Dingman Marketplace to Host Student-Run Companies

On Dec. 4 the Smith Schools Dingman Center for Entrepreneurship will host Dingman Marketplace from 12 2 p.m. in Van Munching Halls third floor atrium. The event showcases eight student-run businesses and portfolio companies that will make their various products available for purchase to the general university population.

The featured vendors will be peddling very different wares ranging from used (or new-to-you!) items such as graduation caps and gowns to luxury items, including name-brand suits and trendy leather purses. December MBA candidates may want to visit Cap & Gown to avoid the soaring costs for commencement regalia. Founded by junior marketing major Ori Zohar, the company sells used graduation apparel to Smith School MBA graduates. For those in search of more bargains, Terrapin Clothiers is a good bet. Run by students in the Maryland Undergraduate Society of Entrepreneurs (MUSE), the venture connects Smith School students with discounted name-brand suits. Famous makers include Jos. A Bank, Tumi Luggage, and Allen-Edmonds Shoes & Accessories.

For those with a taste for the collegiate, The Smith Store is a necessary stop. Fully staffed by students and led by senior Chris Wu, The Smith Store offers Smith branded items, from coffee mugs to sweatshirts. Smith MBA graduate Dana Lande also shows her Terrapin colors in a unique line of university-themed jewelry, Dayna U. Lande has an additional custom designer line, Dayna, which features authentic gemstones and sterling silver pieces.

Fun-seekers should be immediately drawn to North Star Games. Founded by two Smith MBA graduates, the board game company is responsible for the acclaimed Wits and Wagers, a party game retailed nation-wide at Target stores. Another company guaranteed to entice giggles is Crooked Monkey, created by university graduate Micha Weinblatt. With a flare for turning a phrase, Weinblatt's Internet-based business sells vintage t-shirts emblazoned with phrases such as Pluto: You'll Always Be A Planet To Me.

If indulgence is on the agenda, plan to satisfy your sweet tooth with Kailen's Candy Catering, run by Candy Girl Kailyn Cage, a sophomore. By using various marketing strategies, Cage efficiently stocks vending machines with the most-preferred snacks and beverages of her clients. If indulgence with a social conscience sounds even better, Cherry Kwunyeun just might be your bag. Her company, Blumpari, manufactures fashionable leather hand bags through a handicraft partnership with Thailand, which fairly pays impoverished Thai women to construct the purses. Kwunyeun is in Smiths part-time MBA program.

There is room on everyone's holiday shopping list to support the hard-working and creative Smith School community. Be sure to stop by!

▓ Amy Taylor, Office of Marketing Communications