Six Athens Startups Owned By UGA Students

Athens Entrepreneurs: Building Businesses, Making Waves

Athens, Georgia, is a city pulsing wiht entrepreneurial energy. Home to the University of Georgia, a dynamic hub of creativity and ambition, Athens consistently graduates individuals ready to tackle the world with fresh ideas. Here are six local businesses, each owned by current or former UGA students, and their enterprising plans for the year ahead.

Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s

Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s is more than just a travel agency; itS a vibrant community designed for young women. Founded by Kelsie Pearson, a senior pursuing journalism and entrepreneurship at UGA, the platform offers a safe and exhilarating way to explore the globe while forging lasting friendships. “It’s more than just a trip,” Pearson explains. “It’s about creating a space where women can connect, grow, and create memories that will last a lifetime.” The company has already led groups on unforgettable journeys to destinations like Belgium and France, and their itinerary for the coming year promises even more exciting adventures.

Gaines Group Activations

Gaines Group Activations, led by former UGA student Ryan Gaines, specializes in crafting unique and immersive brand experiences. They work with clients to design and execute everything from pop-up shops to large-scale events, always with a focus on creativity and engagement. Gaines’ passion for turning imaginative concepts into tangible realities has led to a growing roster of satisfied clients, and his team is eager to push the boundaries of experiential marketing in the year ahead.

Sandy Girl

Sandy Girl, founded by Allison King, a UGA graduate, brings the beach lifestyle to landlocked Athens. This artisan soap company specializes in handcrafted, all-natural soaps infused with scents reminiscent of sun-drenched shores and salty air.King’s commitment to quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices has earned sandy Girl a loyal following, and she plans to expand her product line and reach new customers in the coming year.

⁤ SZN Planners

Founded by UGA alumnus Michael Williams, ⁤ SZN Planners is revolutionizing the way we organize our lives. Their stylish and functional planners are designed to help individuals (and teams) stay on track, conquer their goals, and make the most of each season.

Katie Bop

Katie Bop is the brainchild of UGA student Katie Murphy, a young entrepreneur with a passion for fashion and sustainability. Her ethically-sourced clothing line offers stylish and affordable options while minimizing environmental impact. Murphy’s vision is to create a brand that empowers women to express their individuality while making conscious choices, and she’s well on her way to achieving her goals.

Skunk Skin

Skunk Skin, the brainchild of Matthew Tesvich, is tackling one of life’s most common (and smelly) problems: smelly socks. but Tesvich isn’t just selling regular socks; he’s created a revolutionary footwear experience built on odor-neutralizing technology.

“People have been dealing with smelly feet forever,” Tesvich says. “I wanted to create a solution that was effective,comfortable,and sustainable.”

But how does it work? Tesvich carefully selected materials and technologies that target the root cause of odor: bacteria.

“What makes Skunk Skin different is our proprietary blend of anti-microbial silver and odor-absorbing charcoal,” he explains. “These combined create a perfect barrier against bacteria growth, keeping your feet fresh and odor-free all day long.”

Tesvich is so confident in Skunk skin’s effectiveness that he backs it with a bold 100% stink-free guarantee. “We’re not afraid to stand behind our product,” he says. “If you’re not completely satisfied, we’ll make it right.”

With a growing customer base and rave reviews, Skunk Skin is already making waves in the athletic wear industry. Tesvich’s ambitious plans for the coming year include expanding product offerings, partnering with professional athletes, and bringing his innovative odor-neutralizing technology to a broader audience.

from Campus to Global Success: UGA Entrepreneurs Make Their Mark

The vibrant entrepreneurial spirit at the University of Georgia is churning out changemakers,with students and recent grads launching innovative ventures across various industries. From immersive travel experiences to lifestyle guides and creative marketing solutions,these UGA-born businesses are making waves and leaving their mark on the world.

Sisterhood of the traveling 20s: Embracing Global Adventures

During her time at UGA, Cannon Pearson recognized a gap in the travel market for young women seeking unique and empowering experiences. In january 2023, she answered the call and launched Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s, a company specializing in curated group trips for young women aged 18-24.

“I want to help 15 new girls leave the United States for the first time,” she shares, reflecting her passion for opening doors to global exploration. Sisterhood of the Traveling 20s has already taken adventurous groups to Greece, Italy, Switzerland, and new York City, with plans for expanded domestic trips this summer and international excursions in the fall and winter.

Pearson’s entrepreneurial vision extends beyond travel; she aims to build a community of empowered women and generate $100,000 in revenue by the end of 2025.She also plans to launch six new trips in the latter half of the year, solidifying her place as a leader in the niche travel market.

Gaines Group Activations: Navigating the NIL Landscape

another UGA graduate,Cannon Gaines,tapped into the rapidly evolving world of name,Image,and Likeness (NIL) to launch Gaines Group Activations in January 2023. Gaines’ full-service creative NIL firm bridges the gap between brands and student athletes, crafting compelling marketing campaigns and engaging content.

gaines Group Activations aims to secure exclusive athlete partnerships and close a dozen to two dozen deals in 2025. Gaines’ ambitious vision extends beyond college athletes; he envisions representing professional athletes in the future, further solidifying his role as a pioneer in the NIL space.

Sandy Girl: Inspiring Hope Through Personal style

Sydney Fritsch, a senior public relations major at UGA, channeled her passion for faith and fashion into creating Sandy Girl, an online boutique offering customizable church bags, trucker hats, and pencil and makeup bags.

Inspired by the message of hope found in Genesis 32:12, Fritsch’s brand encourages self-expression and reflects a sense of purpose. Fritsch credits the UGA Idea Accelerator program for fueling her entrepreneurial journey. She actively participates in campus events, collaborates with local influencers and businesses like Katie Bop and SZN Planners, and is expanding her product line with sweatshirts and tank tops in March.

