Four is more than just a number for two UNC-CH seniors. “4” means four months of running a business for four charities for the community. Chelsea Crites and Taylor Walters are senior Advertising majors in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Crites and Walters opened their store, 4, on February 4 as part of an independent study with Dana McMahan, their advertising professor, who is supervising them. 4 is located upstairs at 149A East Franklin Street. The store features fashion accessories that include handbags, jewelry, scarves and various companion pieces.
Opening and running the store has allowed the two seniors to use the skills they have learned through their curriculum and apply them to a real business situation. “It’s been a hands on experience,” said Walters. “I’ve learned how to be a buyer, merchandiser, online-marketer and business owner.” Crites and Walters approached McMahan with a strong interest in fashion and entrepreneurship. With McMahan’s background in fashion and non-profit marketing, this project made perfect sense. They found the ideal place on Franklin Street to open a non-profit accessory boutique. They were able to cover the start up costs through a private grant they received.
They each picked two charities for their store to support. Walters chose The Arc of Orange County and the Center for Child and Family Health in Durham. “I chose these charities because I’ve developed relationships with both organizations,” said Walters. “They both do great work in the community and I really wanted to support them with my project.”
Crites selected Table in Carrboro and the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill. “I chose the Ronald McDonald House of Chapel Hill because my personal experience volunteering there really opened my eyes to the word of philanthropy for the first time,” said Crites. “I chose Table in Carrboro because I think the great work they do really makes an impact on the community.” 4 will close at the end of May and all of the profits from their sales will go directly to these local charities.
Crites and Walters are living every girl’s dream to own a fashion boutique and have the great learning experience to go along with it. “What could be better than doing what I love and finding my passion in a niche community while earning three hours of class credit?” Crites said.
The opening night was a great success. Crites and Walters heavily promoted the event through social media, specifically Facebook and Twitter. There was music, popcorn, strawberries, marshmallows and a chocolate fountain for their shoppers to enjoy. “There was high energy and a positive vibe throughout the night at 4,” Crites said. The store was filled with people and sales were high.
4 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Her Campus readers will find lots of cute treasures, and I highly recommend checking it out and supporting our community.