Loyola University hosts 'side hustle' showcase featuring student businesses owners

It's safe to say that Loyola University Chicago students are busy.

"I'm currently taking seven classes. I'm also a part-time worker," said Sofia Aranda.

One of her jobs is one she created on her own through her business called Shop for Me, where Aranda styles clients with secondhand clothes.

"It has blown up my network, and I feel like I'm going to be able to utilize it when I graduate," she said.

Aranda was one of a handful of students showing off their businesses at the showcase at the Quinlan School of Business.

Aranda was one of a handful of students showing off their businesses at the showcase at the Quinlan School of Business.

Associate Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship and Director of Ignite Lab Ugur Uygur said he started the showcase three years ago to support students' entrepreneurial endeavors.

"These are students doing this on their own, but they're afforded the possibility to do this because they are in college ... they start a business that also allows a little bit of flexibility and safety, and Loyola Quinlan School of Business can provide that environment for them to follow something they care about," Uygur said.

He said he hopes the event inspires other students who are thinking about starting their own businesses.

"The importance of having a role model, not necessarily somebody who's older than you, but who but who you can relate to, and you see if that person can do this, maybe I can. So, it opens up a possibility for them," he said.

Aranda said being surrounded by other fellow student business owners motivates her as a business owner, too.

"I feel like these students understand the importance of having stuff local and I feel like supporting each other is supporting our communities," she said.