arts/entertainment

PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM Students discover pandemic pursuits

BY LANGLEY LEVERETT

Arts/Entertainment & Opinions Editor

While the future of the pandemic is uncertain, some students have wasted no time in tending to productivity, reconnecting with old pursuits and taking the initiative to try their hand at something new. Students are quick to challenge the odds — whether it’s a minor inconvenience or a full-blown pandemic. As some students recall their unconventional summer with newfound appreciation, the changes caused by COVID-19 lose some of their negativity.

Junior elementary education major Josie Pringle’s plans to work at a summer camp were interrupted when her camp was cancelled because of COVID. This left her without a summer job, but with support from her family, she decided to start her own food service business called “Viva La Bowls,” a shop that crafts smoothie bowls.

“I live in Bryant, Ark., and there’s nothing like that around there,” Pringle said. “I thought this could be the perfect addition, and that it would do well.”

Pringle’s business taught her significant lessons in entrepreneurship—from handling stress and fear, to leading a successful shop and Instagram page (@vivalabowls).

“The first week was so stressful, and I did shed a few tears,” Pringle said. “I wanted it to be something that attracted people, something that was inviting. I wanted people to be happy with the product, and to know that I enjoyed producing it.”

While Pringle was serving up smoothie bowls in Bryant, junior communications and business marketing major Lindsey Hyde was launching her independent online boutique “Honey Threads” in Houston, Texas. Hyde sells stylish women’s clothing and accessories exclusively through Facebook and Instagram (@shop. honey.threads).

“My mom and I both thought physical retail locations were not going to be as popular anymore because people aren’t going to want to go out and try on clothes,” Hyde said. “I don’t think I would have done it if we didn’t have such an extended amount of time at home.”

Strategizing and time management are two qualities Hyde lists as key skills, but for her, taking risks and maintaining dedication produce the highest reward.

“Do not be afraid of what people might think because that’s the silliest reason to be stopped from following your dreams. Starting your own business or project is something you should be really proud of,” Hyde said. “You need to give a lot of focus and energy to one project to really see it through, and to see it come to its fullest potential.”

Senior elementary education major Jordan Ford opened her Etsy shop (@JordFordDesigns) during the height of the pandemic. Matching masks and scrunchie sets were her specialty, and Ford used her earnings to donate to the Black Lives Matter movement.

“Throughout the summer we’ve seen a lot of social justice issues arise and as a college student saving up money, I didn’t have the means to donate to the organizations that I wanted to,” Ford said. “It was through making masks that I was able to use some of the funds to be donated straight to those organizations. ” The social justice issues and the pandemic chaos hit Ford especially hard, so focusing on personal passions and contributing to the welfare of others allowed her to stay positive.

“I am a person who thrives on routine, and with quarantine, everything was uncertain,” Ford said. “Having something that held me accountable and responsible helped with my mental health.”

From left to right, top to bottom: Surrounded by her ingredients, Josie Pringle assembles a smoothie bowl for a customer. (Photo courtesy of Josie Pringle) Lindsey Hyde, owner of “Honey Threads” models the shop’s clothing. (Photo courtesy of Lindsey Hyde) Jordan Ford gears up in a matching mask and scrunchie set, on sale through her Etsy shop. (Photo courtesy of Jordan Ford)