Entrepreneur pitches idea during Start Garden event

October 1, 2024 (Volume 48, Number 3)
Article by Thomas Garrett

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AJ Young, a supplemental instruction specialist for GVSU's Tutoring and Reading Center, is using his skills in instruction and education in his own business.

Co-Create Studio, founded in 2024, grew out of Young’s pop-up craft shops. Young said he started creating things at a very young age and has a large fondness for anything in textiles: knitting, quilting and bagmaking.

However, Young said the repetitive process of creating and selling products was not fulfilling his passion. He described his love for the community, learning and working with others; that's the experience he wanted to share.

“That is what Co-Create Studios is about: helping people connect with their creativity, and finding that community through crafts and yoga,” said Young.

Young and his husband, yoga instructor Han Meadway, took their idea to a Grand Rapids entrepreneurial competition called Start Garden, which provides new business and start-ups with the chance to gain capital and expert advice to continue developing their ideas.

On September 18, during GR Tech Week, Young and Meadway participated in Start Garden's Demo Day, when the top 100 pitches were narrowed to 10. The top 10 finishers each won $20,000 to continue to develop their ideas.

After submitting their initial pitch, Young said he didn't know what to expect. “Once we won the initial $1,000, I had chills, it didn’t feel real,” said Young. “Then it was time to get to work, to prepare for Demo Day, but I had all the support I could need.”

Through Start Garden, entrepreneurs are provided with like-minded mentors, advisors and friends who assist them. Young also used his resources at GVSU. He gained support from the Michigan Small Business Development Center after being referred from connections in the Seidman College of Business and the campus community.

On Demo Day, Young and Meadway presented their business to hundreds of visitors at the Start Garden event. 

“While we did not make it to the top 10, it was still an amazing experience to gain knowledge, network with experts and people who are interested in our business,” said Young.

In the future, Young and Meadway hope to expand into a commercial space as they previously have partnered with local businesses and organizations to provide in-person programs. 

— Thomas Garrett earned a bachelor's degree in writing from GVSU in April.

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