Brock School of Business Announces 2025-26 Samford Startup Cohort
Samford Startup, the student-led business incubator housed in Samford University’s Brock School of Business, has announced its 2025-26 cohort. Through this experiential program, students explore what it takes to launch, grow and scale a business while building the confidence and creativity essential for entrepreneurial success.
Samford Startup: Tanner Wages Photography
Tanner Wages, a junior journalism and mass communication major at Samford University, is the owner of Tanner Wages Photography. Her business is dedicated to capturing meaningful moments and telling stories through authentic, timeless imagery.
Samford Startup: The Etc. Shop
Emma Claire Thompson, a sophomore finance and marketing double major, is the owner of The Etc. Shop. What started as a creative hobby has grown into a thriving small business fueled by her resourcefulness, entrepreneurial spirit and love for crafting meaningful, personalized products. The Etc. Shop offers custom apparel, stickers, cups and more.
Samford Startup: Braedy Sommerville Fitness Coaching
Braedy Sommerville, a sophomore management major, is the owner of Braedy Sommerville Fitness Coaching. Driven by a passion for health and faith, Sommerville is creating a platform that blends physical fitness with personal encouragement, helping others grow stronger both inside and out.
Samford Startup: Hydraglow Co.
Ava O’Dowd, a junior accounting major, is the owner of Hydraglow Co., a skincare business that focuses on creating high-quality tools designed to enhance confidence and promote genuine skin health. She hopes to bring authenticity and education to the skincare industry through products that empower women to embrace their natural beauty.
Samford Startup: Light The Path Candle Co.
Ty Nelson, a junior finance and entrepreneurship double major, is the owner of Light the Path Candle Co. Balancing his studies and entrepreneurial spirit, Nelson is turning his passion for faith and creativity into something meaningful. His company offers handcrafted, competitively priced candles that not only create a warm atmosphere but also serve a greater purpose.
Samford Startup: Labeled by Love
Shelby Law, a sophomore entrepreneurship major, is the owner of Labeled by Love. She launched her women’s clothing brand to combine her love for fashion with her passion for encouraging others to embrace their God-given identity. Labeled by Love offers trendy clothing items that reflect confidence, faith and individuality.
Samford Startup: Styled with Leah
Leah Henderlong, a junior marketing major at Samford University, is the owner of Styled with Leah. What started as a fun project for a friend quickly turned into a growing jewelry business fueled by her love for design and entrepreneurship.
Samford Startup: Stitched by Madison
Madison Hamilton, a junior marketing and entrepreneurship double major, is the owner of Stitched by Madison. What started as a small high school side hustle has grown into a thriving sorority apparel brand that reflects Madison’s creativity, entrepreneurial drive and commitment to community, offering customizable sweatshirts, hats, pins and more.
Samford Startup: Cleanr Windows
Grayson Birch, a senior management major, and Luke Ferris, a senior finance major, are the co-owners of Cleanr Windows. Birch and Ferris turned their desire for meaningful work into a growing window-cleaning business that continues to expand while providing opportunities for fellow Samford students.
Samford Startup: DormVault
Alex Dickey, a senior accounting major, is the owner of DormVault, a local business that helps college students move and store their things throughout the year.
Samford Startup: Brooks Paper Company
Natalie Brooks, a sophomore entrepreneurship and Spanish double major, is the owner of Brooks Paper Company. Brooks combines her love for storytelling and design to create mixed media picture books that inspire creativity and connection for readers of all ages.
Brock School of Business Faculty Shape Global Conversation on Digital Transformation through New Reference Book
As businesses navigate the opportunities and challenges of a digital-first world, faculty in Samford University’s Brock School of Business are helping lead the conversation. Eight faculty members recently contributed to the Encyclopedia of Entrepreneurship and Digitalization.
New Impact Investing Initiative Launches in Samford’s Brock School of Business
A new initiative centered around impact investing expands upon the foundation of the Social Entrepreneurship program, exposing students to the principles of aligning financial investments with social or mission-driven goals.
Samford Partners with Cedarworks Inc. for 12th Annual Lions Den Business-as-Mission Event
Samford University will partner with Cedarworks Inc. to present the 12th annual Lions Den pitch competition. The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 23 at 8:30 a.m. on the campus of Highlands College.
Samford Elects 2 New Trustees, Appoints Lifetime Member
Jay Love and Curt Stokes were elected to Samford University’s Board of Trustees, while Robert Holmes Jr. was appointed to a lifetime term.
Awards Recognize Lasting Contributions of Thielman, Belski, Poleshek
Faculty and staff excellence were honored with the annual Woolley, Buchanan and Nunnelly awards.
President Taylor touts 'courage' at Samford's 184th opening convocation
Samford University's fifth-year president encouraged students and faculty to face the year with courage, trust in God’s support and filter external voices that peddle fear.
