Student entrepreneurs shine at Buckeye Made Market during Homecoming weekend

As Homecoming weekend brought alumni, students and families back to campus, the Student Entrepreneurs’ Center at The Ohio State University transformed into a hub of creativity and energy. The Buckeye Made Market, held during the celebration, showcased student-led ventures and gave young entrepreneurs a chance to test their ideas, share their products and connect with customers. 

Hosted by the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship, the market invited students from across the university to experience what it takes to run a business. 

“The Buckeye Made Market gives student entrepreneurs a platform to gain real-world experience while sharing their creativity with the broader community,” said Cheryl Turnbull, senior director of the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship. “It’s an exciting look at the next generation of innovators coming out of Ohio State.” 

Among those innovators was Ellie Katherine Bevington, a first-year marketing major with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. Originally from Frankfort, Kentucky, Bevington is the founder of EM Jewelry Co., a handmade jewelry brand that began as an extension of her first business. 

“When I was 15, I started a small gift shop inside my parents’ used car dealership,” she said. “A couple of years later, I launched EM Jewelry Co. because I wanted a business I could take with me to college.” 

Bevington now creates bracelets and other jewelry pieces by hand in her residence hall, selling them online and through several stores in Kentucky — and she’s working to expand to shops around Columbus. 

The experience, she said, far exceeded her expectations. “I was shocked with the turnout,” Bevington said. “I had over 55 customers, which was a lot more than I thought. I think being Homecoming weekend helped, but it was just such a great experience.” 

As one of the youngest entrepreneurs at the market, Bevington said the event gave her confidence and connections that will help her grow. “Being a freshman and having this opportunity was amazing,” she said. “It was great to meet other students with startups and learn more about what’s possible at Ohio State.” 

Also featured at the market was Olivia Ratchford, a fourth-year marketing major with a minor in entrepreneurship from Springfield, Ohio. Her business, Ondreaus, brings a fresh perspective to concert merchandise by combining art, fashion and authenticity. 

The idea came to her after attending a concert where she felt the official merchandise didn’t capture the spirit of the show.  

“I didn’t like the merch, so I decided to make my own,” Ratchford said. “When people spend money, I want it to be worthwhile — especially on something that’s supposed to remind them of an experience they love.” 

Her personal project quickly turned into a business. Friends began requesting custom designs, and soon Ratchford realized she had found her niche. Through Ondreaus, she creates concert-inspired pieces including T-shirts, hoodies, tote bags, hats, sunglasses and stickers — each reflecting the energy of live music and fan culture. 

Ratchford has been experimenting with art and design for nearly a decade, blending digital and handmade techniques to produce her work. “I’ve always loved art, design, painting and sewing,” she said. “It’s just something that’s always been part of me.” 

She currently manages Ondreaus on her own but hopes to collaborate directly with artists in the future and secure official licensing for her designs. Participating in the Buckeye Made Market, she said, reinforced her passion for building something meaningful. “It was really cool to be surrounded by other people who are passionate about their ideas,” Ratchford said. “Entrepreneurship isn’t just about business — it’s about creativity and taking a chance on yourself.”