Many spent quarantine baking bread or learning TikTok dances, but, for Georgia Jenkins ’23, it gave her the time and inspiration to start her own business. Jenkins started DIGS by Drew, a women’s boutique with one simple goal: to make girls feel beautiful.
DIGS by Drew celebrated their one-year anniversary a few weeks ago, and, to Jenkins, this business has been the biggest blessing. In September 2020, she got her business license thinking that she would buy a few unique pieces for Wofford women to own without breaking their bank account.
Her small idea has gone from fearing no one would buy her clothes to worrying about keeping her store in stock daily.
Jenkins has always loved fashion and wanted a way to incorporate her hobby into a business. By having an affordable store in a college town, girls are turning to support small businesses instead of fast-fashion for their gameday and going-out clothes.
“I’m honestly so shocked by how quickly it has grown and by how many people have heard about my little business,” Jenkins said.
Not only is Jenkins running a business, but she is also a full-time student and majoring in Biology here at Wofford.
“Many days, I go from selling clothes downtown during the day to doing Biology homework in Milliken all night. It sounds so overwhelming, and sometimes it is, but I wouldn’t change a thing!” said Jenkins.
To her, this is not just a side project, but a way to generate an income while pursuing her passion. Not only does she spend her days during school working on DIGS, but Jenkins even stayed in Spartanburg over the summer and continued to grow her business.
In the past year, Jenkins has expanded DIGS by Drew’s consumer base. Accumulating close to one-thousand followers on Instagram, her enterprise is gaining popularity by the day.
Jenkins’ friend and roommate, Abbey Cook ’23, had only positive things to say.
“Georgia is the most hardworking and determined girl I know,” said Cook. “She puts so much time and effort into DIGS and continues to excel in everything else she is involved in. I am so proud of all of her accomplishments.”
When reflecting on the past year of her business, Jenkins views DIGS as a blessing that she never saw coming. College is chaotic enough, but Jenkins expresses immense gratitude for how much her small business has done for her.
Jenkins followed her dream of creating her own brand, and wants to encourage others to do the same: “being a college student is a full-time job, but I have learned so much and gained so many connections just in the past year. The benefits outweigh the risks if you put your all into it!”
DIGS by Drew is located in Market on Main in downtown Spartanburg, right next door to Spill the Beans. She also has an online option through the Market on Main website. To stay in touch with her new arrivals, check out her Instagram @digsbydrew for daily updates!
