KPU students sell entrepreneurial projects at campus bookstore

Three students enrolled in Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s employment and community studies (EACS) program are transforming class projects into profitable businesses with assistance from the KPU Surrey Bookstore.

Students Joseph Logan, Ayden Gagnon, and Jess Thibeault, have created and are currently selling their products at the campus bookstore. These products, which launched in mid-May, include 3D printed graphics, bespoke buttons, and miniature plants.

The products are the outcome of year-long company initiatives financed by Canadian Western Bank grants. The cohort this year focused on a variety of business concepts, such as comic book and character development, jewelry design, brand and logo creation, T-shirt printing, and comedy writing and performance.

“I’ve always been interested in gardening and landscaping,” Logan wrote in an email statement to The Runner. “The idea of rescuing and adopting damaged or unwanted plants resonated with me.” 

Logan’s business specializes in cultivating and marketing unwanted or damaged plants that are healthy but risked being discarded due to their flaws.

“The idea first took root during a work experience placement at a nursery, where I noticed that perfectly healthy plants were being thrown out because they weren’t perfect. That experience sparked something in me,” he wrote.

Logan, who is nearing the end of his second year at KPU, credits the formation of his business concept to several classes, including disability rights, career exploration, and entrepreneurship. 

“These classes, along with the community of practice we built on campus, helped me stay accountable and connected while growing my business.”

Logan grew all the plants that were for sale in the bookstore from seed or divided them himself. 

“It was definitely challenging at times — especially staying motivated in the beginning. But it’s also been rewarding,” he wrote. “Watching the plants grow and knowing I helped bring them back to life is a great feeling.”

Depending on size and type, Logan wrote his plants range in price from $8 to $25, adding he tried to keep the products affordable so more people could enjoy them.

“I wanted others to feel the same joy and connection to nature that I do.” 

He wrote the project provided more than just experience and helped him build confidence and learn the skills of networking and communication. 

“It’s also helped me reconnect with my community and become more social. It’s been a journey of personal growth and professional development.”

When customers purchase his plants, he hopes they get more than simply a product. 

“I hope my customers feel excited and inspired. I want them to feel like they’re taking home something they can care for — something to nurture and grow with,” Logan wrote. “My plants are like my babies, and if someone can feel even a little bit of that connection, then I’ve succeeded.”

The entrepreneurial products from the three students can be purchased from the KPU Bookstore on the Surrey campus. To learn more about the EACS program, visit www.kpu.ca/acp/eacs.