By: Lacy McKee
For seemingly every UNC student, rushing Franklin Street when Carolina beats Duke in men’s basketball is an unforgettable experience. But for Kayle Teague, founder of Tarheel Treasures, the experience in early March was even more special. While celebrating on Franklin after UNC’s win, something surprising caught Teague’s eye.
“I look over and the girl next to me is literally wearing my earrings,” she said.
A senior at UNC majoring in political science, Teague started her jewelry business in the midst of the pandemic to fill her free time. What started out as a hobby with her roommate quickly transformed into a student-run business providing statement earrings and accessories for game days and other events.
Teague’s interest in making jewelry blossomed at age 9 when she made her first bracelets and wire-wrapped rings – products she enjoys making to this day. Another item she makes are polymer clay earrings in many shapes and patterns, something she admits took a lot of practice to perfect.
Despite her early struggles, with patience she slowly learned what worked for her, which has paid off in the long run. Teague’s own collection of accessories is bursting with bold and colorful designs that reflect her creative and outgoing personality.
“The bigger the better,” Teague said. “It’s more fun that way.”
Starting a new business has led to many exciting opportunities for Teague during her time at Carolina. However, one of her biggest accomplishments goes beyond jewelry. Through Tarheel Treasures, Teague has proudly participated in charity events such as Jewels of Hope, a fundraiser hosted by student organization Carolina Women in Business to support the Orange County Rape Crisis Center.
“I don’t want to just be a business owner,” she said. “I want to work within the community as well and give back as much as I can.”
While supporting the local community is a rewarding experience for Teague, there is another community special to her heart that she discovered through her business venture. She joined Student-Made UNC, an online shop that connects the Carolina community to student-artists and showcases the handmade work of local businesses at UNC.
Teague described Student-Made UNC as very beneficial for Tarheel Treasures because she feels supported by fellow students when marketing her products and connecting with other makers. She now considers these makers her friends who help her to spread the word about Tarheel Treasures, and she returns the favor for their businesses.
Through all of the ups and downs of running Tarheel Treasures, Teague’s support system of friends and family have been essential to her success. Her biggest cheerleader is her mother, who constantly sends Teague new ideas for her business and helps her advertise on social media.
“She’s been a huge help,” Teague said. “I honestly don’t know where I would be without her support.”
Although most of her current customers are fellow Carolina students, Teague wants to keep growing Tarheel Treasures after she graduates and pursues a career in real estate. She is excited to have more time to focus on her business and continuing to create treasures for her fellow Tarheels and beyond.
You can find Tarheel Treasures on Instagram and on the Student-Made UNC site to shop an array of jewelry for the next big game and more.
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