After noticing many students on campus who had small businesses and passion projects—custom beaded bracelets, printed stickers, and self-published literature, to name a few—Jahi Heath ’25 and Dina Azar ’25 co-founded the Side Hustle Community in 2023. Since then, and in collaboration with the Dyer Center, this network of about 35 students has been growing its success through various fairs, business workshops, and group brainstorming sessions.
While Heath, an engineering studies major, started a clothing line, Azar is a self-taught nail technician. “I can tap into my artistic side at Lafayette while majoring in something else,” says Azar, who is studying international affairs. “It feels like a creative outlet.” Contact dyercenter@lafayette.edu to learn more.
Ari Ismail ’26 offers freelance photography and videography, from graduation portraits and LinkedIn headshots to campus events like the Latin American Dance Showcase at Colton Chapel (pictured). PHOTOGRAPH BY ARI ISMAIL
Chris Nappo ’27, a double major in engineering studies and studio art, has been creating functional ceramics (mugs, bowls) for more than five years. NAPPO PHOTOS BY ADAM ATKINSON
Lately, Nappo’s favorite pots to make are chawans and yunomis, or tea bowls and teacups: “I’m drawn to the elegant forms and organic surfaces of East Asian teaware.”
As for Azar’s salon services, she sticks to manicures; Gel-X sets are popular among her college customers. AZAR PHOTOS BY ATKINSON
Azar started doing nails as a sophomore and usually books one appointment every day, with maybe more on the weekends. “I’ve learned I get to control my profits,” she says.
Black Rose Haven clothing line by Jahi Heath, found at the College Store, was designed to showcase the artistic work of Black artists. PHOTO BY ATKINSON
Being a first-generation student, Virginia Sacotingo ’25 designed a notebook, called the College Girl Planner, and kept the guidelines simple: no more than five tasks a day. Says Sacotingo, “It’s all about living an intentional lifestyle.” PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN DODARD
Before creating the planner, Virginia Sacotingo interviewed peers to learn about their academic and personal priorities. Some students also tested early versions of the planner. “I am confident that my method will help college girls succeed as academic weapons, entrepreneurs themselves, and allow them to achieve their goals,” Sacotingo says. “I want college girls to know that they can be their own boss and create their own successful experience while taking care of their well-being.” Find the planners at the College Store or pitrallc.com. PHOTO BY ATKINSON
Amy Downey
Amy Downey is the editor-in-chief of Lafayette magazine. She has 20 years of experience in the magazine industry, including being on the editorial staffs at city regional publications such as Boston and Philadelphia. More recently, she was a senior editor for Penn Stater, the alumni magazine of Penn State University, from where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English with a focus in creative writing and publishing. She and her family moved to the Lehigh Valley in 2017.
