The Sun and Star Collective, Winners of the Fox School of Business’ Changemaker Challenge
Emily Madara and Caroline O’Keefe are the founders of The Sun and Star Collective - their startup company which is currently being fine-tuned before official launch. Emily is a Fox Honors Student, pursuing her BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management. Caroline is pursuing her BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management as well, expecting to graduate this spring.
Emily Madara Caroline O'Keefe
The Sun and Star Collective
Like plenty of great business inspirations, the idea for The Sun and Star Collective came at a seemingly random time. Emily was out with her mother shopping for eyeglasses one day, and they noticed that there were no eyeglasses holders that could hold two pairs. That sparked an idea in Emily. She immediately rang up her trusted friend, Caroline O’Keefe, to pitch her the idea: their own double eyeglasses case.
Emily’s enthusiasm struck a chord in Caroline, and together they decided to develop their idea further. Not long after, they decided to enter Temple University’s Changemaker Challenge. The challenge consists of a length application process that they spent over 60 hours working through, followed by a pitch competition between final contestants. Emily and Caroline won $1000 for the “People’s Choice Award”, to be used for funding of their business.
Students by Day, Company Founders by Night
Doubling as students and business founders in their initial planning stages, Emily and Caroline can offer a unique perspective in how other students can double as entrepreneurs. Under the heavy workload of school and other responsibilities, it is no easy feat.
Caroline gratefully admits that being in her senior year, she had a bit more time to devote to The Sun and Star Collective than Emily does. However, on top of her normal schoolwork, Caroline is also the Director of Programming & President of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Network. Emily is the Vice President of Temple Entrepreneurial Student Association, and holds several other leadership positions that she somehow manages to balance with her classes.
They agree on some crucial habits to form for success in business, such as time management. Emily sacrifices a lot of her down time outside of classes and other responsibilities to work on The Sun and Star Collective. Caroline feels fortunate as one of her senior classes is focused on developing a business plan, and so she’s been able to spend even more time on The Sun and Star Collective than usual. They also feel relying on their network has been crucial to their present success. Meeting with professors & peers, getting their feedback and help, has helped them secure their initial funding and they hope it will help carry them towards their next success.
Follow The Sun and Star Collective’s journey as they compete
in the Temple BYOBB Competition