Kyntorrious Brison is serious about letting the world know that the voices of his fellow students at Harris-Stowe State University need to be heard. So he did his part to make it happen as part of the city’s renowned 314 Day.
Organized by HSSU Anheuser-Busch School of Business Thrivent Student Ambassadors, the HuSTLe Expo was one of many 314 Day events that took place on March 14, 2024. The students are the first Thrivent Student Ambassadors, and this event demonstrated that they have the drive and talent to make their respective side hustles stand out.
The expo was even unique enough to attract a special guest speaker – Terrell “Young Dip” Evans, the co-founder of 314 Day.
“This event shows us and it shows the students that they are getting heard,” said Brison, a senior at HSSU and creator of the expo. “Also, this event means a lot to me because I am an entrepreneur myself. So, I am loving that I am able to let other entrepreneurs showcase their talents.”
Deirra Williams, another member of the Thrivent Student Ambassadors, said this event was special to her as well.
“It is fun and important because we are highlighting each other,’’ Williams said. “This is a student engagement event for student entrepreneurs and, as a business major, it is important that we highlight each other to build that community from the ground up. So, that way when we are post college and when we get into our careers, we are already connected with each other.”
The expo attracted several students, called “Side HuSTLers,” who came in to display their products and services.
One of the “Side HuSTLers” was Kenjuan Caples, who has been a barber for six years. Caples operates “Third World Cuts” and said his side hustle became his passion.
“Cutting hair just really came out of nowhere,” Caples said. “Eventually it turned into something I knew I wanted to do for a very long time. I wanted to make that my business, I wanted to make that my career.”
Caples is from Memphis, Tenn., but he said he really likes St. Louis and its fast pace.
Another “Side HuSTLer” was J’ Montez Cameron, who re-styles shoes into a style or theme that the customer wants. He is also a Thriving Student Ambassador who started his side hustle a year ago.
“I honestly started with something that I saw a lot on social media and it was something that I could get behind,” Cameron said.. “It was a form of expression, so I really just started with the process and fell in love with it. I am trying to learn every single day and have been going strong for a year.’’
