Samford Startup, the student-led business incubator housed in Samford University’s Brock School of Business, has announced its 2026-27 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.
Each participant operates their own business as part of Samford’s broader commitment to hands-on experiential learning. The program gives students the opportunity to refine ideas, strengthen problem-solving abilities and embrace the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
Working alongside other student business founders creates a community of accountability, support and collaboration. In addition to peer learning, participants have access to valuable resources like networking events, one-on-one mentoring, opportunities to compete for additional funding and access to the state-of-the-art Titus/UFG Innovation Lab located in Cooney Hall.
This year’s cohort includes:
- 55 Athletics
- Business owner: Braedy Sommerville, a sophomore management major
- 55 Athletics connects college students with young athletes through hands-on sports training and personal mentorship.
- Deerfoot Landscapes
- Business owner: Jacob Carmichael, a junior finance major
- Deerfoot Landscapes is a lawn care and landscaping company committed to quality workmanship, dependable service and strong customer relationships.
- Devoted Ministry
- Business owner: Reagan Johnson, a senior marketing and entrepreneurship double major
- Devoted Ministry is a faith-based brand designed to help college-age women deepen their relationship with the Lord.
- Hardeman River Angling
- Business owner: Mitchell Hardeman, a junior entrepreneurship major
- Hardeman River Angling is a fly-fishing lodge and guide services focused on wild brown trout fishing throughout New England.
- Hydraglow
- Business owner: Ava O'Dowd, a senior accounting major
- Hydraglow is a skincare business that creates high-quality tools and products while educating and empowering women to care for their skin with confidence and authenticity.
- Kj Papery
- Business owner: Katie Jane Glassford, a senior entrepreneurship major
- KJ Papery is a watercolor stationary brand inspired by everyday moments.
- Labeled By Love
- Business Owner: Shelby Law, a junior entrepreneurship major
- Labeled by Love is a clothing brand that combines fashion with a message of faith, encouraging others to embrace their God-given identity.
- Lela Bee Kitchen
- Business owner: Lela Duggan, a junior accounting major
- Lela Bee Kitchen is a health and wellness brand offering simple, nourishing recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free.
- Marian Florals LLC
- Business owner: Mary Grant Baumbach, a sophomore philosophy major
- Marian Florals LLC is a floral design and flower farming business.
- Rooted Rhythm
- Business owner: Alyssa Blackson, a senior marketing and entrepreneurship double major
- Rooted Rhythm is a business dedicated to helping girls better understand their bodies, hormones and overall health through biology, education and scriptur
- Sela
- Business owners: Ty Nelson and Troup Wallace, senior finance majors
- Sela is a technology platform that connects homeowners, businesses and real estate professionals with trusted local college students for everyday projects.
- Stitched By Madison
- Business owner: Madison Hamilton, a senior marketing and entrepreneurship double major
- Stitched by Madison is a sorority apparel and accessories brand that celebrates creativity and community through custom embroidered designs for college women across the country.
- Tanner Wages Photography
- Business owner: Tanner Wages, a senior journalism and mass communicationmajor
- Tanner Wages Photography is a photography business that captures personal and professional moments, specializing in senior portraits, family life, headshots and sorority or fraternity content while telling meaningful stories through each image.
- The Etc. Shop
- Business owner: Emma Claire Thompson, a junior finance and marketing double major
- The Etc. Shop is a small business that creates personalized products using vinyl, embroidery and sublimation, combining creativity and craftsmanship to bring custom items to life.
- Three Camels
- Business owner: Kelly Grey Taylor, a junior psychology major
- Three Camels is a clothing and accessories brand specializing in reversible tote bags.
“The Samford Startup program not only gives you opportunities but also a unique community,” said senior Madison Hamilton, owner of Stitched by Madison. “Dr. Mazzei has gone above and beyond to lead and support our businesses through this program. It’s not common to be a business owner in college, so it’s amazing to be surrounded by others who understand what it’s like and are supporting and rooting for you.”
Matt Mazzei, Samford Startup faculty coordinator and chair of the entrepreneurship, management and marketing department, is excited about this year’s Samford Startup student cohort, which includes 10 new businesses and five that returned for their second year.
“I’m very excited about this group!” said Mazzei. “We have our largest cohort ever, with a wide variety of business types and industries represented. The breadth of businesses will challenge us all to consider new tasks, new target audiences and new challenges. I look forward to working with each of them, helping them develop their business concepts and navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. What an exciting time to be part of this program!”
Residency in the Samford Startup space is open to all Samford University students—business and nonbusiness majors. The Samford Startup provides a unique experiential learning opportunity for students and is a testament to why The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse ranked Samford No. 3 in the nation for career preparation (2026).
