ETAMU Student Entrepreneur Unveils Beauty Product Vending Machine on Campus

East Texas A&M University students don't have as far to go in search of beauty products, thanks to the work of a fellow student with an entrepreneurial mindset.

Nyquel Phillips, a senior majoring in business administration, is the founder and owner of The DollyCo. Now in her 20s, the Dallas native began selling eyelashes to friends and family at age 16.

Today, she runs her own beauty supply business, recently celebrating the opening of The DollyCo “It Girl Essential Kiosk.” The vending machine features a selection of more than 60 beauty products. The machine is located in The Club on the first floor of the Rayburn Student Center at East Texas A&M and was officially unveiled at a ceremony on February 7.

Phillips said she was inspired to develop the concept after witnessing the struggles her fellow students faced when searching for adequate products. They often needed to travel out of town to find what they were looking for.

She credits the encouragement, support and startup capital provided by family and friends with allowing her to get her business off the ground.

“Thank you for your support to make this a reality,” Phillips said to the crowd celebrating the machine’s unveiling. “Your belief in my journey has fueled my determination.”

She emphasized that her studies at East Texas A&M have positively impacted her business acumen.

“I believe I have benefitted greatly from my business courses,” Phillips said. “What I have learned while getting my degree will help grow The DollyCo.”

Jacob Pouttu, coordinator of the Venture College–an arm of the College of Business that aims to foster a value-creating community through innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development–had high praise for Phillips and her determination to realize her dreams.

“From the beginning of the Venture College Entrepreneurship Program, the College of Business has been committed to helping our students transform their lives through entrepreneurship and innovation. Nyquel’s journey is a perfect example of what we try so hard to do,” Pouttu said. “Through years of hard work, persistence, and a relentless belief in herself, Nyquel has turned a dream into reality. We at Venture College and the College of Business are so honored to have been part of Nyquel’s amazing journey and to help her grow to even bigger heights.”

Phillips will graduate in May and plans to expand the kiosk concept to more college campuses in the future.