Q&A with Student Innovators
We are excited to have students share their stories of innovative projects and entrepreneurial endeavors! If you'd like to contribute a story for our Spotlight, email innovation@loyola.edu.
Andrew Sunderhaft, '25
A
ndrew Sunderhaft, ’25, is a finance and economics double major with a minor in data
analytics and information systems. Andrew demonstrated an entrepreneurial spirit at
an early age, and his venture Inferno Streetwear was one of 12 selected for Loyola’s
2024 Baltipreneurs Accelerator.
After Loyola, Andrew plans to attend law school, and his long-term ambition is to establish a finance or real estate firm. Beyond Baltipreneurs, he is a campus leader as Founder and President of the Society of Capitalism, Treasurer of Loyola’s Knights of Columbus, a Resident Advisor, and active member of various other business and political clubs.
What inspired you to start your business ventures?
My first ventures were graphic designing (self-taught from YouTube) and mowing lawns in the neighborhood. Inspired by the potential to create an income stream that could match or beat the stock market, I started Inferno Streetwear using cash earned from odd jobs. I aimed to gain unique skills and create a semi-passive income, akin to a vending machine, which led me to the idea of an ATM business. After two years of hard work, including many days of cold calling and overcoming doubts, Soarean Enterprises was born.
What are your future aspirations?
For Inferno Streetwear, my goal is to expand into 20-50 stores for consignment to ensure a consistent cash flow and gather regional sales data. Additionally, I have several innovative ideas I am eager to bring to life. Celebrating Soarean ATM’s first long-term contract is just the beginning; I plan to use commercial search engines to generate more leads. Ultimately, I aspire to prove my teachers' and professors' predictions right by appearing in Forbes magazine. My commitment to my community remains strong, inspired by my mom, who helped me run Samaritan Socks, a charity for the homeless. I intend to revive this initiative when the time is right, aiming to be a role model and pillar in my community.
What have you learned so far about entrepreneurship and innovation?
Life has provided me with unique opportunities to learn through entrepreneurship. I’ve learned how to increase profit margins by finding cheaper shipping options, managing overhead, controlling emotions, and constantly learning and networking. My experiences have taught me that maturity and experience are invaluable, allowing me to navigate recurring business challenges more effectively.
How has Loyola and the Simon Center provided opportunities for your ventures?
Loyola’s Sellinger School of Business and the Baltipreneurs program have profoundly impacted my life. I owe my entry into the Baltipreneurs program to Professor Elkes, one of my mentors who has been instrumental in my growth since attending Loyola. The program has helped me realize my true potential as a businessman, providing the necessary focus and balance between school and business. My mentor, Brady Weller, a Loyola alumnus, has offered diverse perspectives and practical advice that I’ve applied to my ventures. The support from the Baltipreneurs team and cohort has been amazing; I felt like the little brother in a big entrepreneur family.
Tobi Olaniyi, '23
Tobi Olaniyi, ’23, majored in psychology with a minor in political science. He first
got involved with the Simon Center by attending events and connecting with Director
Wendy Bolger. As an entrepreneur during high school and college, Tobi transformed
his passion for soccer into a thriving business, assembling a team of trainers and
offering private training sessions for youth. Upon graduation he was selected for
the highly competitive Venture for America Fellowship program (1% acceptance rate),
which placed him as an impact investment associate with Ignite Capital, a subsidiary
of Innovation Works, supporting social enterprises in Baltimore with access to capital,
and leveraging the knowledge he gained from the Applied Angel Investing course at Loyola.
How did you connect and engage with the Simon Center for I&E as an undergrad?
I connected with the Center in two main ways. First, a friend on the SCI&E steering committee invited me to various events. But the real game-changer was a one-on-one meeting with Wendy. She showed me the many benefits of being involved in the Center.
What drew you to the field of impact investing?
Working at the Rizzo Career Center at Loyola, I was encouraged to network extensively to explore post-graduation opportunities. Then through networking with Wendy, she introduced me to the Applied Angel Investing class (BA 490, offered during fall semester). I’ve always been fascinated by the fast pace of the startup industry, learning new things, and meeting new people. Combining this [interest in startups] with my political science minor, having an impact on local startups became incredibly appealing.
How have your experiences at Loyola prepared you for your current profession?
The Applied Angel Investing class was instrumental. The real-world experience you get in that class of interacting with entrepreneurs, reviewing their documents as a team, and asking the right questions to assess investment readiness perfectly prepared me for my current role.
What is most rewarding about your work with entrepreneurs?
