaling up.

David always loved working on cars, but he never thought of it as a business—until a classmate asked if he could detail their car. That’s when he realized students needed affordable car cleaning services that came to them.

How David Got Started:

• Invested in basic cleaning supplies (less than $100!)
• Advertised through Facebook Marketplace and student group chats
• Offered discounted first-time services to attract customers
• Listed TestHornet Auto Care on the Hornet Student Marketplace for more exposure

Where is David Now?
Within three months, David had over 50 recurring customers—many of them professors and students. He’s now planning to expand and hire other students to meet demand.

Take Action:
If you have a practical skill, like car detailing, lawn care, or tech support, turn it into a side business and promote it on campus and online.