Emily Tirado Zacarias
Emily Tirado Zacarias
What is your business?
I sell custom crochet plushies through Instagram. I also participate in vending events where I sell crochet plushies, keychains, and flowers.
Why did you choose to start this business and what inspired you?
I initially crocheted for fun and gave away my finished projects to friends and family. I enjoyed seeing their reactions and spreading joy through them. I decided to start my own business because many friends and family encouraged me to start one. Initially, I began selling my crochet plushies through my high school classes, but after graduating, I never imagined receiving orders from people outside of school.
Were there any mentors or influences that helped you along the way?
My sisters have helped me through my journey. They are the people I go up to when I need honest opinions. They’ve helped me in many ways, like promoting my work through social media and helping me with filming and taking photos.
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One of my highlights of my business is my first vending event I took part in. I showed up with no expectations and ended up selling out, which is something I never thought would happen, and I appreciate the people who supported me and helped me run my pop-up.
Are there resources at UIC that have helped you with your business?
Are there resources at UIC that have helped you with your business?
UIC’s student organizations and UIC’s business department are resources I utilized on campus. UIC hosts different vending events throughout the semester, which have opened doors for me to sell my products and promote my business. I’ve also been able to take part in UIC’s Entrepreneurship Expo, where I was able to showcase my business and connect with students and staff who have their own businesses.
What is your major, and has this major influenced your business, or has your business influenced your major?
I’m majoring in Sociology with a concentration in social work. My major has allowed me to have a broad understanding of factors that influence entrepreneurship, such as social networks. It has also allowed me to understand the impact entrepreneurs have on society.
What was one of the highlights of your business so far?
One of my highlights of my business is my first vending event I took part in. I showed up with no expectations and ended up selling out, which is something I never thought would happen, and I appreciate the people who supported me and helped me run my pop-up.
What is your major, and has this major influenced your business, or has your business influenced your major?
Do you plan to continue after graduation?
I would love to continue my business after graduation. Although I might be busy with pursuing my career, I would like to continue selling plushies for fun and have my business as a way to continue being creative and spreading joy through my work.
What do you hope for your business to turn into in the future (what’s the “big dream”) ?
A big dream I have with my business is to be able to expand my business through crochet classes. I believe it would be a fun way to bring people together and build a community. I would like to create content related to tips when crocheting.
Ananya "Anna" Ramesh
UIC Honors Class of 2026
Major in Political Science, English, Pre-Law Track