In a way, we function like an angel fund, providing early-stage companies with opportunities they might not otherwise have. It's incredibly inspiring to hear from entrepreneurs who are tackling the world’s issues. Everyone should have a shot at that.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Right now, I am gaining valuable experience in the fund management space in philanthropy, VC, and private credit. Over the next 10-15 years, I aspire to establish my own fund, focusing on investing in ventures that align with my values and have the potential for a significant positive impact. I am currently learning with an incredible team that trusts and supports me, which is fantastic for my growth.
AJ Tolentino, '23
AJ is a business management major and an innovation and entrepreneurship minor. From
lemonade stands to school candy sales in his hometown of Chesapeake, Virginia, AJ’s
entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
he began developing Freeneur, an online platform connecting freelancers and entrepreneurs,
and continues to research and develop this concept. AJ is also passionate about finance
and is gaining experience in the field as an intern at Greenspring Advisors. He aspires
to teach others with his own financial consulting and education business. AJ is active
on campus in the investment club, crypto club, club basketball, CI&E student steering
committee, and the Black Student Association.
How did you get your idea for Freeneur?
My idea for Freeneur came during COVID when employers were laying off their workers and people began to start their own businesses and side hustles.
As an entrepreneur, what are your future aspirations for Freeneur?
I want to help individuals take their businesses/side hustles to the next level by providing them with the necessary tools and resources to be successful.
What have you learned about entrepreneurship and innovation through working on Freeneur?
I‘ve learned that innovation never really ends, and that the concept will always continue to develop. I have also learned that facing obstacles and being competitive is what makes me a better entrepreneur.
How has Loyola been able to provide opportunities in your business venture?
Through my interactions with students and faculty on campus, Loyola has been able to provide me many opportunities in my business venture. I have made many connections with innovators and would like to meet more individuals with a similar mindset.
Abigail Decker, '22
Abby is the owner of Agui Swim, an eco-friendly bikini brand. She majored in accounting and information systems
and was co-captain of Loyola’s tennis team. As a native of the Jersey shore, she is
very passionate about the beach.
How did you get your idea for Agui Swim?
In November 2020 I decided to start Agui Swim after the pandemic robbed my team of a tennis season. Since I am my happiest self at the beach, I wanted my brand to inspire the same joy and comfort in others. At their core, Agui bikinis are the byproduct of my desire to create a sustainable business and a community of people supporting and inspiring confidence in one another.
As an entrepreneur, what are your future aspirations for Agui Swim?
My aspirations for Agui are to become an established, reputable swimwear brand with exposure all over the US, while retaining the authenticity of a small business. I also want to be able to expand on our sustainability mission by increasing the amount we donate and finding additional ways to make the business model sustainable.
What have you learned about entrepreneurship and innovation through working on Agui Swim?
Launching a business does not come with step-by-step instructions! There are a lot of things I have needed to learn on the fly. I learned to not be discouraged by obstacles or small failures because they are an opportunity to learn what works and what doesn’t. Most of all I learned that while funding is important, successful entrepreneurs learn to use all the resources available to them to get as far as they can.
How has Loyola been able to provide opportunities in your business venture?
Loyola has been my biggest resource in launching and growing Agui, specifically the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. I am currently participating in Loyola’s Baltipreneurs Accelerator, which will help me grow into the role of an entrepreneur and apply the wisdom of various coaches, my mentor, and the other participating entrepreneurs to Agui. I am looking forward to hosting popups on campus and utilizing all the resources and connections Loyola has to offer.
McKenna Moors, '22
McKenna is a marketing major and an innovation and entrepreneurship minor. McKenna's
business, McKenna's Kupcakes, is one of eight chosen as part of Loyola's inaugural
Baltipreneurs Accelerator Program. She is excited to expand her business into the
Baltimore market and is well on her way to becoming a successful entrepreneur.
McKenna's Kupcakes specializes in making mini cupcakes of all types of varieties and flavors with her signature frosting. Everything is baked from scratch while using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients available. The mini cupcake choice is her favorite because it allows her customers to enjoy all different flavors as opposed to just one flavor of a large cupcake (although she does bake those too). Some of McKenna's Kupcakes most popular flavors are Oreo Cookie, Salted Caramel Chocolate, Maple Bacon, Coconut Cream, Peanut Butter Cup, and Lemon Blueberry Parfait.
How did you get your idea or concept for McKenna's Kupcakes?
