American U. Students Create Business To Help Beauty Service Creators

Three American University students have created a company that helps beauty creators grow and promote their businesses across college campuses.

College Media Network sat down with the founders of Viale — Saumya Mangalick, Marissa Proto and Sam Doran — to discuss what inspired this idea and where they plan to go next.

Viale, which is “avenue” in Italian, was inspired by a problem that the students witnessed firsthand. Mangalick and Proto found it difficult to promote their own beauty services. In return, it was hard for other students to find these services on campuses — like hairstylists, eyebrow threaders or nail and makeup artists.

“University students are often unable to afford or access the beauty services they want or are accustomed to having,” Viale’s description reads. “After entering student life, many must adhere to harsh budgets, and find that professional salons are a long commute away.”

Viale works as a mediator to bridge the gap between those looking for beauty services and those providing them. Doran, the technical co-founder, describes Viale as a two-sided marketplace that is “high-touch on the supply side.”

“On average, students take about $37,172 of student loan debt with their diploma upon graduation,” Mangalick said. “Financial strain on college students is a huge issue and often means we have to give up little things that may seem inessential, but actually help build confidence, relieve stress and express our identities.”

The students believe that every campus has individuals who are talented within the cosmetology industry and they should be able to formalize their skills to provide services to others, regardless of the size or location of their campus.

The university reacted positively to their business and granted the company acceptance to American University’s Entrepreneurship Incubator. This is a prestigious group that provides accepted ventures with experienced mentors, networking opportunities, access to resources and guidance during the early stages of business development.

While Viale is currently being advertised across American’s campus, the founders are working to expand their brand across other campuses and onboard new partners.

If you are interested in partnering with Viale, please email them at useviale@gmail.com or visit the website at www.viale.co for more information.

“We’re still seeing a lot of enthusiasm in the AU community for our venture, which shows us that we are meeting a true need and our mission is legitimate,” Mangalick said. “We’re very motivated and have a lot of momentum going, and can’t wait to grow our community!”