Many Evangel Students have turned their passion into a source of income by starting side businesses. Whether they were looking to earn money or simply have fun, these students are dedicated and determined. 

Chloe Jackson, a sophomore studying youth ministries, has been doing gel nails for three years now. When she first began doing nails, it was just on herself. Jackson said, “The more I did my nails, the more I discovered how fun it is for me to relax and do art.” Eventually, she developed a business doing what she loves. Jackson said, “I then quickly discovered how much I loved getting to sit with girls and make them feel prettier with some fun nails. It became my business, but also my ministry.” Jackson’s favorite part about what she does is extending the love of Jesus to others through conversation, creating a safe space, and providing a time for others to relax. Her hope for the future is to continue to grow her clientele and bless others with what she has been blessed with, and one day, have an at home salon in her future home or apartment. Anyone interested in booking with her can contact her through her business Instagram account @chloejackson.nails.  

The next student is Mallory Hills, a senior studying business management and the owner of Pike Creek Apparel Co. It all began when she was 13 and was gifted a Cricut for Christmas and fell in love with making t-shirts. The following May, her parents were encouraging her to find a job, and that was when she decided to try and sell some of the shirts she was making. In June 2019, Mallory created a Facebook page for her side business under the name Pike Creek Cuts. She began taking orders from friends and family, and the next summer, she began selling her apparel at her hometown farmers’ market. She set up her booth every Saturday at the farmers’ market, and that summer became a turning point for her business. The word was spreading, and by the time Mallory started high school, she was running a full-time business from her basement. In Aug. 2024, she rebranded as Pike Creek Apparel Co. and launched her own website.  In the future, Mallory hopes to open a storefront and printing shop with commercial apparel printing equipment, while also offering her products in a physical retail space. Customers can look at Pike Creek Apparel at pikecreekapparelco.com, or find it @pikecreekapparelco on Instagram and Facebook.  

Another student with a side business is Dwaylen Reed, a junior studying business management at Evangel, and the owner of One Way Cutz. He had a list of things he was doing to earn some extra money, and haircutting was one of them. His mother also does hair, which led him into it. He started practicing on two of his childhood best friends, and then he posted on his Instagram story that he would be offering free haircuts for a month to anyone willing to let him practice on them.  Reed said, “I want to own my own barbershop that focuses on spreading the gospel. The conversations in the barber chair are a great way to connect and help people grow closer to Christ.” He also hopes to give back to the community through initiatives like free back-to-school haircuts for those in need. It brings him fulfillment to see the joy they have from looking at themselves after the haircut. Anyone wanting a haircut can contact him using the number 918-808-2508 or on Instagram @onewaycutz.  

Zoe Sanders, a sophomore studying communication and journalism, creates wire art, a skill she has been honing since she was 9 years old. She taught herself, and what started as a hobby grew into a side business. Sanders has made various wire sculptures as well as jewelry. Although she is no longer selling her creations at this time, she truly enjoys creating art through wire. Sanders said, “I enjoy seeing sketches on paper come to life with wire.”  

Elayna Nill, a senior studying early childhood education, is taking photos, which she has been doing professionally for about three years. It started when she was in high school, where she took all of the photography classes her school offered. She learned to take professional-quality photos using only her cell phone. That is where she fell in love with composition and aesthetics. After graduating from high school, she began learning how to use her mom’s Canon EOS Rebel T5i. That summer, she created her business Instagram page, Captured by Elayna. Initially, Nill photographed close friends and family to share her creativity. It switched when she came to Evangel, and a group of girls in her dorm asked her to take their floor pictures. From there, her business took off and has continued to grow ever since. Weddings and engagements have especially become her favorite sessions to photograph. She has gotten the opportunity to photograph five weddings so far, and Nill would love to see more doors open in that area. Nill said, “Connecting with people and being part of their special moments. There’s something so special and timeless about freezing those memories in time and having something to look back on.” Every time she picks up her camera, it feels like a small act of worship, allowing God’s light to shine through her and reflect his love to others. In the future, she hopes to teach and continue to grow her business, Captured by Elayna, on the side. To book a session with Nill, can find her business Instagram @capturedbyelayna. 

There are many more students at Evangel who use their talents to earn a little extra money alongside their academic career.