I grew up in a household of cooks: my parents love to cook. My mom has a passion for baking, as well as my grandmother who owned her own restaurant and bakery for many years. On the weekends while growing up, I would spend time helping my parents cook and bake. In sixth grade, I had to do a project titled: "what you want to do when you grow up." I knew instantly that I wanted to do my project on baking, but it was an oral report and I am shy. I dreaded doing the report in front of all of my classmates, so I decided to bring in cupcakes as part of my report thinking that if I failed during my presentation, at least they would have my yummy cupcakes to eat! I brought in a variety of flavors for the students to try. One of my teachers loved my cupcakes and ordered them for a party she was having at her house later that month. From that very moment, McKenna's Kupcakes was born. My first customers were from my school community; teachers, the principal, and parents who knew I baked and had tried my cupcakes. From there, it really began to grow within my community. A local restaurant asked to feature my cupcakes on their dessert menu, and they began referring me for weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, and other types of private events. There would be weekends where I had to bake over 500 cupcakes at a time, and I loved every minute of it.
How has innovation and entrepreneurship helped you?
This endeavor has allowed me to transcend my creative boundaries and to enhance my thinking, planning, and organizational skills. I have learned valuable lessons in marketing—my desired field of study—as well as honed the necessary communication skills required to grow and develop my business platform. Just the thought of being able to bring my cupcakes to this community is so exciting to me.
How has Loyola been able to provide opportunities in McKenna's Kupcakes?
Loyola presents itself to my business as an entirely untapped target market. Since I was primarily based out of Uxbridge, Mass., Loyola appeared to be the perfect place for me to expand my business. Parents looking to send their children something for their birthday? Office workers looking to celebrate a milestone? McKenna's Kupcakes can deliver fresh, homemade cupcakes right to your door! Being accepted into the accelerator is giving me the structure and guidance I need to successfully expand in the Baltimore area. I will also gain valuable advice from my peers in the cohort as well—broadening my thinking by hearing about the experiences of the other members.
What are your future aspirations and missions for McKenna's Kupcakes?
My short-term goals consist of establishing a social media presence in the Loyola community, specifically on Instagram, in order to build brand awareness and recognition. I look to be receiving and fulfilling orders into the second semester after break. My ultimate long-term goal is to expand my catering business by opening up a storefront for my bakery.
Here are links to my Instagram and Facebook pages:
Franklin Parks, '21
Franklin is an accounting major who is spending the summer working with a team of
fellow student entrepreneurs and Sellinger Scholars to expand the business concept
for Equalyze, which was a finalist for the Building a Better World Through Business
pitch competition. The team for the education and training platform includes classmates
Spencer Blair, Brendan O’Connell, and Katherine Sanders.
How did you get your idea for Equalyze?
I believe the following quote captures our vision: "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world," Nelson Mandela. My parents have always stressed the importance of education, so I believe in lifelong learning. All of our team members have a tremendous passion for this idea. Spencer and Katherine were studying abroad when he shared his inspiration for Equalyze with her. Back on campus this spring they pulled in Brendan and me, and the four of us teamed up to enter the Building a Better World Through Business pitch competition. Our platform will distill knowledge in a personalized way to combat information overload for today’s small businesses and young professionals.
As an entrepreneur, what are your future aspirations for Equalyze?
My aspiration is for Equalyze is to be an international business that is publicly traded. I want our platform to connect small businesses from all over the world. I believe education and learning allow a person to be a part of the change they want to see in the world. The spread of knowledge throughout our platform will give power and knowledge to all people, which is a beautiful thing to see. Our goal is to "equalyze" the playing field in the future.
What have you learned about entrepreneurship and innovation through working on Equalyze?
I have learned that entrepreneurship is built on trust between co-founders, and the courage to takes risks. The biggest risk so far is our time, but our time spent working on this idea has already been transformational and meaningful. I believe if you aim for the stars, but miss, you will land amongst the stars. No matter where we land, the experience and relationships developed throughout our work in the various stages of our idea will be worth it. Entrepreneurship teaches you how to collaborate with your team members on a collective vision. I have learned the importance of self-discipline and the importance of holding yourself accountable. Also, I have seen the value of strategic planning in order to make progress building our platform and to achieve our goals.
How has Loyola been able to provide opportunities in your business venture?
Spencer will say that, since his first days on campus, he has seen that the Loyola community will always be there to provide a helping hand for those who ask for it. We are all blessed to have professors who genuinely care about our development inside and outside of the classroom. Astrid Schmidt-King, among other professors, has provided vital and insightful feedback for our platform and connected us to other resources. The Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CI&E), specifically Wendy Bolger, has been instrumental in mentoring us through this process and providing us more resources and pertinent feedback to help us develop ideas, set us on the right track with new avenues, and offer network connections to reach out to. The CI&E’s Entrepreneur in Residence, Bill Romani, and Startup Executive in Residence, Mustafa Wahid, have also been crucial in helping us refine our ideas and in giving us real examples of successful strategies from their own startups.
