By Alexandra Macia
Special from UTPB
UT Permian Basin Senior Emily Daw launched her business Emily Daw Ceramics while pursuing an undergraduate art degree. From sculptures to mugs, she seemingly does it all.
Daw first tried ceramics during her required upper-level ceramics course, and she’s been hooked ever since. The foundation of her business was to test design ideas while using the available resources UTPB has to offer.
“As an artist you are naturally and consistently creating or inventing new ideas,” said Daw. “The struggle comes in trying to find out how your work is interacting in the world.”
Daw says she measures success in many ways. As a business owner, she has learned how to better define her intended audience.
Her products and selections have drastically developed over time. She has sold products in the Permian Basin and across the country through the Student Made platform at UTPB!
“Selling in the Permian Basin has created many networking opportunities and has led to different gigs outside the purview of the business,” said Daw.
Student Made has been a “sandbox” for testing ideas, giving her the opportunity to easily extend her business past the Permian Basin. It was a risk that Student Made helped dissolve much of.
Student Made is an online platform for student entrepreneurs, allowing them to buy, create, and sell their own products. During the fall semester, student products were sold in six different states totaling close to $4,000 in sales! Student Made at UTPB is 89% female and made up of 42% non-business majors.
Daw is graduating this spring and plans on pursuing a master’s degree. She says starting a business has helped her chose the direction she wants to go in post-graduation and discover different ways to pursue options in her field.
