As you know, start ups are a new and rapidly growing trend among Millennials, especially those living in the bustling city of Philadelphia, PA. But what makes the city of Philadelphia, and more so, Temple University, pretty awesome? The fact that we have almost endless opportunity to get ahead and do well for ourselves, including endless opportunities to solve problems and create solutions for others. Here are some super cool start ups by Temple University students/alumni that are worth checking out:
1. Whose Your Landlord
Founded by: Ofo Ezeugw, Temple Alumni, 2013
His mission? To provide transparency for Millennials when renting, and being able to read real reviews from tenants on the landlords/apartments they have experienced.
How did he do it? Whose Your Landlord won a popular business competition at Temple University, the Be Your Own Boss Bowl, which provided funding for their start up. Along with other partnerships, investments, and capital, Whose Your Landlord was able to go from an idea to a reality.
The vision of this business is to eventually become a household name amongst the renting Millennial population- think "ratemyprofessor.com" but for landlords! A place where real people can give their real feedback, and nothing gets better then that.
https://www.whoseyourlandlord.com
2. Repair U
Founded by: Jesse Dilauca, Temple Student, 22
The idea for Repair U started when founder Jess Dilauca was working at the King Of Prussia Mall repairing cellphones, unimpressed and frustrated with the way the phone repair business was being implemented. When cellphones break, they require immediate and rapid service, which can be difficult amongst college students having to make a lengthy drive to a mall or a costly repair at a cell phone store, often waiting long hours.
The solution? Bring cellphone repair to you. Repair U offers an innovative way to repair your phone, by simply scheduling a time online, and having a technician meet you in a local spot on your schedule. The lack of overhead (aka a storefront, utilities, etc.) makes prices cheaper for everyone, and the ease & innovation of Jesse's system is effectively appealing to college students more and more every day. Jesse plans on being the go-to phone repair company on Temple's campus, and, eventually other colleges across the nation.
http://www.repairu.tech
3. Happy Hippy
Founded by: Justine
Happy Hippy is the newest yummy food spot on Temple's campus that specializes in healthy, fresh food that is accessible to everyone. When the vision was first started for the company, Justine was a yoga instructor looking to quit her full time job and follow something she was passionate about.
And so Happy Hippy was created with three words in mind: Fun. Fresh. Fuel.
The food will leave you feeling light and energized, while your body is feeling well fed. Although she has successfully created Happy Hippy, her dream does not stop there. Her vision is to have a cafe and community center for patrons to do yoga, meditate, and have a safe space to go and destress from. Her food can be found on the second floor of the SAC, awaiting to be eaten!
http://www.happyhippyveg.com
4. Rungh Cosmetics
Founded by: Neha Raman, Temple University Junior, 20
Introducing Rungh Cosmetics, the one and only company that allows you to create your own nail polish. Raman, a junior in college, thought of the idea in high school, when she was frustrated by the same mundane and generic nail polish colors scattered throughout several similar stores. That is when she had the idea- why not be able to create your own nail polish? Today, Rungh nail polish has a unique and customizable kit that allows you to mix a plethora of different nail polishes, and use her newly invented technology to do so in your own bottle. Although Raman is still in school, she has no plans of slowing down.
The goal is for Rungh Cosmetics to eventually become a product that all ages will be looking to get their hands on! It is fun, creative, and lets the consumer make the decision on which nail polish they truly want to be wearing.
5. Affinity Confections
Founded by: Joseph Green
Affinity Confections specializes in simple , well constructed, quality ingredients for deserts, that will leave your taste buds sweet and satisfied. Green created this idea over 2 years ago, when his internship left him pondering all of the problems in the baked goods industry. He noticed that customers were looking for smaller portions, better quality, and unique flavors. Affinity Confections not only has the option to deliver their products to your door, but to also hold tasting events and catering services. They hope to eventually have a store front that satisfied customers and sugar seeking street goers can look to for an easy solution.
http://www.affinityconfections.com
6. Franklin & Poe
Founded by: Andrew Li & Partner, Temple Alumni
Franklin & Poe is not your average retail company- Franklin & Poe is at the forefront of the "made in America" movement, to bring all aspects of retailing back to this country. After obtaining loans from Kiva.org, a non profit loan company looking to help entrepreneurs who want to do good, Li and his parter were While Li is passionate about his products, he said his biggest passion is educating consumers on the true cause and effect of how/where their clothing comes from.
Franklin & Poe's vision is to eventually own a brick & mortar around the Fishtown area, and not just generate business from online retailing. Even just purchasing one pair of a quality made in America item can create social awareness and change to furthering the sustainability of our resources.