SZN Planners: Empowering Women to Reach Their Full Potential

Georgia Stockton, a recent UGA graduate with a master’s in nutrition, founded SZN Planners in 2024 to empower women to take control of their lives. More than just a planner, SZN Planners is a lifestyle guide providing tools for habit building, goal setting, and time management.

Stockton envisions a thriving community of ambitious women and is planning to launch a weekly motivational and educational podcast in 2025. Her influence is already reaching far beyond Athens; she has interviews scheduled on The Drew Barrymore Show and Good day L.A.These entrepreneurs represent a new wave of innovation and creativity emerging from the University of Georgia. Their stories are a testament to the university’s commitment to fostering an surroundings where dreams can be transformed into reality, inspiring others to pursue their passions and leave their mark on the world.

Matthew Tesvich, a 2023 graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in Management Information Systems, has turned his personal experience as an athlete into a thriving business venture. He is the founder of Skunk Skin Odorless Socks, a company dedicated to providing athletes with a solution to a common problem: smelly feet.

Tesvich’s journey began with a baseball injury that forced him to retire from the sport he loved. But instead of letting this setback define him, he channeled his passion into finding a way to help other athletes stay fresh and confident on the field. “It all started when a baseball injury forced me to retire from the sport,” Tesvich explains. “I was heartbroken, but I also knew I still wanted to be involved in athletics in some way. That’s when I started brainstorming solutions to problems athletes face.”
One issue that stood out to him was the persistent problem of smelly socks.

“One thing that always bothered me was smelly socks,” Tesvich recalls. “I knew there had to be a better way than just masking the odor with sprays or powders.So, I started experimenting with different materials and technologies, and eventually, Skunk Skin was born.”

Skunk Skin Odorless socks, formerly known as OX SOX, utilizes innovative materials and technologies to effectively eliminate odors, ensuring athletes’ feet stay fresh throughout even the most intense activities. Tesvich is confident that his “100% stink-free guarantee” will be a winning strategy, driving the company’s aggressive expansion plans.

The future of Skunk Skin is bright, with ambitious goals in sight. Tesvich envisions aggressive growth across sporting events, campus activations, and the launch of new product lines, including apparel. He is also building a dedicated team of ambassadors who share his passion for keeping athletes fresh and confident.

Tackling the Stink problem: An Inside Look at Skunk Skin’s Odor-Eliminating Technology

For athletes and anyone who wants to stay fresh, odor control is a constant battle. Skunk Skin, a company dedicated to revolutionizing foot hygiene, is changing the game with its innovative approach to odor elimination. We sat down with Matthew Tesvich, founder of Skunk Skin, to learn more about the science behind their socks and their bold vision for the future.

“We’re not just relying on basic silver technology,” Tesvich explains.”We’ve developed a proprietary blend of materials that work together to neutralize odor at the source. It’s all about creating a breathable and comfortable sock that keeps feet dry and prevents bacteria growth, preventing stink before it starts.”

This commitment to innovation is reflected in Skunk Skin’s unarguably bold 100% stink-free guarantee. “I believe in our product that much,” Tesvich states confidently. “If, for any reason, our socks don’t keep your feet stink-free, we’ll gladly offer a full refund. we want our customers to feel confident in their choice and enjoy the ultimate fresh-footed experience.”

Looking ahead, Skunk Skin has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact. “First and foremost, we want to establish Skunk Skin as the go-to choice for athletes who demand peak performance and ultimate freshness,” Tesvich shares. This goal will be fueled by aggressive expansion at sporting events, strategic partnerships with influential athletes, and the launch of new product lines, including apparel, to build a complete performance and lifestyle brand.

For aspiring entrepreneurs in athens, Tesvich offers valuable advice: “Don’t be afraid to take risks! Embrace challenges, and never loose sight of your passion. Athens has a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Connect with others, seek mentorship, and support each other’s journeys. most importantly,believe in yourself and your vision.”

What specific materials are included in Skunk Skin’s proprietary blend for odor neutralization?

Tackling the Stink problem: An Inside Look at Skunk Skin’s Odor-Eliminating Technology

For athletes and anyone who wants to stay fresh, odor control is a constant battle. Skunk Skin, a company dedicated to revolutionizing foot hygiene, is changing the game with its innovative approach to odor elimination. We sat down with Matthew Tesvich,founder of Skunk Skin,to learn more about the science behind their socks and their bold vision for the future.

“We’re not just relying on basic silver technology,” Tesvich explains. “We’ve developed a proprietary blend of materials that work together to neutralize odor at the source. It’s all about creating a breathable and pleasant sock that keeps feet dry and prevents bacteria growth, preventing stink before it starts.”

This commitment to innovation is reflected in Skunk Skin’s undeniably bold 100% stink-free guarantee.”I believe in our product that much,” tesvich states confidently. “If, for any reason, our socks don’t keep your feet stink-free, we’ll gladly offer a full refund. We want our customers to feel confident in their choice and enjoy the ultimate fresh-footed experience.”

Looking ahead, Skunk Skin has aspiring plans to expand its reach and impact. “First and foremost, we want to establish Skunk Skin as the go-to choice for athletes who demand peak performance and ultimate freshness,” Tesvich shares. This goal will be fueled by aggressive expansion at sporting events, strategic partnerships with influential athletes, and the launch of new product lines, including apparel, to build a complete performance and lifestyle brand.

For aspiring entrepreneurs in Athens, Tesvich offers valuable advice: “Don’t be afraid to take risks! Embrace challenges, and never lose sight of your passion. Athens has a vibrant entrepreneurial community. Connect with others, seek mentorship, and support each other’s journeys. Most importantly, believe in yourself and your vision.”