Baldwin Students Turn an Idea Into a Night of Student Entrepreneurs on Sept. 25

What started as a conversation between two Baldwin students about the high cost of selling at local markets has grown into a new opportunity for young entrepreneurs across the Philadelphia area.

 

On Friday, September 25, Baldwin seniors Damia Je and Emily Wang will host the first Night of Student Entrepreneurs, or NOSE, at Bryn Mawr College. From 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., approximately 16 student-owned businesses from seven area high schools will gather outside McBride Gateway to sell their products, promote their services, and connect with members of the community.

 

Damia and Emily first began developing the idea during the winter of 2025 after Damia mentioned to Emily during art class how expensive it could be for student entrepreneurs to participate in flea markets and other community events. The two realized that many high school business owners faced the same challenge: finding an affordable place to reach customers.

 

They spent roughly five months turning their idea into reality, contacting potential venues, researching student businesses and recruiting vendors. Bryn Mawr College ultimately offered them space at a reduced cost, allowing the event to grow beyond the school-based market they originally envisioned.

 

Damia, the founder of Happy Hugs, designed the NOSE website and reached out to potential vendors, while Emily took on much of the event's outreach and social-media promotion. Together, they discovered a wide range of student businesses, from food and beverages to clothing, artwork, photography, and mobile applications.

 

The event's $20 vendor fee is intended to keep participation affordable. Any money left after venue and advertising expenses will be reinvested into the event.

 

For Damia, NOSE is also an extension of her own entrepreneurial experience. Through Happy Hugs, she sells hoodies and T-shirts to support people with Tourette syndrome, a condition she has lived with since childhood. The business has sold more than 140 hoodies and generated more than 1.5 million social-media views. After expenses, Damia plans to donate profits to the Tourette Association of America.

 

Several Baldwin students will join Damia as vendors at NOSE, bringing businesses that reflect their own interests and causes.

 

Baldwin Bandz, founded by Caroline Ma ’27, Cleo Hill ’27, Gwen Haugen ’27 and Aliya Freeman ’27, sells custom Pura Vida bracelets. The students describe their bracelets as symbols of community and connection, and all profits are donated toward educating middle school girls about entrepreneurship.

 

Mr. Max's Matcha, founded by Vera Jain ’29, will offer iced matcha lattes. Vera hopes to share her enthusiasm for matcha while developing the business into a successful mini café focused on creative, high-quality drinks.

 

Baldwin Brew, run by Starry Yang ’28 and Whitney Shissler ’27, will sell coffee and refreshers while supporting educational equity. Their goal is to build community while raising support for a cause they care about.

 

And, of course, Damia's Happy Hugs will be part of the market, giving visitors a chance to learn more about the mission behind her business.

 

For Damia and Emily, however, NOSE is about more than a single evening of sales. They hope the participating entrepreneurs will form lasting connections and continue supporting one another after the event. They also hope that younger visitors will see the businesses at NOSE and leave inspired to turn their own ideas into ventures.