Temple Alumni-Owned Small Business Spotlight

We’re excited to spotlight the remarkable Temple University alumni who have turned their passions into thriving businesses and creative ventures.

With the holiday season in full swing, we are taking the opportunity to highlight the incredible Temple University alumni who have launched their own businesses and creative ventures. Whether they are entrepreneurs running small businesses, artists showcasing their work through independent shops, or authors who have penned enduring works of fiction, Temple alumni are making a lasting impact. If you're looking for meaningful ways to support alumni-led ventures this holiday season, look no further than these talented Owls who are turning their passions into thriving enterprises.

Food, Drink and Entertainment

Looking for a great place to get a drink, eat a great meal, or to host an event? We've got all that and more with some great alumni-owned businesses in the food, drink and entertainment space, especially with many of the versatile businesses that have participated in Homecoming and Family Weekend. We've also got the bookworms covered, with a comprehensive list of alumni authors who may be your next great read!

15 Alumni-Owned Breweries

Check out this list of 15 alumni-owned breweries in the Philadelphia area.

Bare Hand Love Cuisine

Rian Wallace, STH '11, a former NFL player, now owns his own catering business, Bare Hand Love Cuisine, with big plans for the future.

REC Philly

Dave Silver, KLN ’13, owns a prominent entertainment and event space in Center City, REC Philly.

2024 Homecoming
& Family Weekend
Alumni-Owned Businesses

From food to photographers to breweries to event specialties, check out the 18 alumni-owned businesses who participated in 2024's Homecoming and Family Weekend.

2023 Homecoming
& Family Weekend
Alumni-Owned Businesses

From food to photographers to breweries to event specialties, check out the 15 alumni-owned businesses who participated in 2023's Homecoming and Family Weekend.

Books Written by Alumni

Looking for something to read by a fellow Owl? Whether you’re more into history, poetry, self-help, memoirs, thrillers or even something for the kids, we’ve got some great works by alumni of Temple University for you to check out

Artists

Many Temple alumni have gone on to become incredible artists, and here you can find those that we have featured and many that have showcased their work at Art Market, with plenty of links to buy their art for your own purchase!

Spector Sports Art

Jordan Spector, CPH ’15, officially established Spector Sports Art in 2018. You can view and purchase his artwork at SpectorSportsArt.com.

30 Local Artists Featured at Art Market 2024

Over 30 artists and/or groups were showcased at the 2024 event, many of whom who have web stores to purchase their work.

35 Local Artists Featured at Art Market 2023

Over 35 artists and/or groups were showcased at the 2023 event, many of whom who have web stores to purchase their work.

Beauty and Fashion

There are Owls everywhere—especially in the fashion and beauty world. Check out alums who have launched their own clothing and haircare companies, with each having inventory you can buy in-stores or online.

Kreyol Essence

Stephane Jean-Baptiste, KLN ’06, started Kreyol Essence, a hair care company, that is now in Ulta Beauty stores nationwide.

JSP + Standard Issue

James “Jimmy” Gorecki, KLN ’06, owns JSP, a fashion line that includes all different types of clothing—including a collaboration launched this year with Temple.

AAIZAA Jewelry

Sharmin Khan, FOX ’20, defies expectations with AAIZAA, a sustainable, modern brand that celebrates South Asian heritage.

Even More Businesses

That's not all! Check out more alumni-owned businesses, including entrepreneurs and start-ups that have been featured on ABC's Shark Tank and more businesses that are outside of the Philadelphia area all over New Jersey.

8 Owl Businesses Down the Shore

Outside the Philly area? Take a look at these 8 alumni-owned businesses down the shore and all over New Jersey.

The Sharks See Cherry Red

Check out these alumni entrepreneurs who have been featured on ABC's Shark Tank.

Think. Eat. Be. Well.

Looking to be well? Ashley Carter, CPH ’07, can help you out with her health and fitness company, Think. Eat. Be. Well.

Want more content? Visit Temple Beyond, our alumni and donor news center, for more!