自慰视频

A Corner That Connects

Made by the community, shared with students.
Community corner shelves
The Community Corner features 11 local vendors.

The Community Corner at Eastway Market is a dedicated space that connects students with local businesses. Between classes, dining and campus events, students can find unique products from Kent and neighboring communities. Handcrafted products like plants, jam, honey, popcorn, bags and soaps are available in the Community Corner. Each vendor has a story and a passion behind their product. This space allows them to share it with students in their daily lives.

Barbara Spencer, purchasing and accounts coordinator for University Culinary Services, said that's precisely why the initiative exists. 鈥淭he goal of Community Corner is to showcase local makers while giving students access to unique, handcrafted items they can connect with personally,鈥 Spencer said.

Each shelf tells a story, one that blends local entrepreneurship with the student experience of finding belonging away from home.

For JoJo's Roots owner JoAnn Papa, the space represents an opportunity for her work to give students a sense of calm during college life. 鈥淐ollege life can be exciting but sometimes overwhelming, and I think having a little piece of nature, a plant, a terrarium, helps create a sense of home,鈥 she said. JoJo's Roots combines nature, creativity and art through the creation of hydroponic plants, handcrafted ceramic pots and bio-active terrariums. Papa also said, 鈥淥ne student told me she named her black squirrel plant and considers it her pet. That truly made my day.鈥

Community corner shelves
JoJo鈥檚 Roots: handmade plants and terrariums.

Just a few shelves away, Stitches & Stowaways offers a mix of unique handmade items to students. 鈥淚t means a lot to me to have my handmade items showcased at a local college. It's great exposure for my business,鈥 she said. Each piece, she added, has a sense of purpose. 鈥淎ll of my products are handmade, one-of-a-kind items. I make every piece with passion, as I love to sew and create.鈥

For Lilbit Candles and Soaps Company LLC, what started as a small family project has grown into a meaningful business. Its mission is to provide products that are safe for bath, body and home. 鈥淲e want our scents to spark creativity, calm your mind and evoke your fondest memories,鈥 they said. Featuring their products at 自慰视频 has opened new opportunities. 鈥淚t exposes our brand to many students, families, staff and faculty,鈥 they said. 鈥淥ur products are everyday items students use, like deodorants, lotions and soaps, and they can now pick them up without leaving campus.鈥 Positive feedback from the 自慰视频 community has inspired their purpose. 鈥淲e've had many students stop and talk with us at craft shows, saying they love our products and are so thankful to be able to purchase them on campus,鈥 they said.

Community corner shelves
Jam by Josh: handmade small-batch jams.

At just 16 years old, Josh Friedlander, owner of Jam by Josh, is the youngest vendor at Community Corner. 鈥淚'm 16 years old and I make small-batch, handmade jams using simple, natural ingredients 鈥 no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives,鈥 he said. For Josh, Community Corner has opened new doors for his business and helped him make valuable connections. He hopes students see his jams as more than just a sweet treat. 鈥淚 think my jams help build a bridge between local businesses and students by giving them a taste of something truly made in their own community, handmade, personal and local,鈥 he said. While waiting for more feedback, Josh feels proud of his progress. 鈥淚'd want students to know I'm not far from them,鈥 he said. 鈥淚'm still in high school! It's been cool sharing what I've built with those close to my age.鈥

A place that connects passions and dreams with student life. 鈥淏eing part of the Community Corner allows small businesses to reach a new audience, while also allowing students to connect with the people behind the products,鈥 said Barbara Spencer, purchasing and accounts coordinator for University Culinary Services. 鈥淚t's about building community through creativity and connections.鈥

Community corner shelves
Local flavors and handmade goods, all in one corner of Eastway Market.

For students browsing Eastway Market at 自慰视频, the Community Corner offers a helpful resource right on campus, providing access to gifts, plants and hygiene items. More than just a convenience, it serves as a small but meaningful connection between the creators, the Kent community and student life.

The Community Corner at Eastway Market is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The store manager is Dara Law.

 

POSTED: Sunday, October 19, 2025 09:56 PM
Updated: Tuesday, October 21, 2025 08:49 AM
WRITTEN BY:
Benjamin Begazo