Sharks on Campus

Alumna Michelle Titzman and her family were recently in the national spotlight after appearing on ABC’s “Shark Tank” and securing a $50,000 investment.  

The moment marked the culmination of years of hard work building Warrior Kid Medic, the emergency-preparedness startup she launched with her husband, Dustin, in 2023. The company sells kid-friendly medical kits that teach real-world response skills such as tourniquet use, wound care, and CPR.  

As they prepared to audition for “Shark Tank,” Michelle drew heavily on the knowledge and skills she gained as a communications major at A&M–San Antonio.  

“When we wrote our script, I used so many of the skills and concepts I learned at A&M–San Antonio in classes like media law, scriptwriting, and journalism,” said Titzman. “That education really shaped me, and I’m incredibly grateful.”  

Titzman is one of many students and alumni turning their ideas into successful ventures, often with the support and resources they find at A&M–San Antonio.  

The University offers multiple academic pathways focused on entrepreneurship, from an undergraduate certificate to the accelerated 11-month MBA program. Students also benefit from resources such as the Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Mays Center for Experiential Learning and Community Engagement, which offer professional development in entrepreneurship and small business management.  

Another key resource is the Entrepreneurship Club, which hosts monthly meetings featuring guest speakers who share firsthand insights on starting and growing a business.  

“As the Entrepreneurship Club continues to grow, we are expanding our vision to provide even greater support for aspiring student entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Josephine Sosa-Fey, professor of management and club advisor. “Our long-term goals include offering hands-on assistance to students who need help setting up their business entity, whether it be an LLC, sole proprietorship, or other structure. Our mission is to guide, support, and encourage students as they work toward their entrepreneurial dreams.”  

Dr. Douglas Carter, visiting instructional professor in the Department of Management and Marketing, said the University’s culture and South Side location offer a fertile environment for entrepreneurship.  
 
“We’re in a perfect environment for entrepreneurs with our student demographics,” said Carter, who recently partnered with Associate Professor Dr. Leonard Love to present on pitching business plans to investors during San Antonio Startup Week. “Quite a few of our students come from families that own a small business, while others simply want to be more self-directed. And we’re in a part of town that has historically been about small businesses. There’s a real drive to create opportunities for our students and alumni.”  

One example is Alexa Avila, who graduated in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Business Administration and now works as a student life coordinator at the University.  

In September, during General’s Mercado, A&M–San Antonio’s monthly open-air market, Avila and her parents launched Made by Avila, offering woodburning and crochet items they craft together.  

Woodburning and crocheting have been part of Avila’s family for decades. When her parents retired, the family decided it was the perfect moment to turn their shared hobbies into a business.  

“We’ve always loved the idea of having a small family business, and even though we’re still learning and figuring everything out, it’s been such a rewarding, challenging, and exciting experience,” said Avila. She plans to expand into additional markets throughout the region.  

Sophomore finance major Eyan Escobedo also joined the entrepreneurial ranks when he launched E’s Vintage T’s last summer.  

“I started my business out of a mix of boredom and ambition,” said Escobedo. “I didn’t want to spend the summer being unproductive, so I decided to invest my time into building something meaningful.”  

His home-based company sells vintage T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, denim, and outerwear at markets across the city, including General’s Mercado. Escobedo curates, stores, and manages all inventory, sourcing items primarily from thrift stores, vendors, and online resellers.  

Early on, he worried about profitability, but consistency and experience paid off.  

“Some markets bring in just over $200 in sales, while others generate more than $600,” he said. Escobedo estimates he sells between 50 and 80 items each month, depending on his market schedule and online posting.  
 
“While I’m not yet certain about the exact career path I want to pursue, I’m confident that the skills I’m developing will open a variety of opportunities,” he added. “One day I’d love to open a vintage or thrift store of my own.”  

For alumna Natalia Estrada, entrepreneurship offered the flexibility she needed to balance career and family. After graduating in 2017 with a degree in kinesiology, Estrada became a full-time softball coach for Athletics Mercado Academy while raising a family with her husband, Jesse. It was a lot to juggle.  

“I wanted to figure out a way to spend more time with my family,” Estrada said.  

In 2021, she launched Kaliana's Boutique—named after her husband’s first daughter—selling game-day clothing and accessories representing universities and community colleges across the region. Her business steadily grew through social media marketing, and by 2024, her side hustle became a full-time job.  

Today, Estrada sells nearly 400 items a month. She designs many of them using her iPad and an embroidery machine, and partners with artisans in Midland who help create her popular hand-beaded accessories. With two part-time employees, she regularly sets up shop at markets including The Shops at La Cantera, Marketplace at Old Town Helotes, and General’s Mercado.  

In January 2025, she opened a booth at Painted Tree Boutiques in North San Antonio and hopes to continue expanding.  

“I'm hoping in 2026 we can open up our own boutique here in San Antonio,” Estrada said. “I was born and raised here, and our items reflect the local culture. It feels great that I’m now able to run my own business and get to spend more time with my family.”  

The journey of Estrada and the other alumni and students underscores the University’s growing role as a regional hub for entrepreneurship, where ideas are nurtured and skills are sharpened. Through academic programs, experiential learning, mentorship, and community-centered opportunities like General’s Mercado, the University helps Jaguars turn creativity into commerce and passion into sustainable ventures. Whether launching a startup on national television or testing an idea at a local market, A&M–San Antonio is empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs.