FOR CYCLONES, BY CYCLONES.

When you shop at Innovate 1858, you are directly supporting student entrepreneurs.

At the heart of Innovate 1858 lies our unwavering dedication to celebrating the ingenuity of ISU's students and enhancing the way of life within the ISU community. This dedication finds expression through the creation, production, and curation of exceptional products by ISU students and alumni. It is further exemplified through the innovative student-run store and an array of inspiring events. Our mission is to provide our valued customers with products and experiences that enhance their ISU-inspired lifestyle, anchored in a deep affection for ISU and active engagement in the broader ISU community. We invite our customers to visit Innovate 1858 to explore our distinctive product offerings and become a part of the vibrant student-centered ISU experience.

MEET THE TEAM - MEET THE TEAM -

MEET THE TEAM - MEET THE TEAM -

Innovate 1858 is a retail entrepreneurship learning lab. It is led by a team of undergraduate students who also enroll in a course where they learn the ins and outs of what it takes to be an entrepreneur and run a retail store.

  • E-Commerce Team

    Manager: Giaochau Nguyen

    Assistant: Anjali Addagarla

  • Marketing Team

    Manager: Libby Totzke

    Assistants: Keili Holt & Sasha McCoy

  • Operations Team

    Manager: Natalie Rhodes

    Assistant: Giovanna Nicolini

  • Product Development Team

    Manager: Piper Michalski

    Assistant: Lily Leinen-Harjes

  • Visual & Events Team

    Manager: Owen Abrahamsen

    Assistant: Hannah Colerick

  • Public Relations x Graphics Team

    Managers: Kai Huntoon & Sarah Bernick

    Assistant: Ranae Van Voorst

  • Merchandising Team

    Manager: Lauren Goman

    Assistant: Ava Callahan

  • Directors

    Directors: Ashlyn Carnes (Multi-Channel), Camryn Mosty (Marketing), Emma Olson (Operations)

PAST STAFF TESTIMONIALS

Audrey McMillian - Operations Branch Manager, Class of 2023

“It is honestly hard to describe how influential Innovate 1858 has been in my professional career as I have spent the past several years growing with the business and helping to grow it. In every interview I've had for internships and jobs, I talk about Innovate 1858. "What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome it? What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? Why do you want to work in merchandising?" The answer to all of these questions relates to my experience, which is likely why I landed an internship with Levi Strauss & Co. and received a full-time offer at Abercrombie & Fitch. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience being a part of an entrepreneurial start-up business and gaining real-life technical and leadership skills, skills I've been able to transfer to all other facets of my professional life. The environment for learning that Innovate 1858 has cultivated is like no other. The faculty members and students display an innate desire to learn and share the same passion for entrepreneurship, making it the ideal place to grow. As I look forward to my post-college career, I continue to hold my time at Innovate 1858 near and dear to my heart and use the knowledge gained to continue developing my passion for the industry."

NATALIE RHODES - OPERATIONS Department Manager, Class of 2024

“Working at Innovate 1858 has been the most rewarding experience of my time at Iowa State. Over nearly four years, Innovate has been the foundation of my proudest academic achievements, professional growth, and invaluable friendships. The collaborative environment; engaging with colleagues, graduate students, professors, and entrepreneurs, has inspired professional development, leading me to a full-time Assistant Buying position with Burlington in Los Angeles. Innovate 1858’s entrepreneurial core values have become deeply embedded in my career, transforming me into a confident, driven professional and connecting me with extraordinary people.”

Megan Lenzi - E-Commerce Department Manager, Class of 2024

“I had the incredible opportunity to work at Innovate 1858 for two years during my college career. The skills I gained there were instrumental in landing my full-time role as a Digital Content Coordinator at Christian Dior Parfums, as well as internships with Ralph Lauren and Steve Madden. In interviews, I related almost every question back to my retail entrepreneurship experiences at Innovate 1858. My supervisors all wished they had this opportunity in college and had not seen anything to Innovate 1858’s caliber before. Innovate 1858 offers a unique, hands-on learning environment where students can develop key skills in real-world entrepreneurship experiences. From teamwork and leadership to problem-solving and professionalism, the program has significantly shaped my career. In my current role, I draw on those entrepreneurial skills daily, whether I'm developing new content, launching an app activation, or creating a video shoot from start to finish. I am forever grateful for the opportunities Innovate 1858 provided to help shape me into the professional I am today."

Carley Bonteji - Merchandising Manager, Class of 2024

“Working at Innovate 1858 provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in merchandising while allowing me to develop strong professional skills. I gained insight into product selection, visual displays, and customer engagement, all within a supportive environment of faculty and peers. The collaborative atmosphere helped me grow both creatively and professionally, preparing me for future opportunities in the industry. I’m grateful for the mentorship, experience, and friendships made through Innovate 1858."