The Spiral Store by Carolina S.

Carolina S., a senior at Ross School, has achieved a remarkable feat by bringing her brother's long-standing dream to life as her senior project. The result? The Spiral Store.

Like the Ross School's community, the inventory is remarkably diverse, with items ranging from snacks to dog coats. The store offers an array of Ross School merchandise, including Carhartt backpacks and beanies, trucker hats, and T-shirts, all adorned with the school's branding. Carolina noted that the best-selling items included flannel pajama pants with Ross School branding and, of course, the variety of snacks and beverages (including coffee) on offer.

Carolina was inspired by her brother's earlier attempt to open a school store and driven by the desire to enhance school spirit. "I knew I wanted to build a school store. My brother had the idea, but they wouldn't give him the space. When he graduated, I made it my mission for my senior project," Carolina shared. "I am the fourth student who tried to do this for their senior project. I finally did it and finally finished it, and it feels great. I accomplished something that so many kids have tried to accomplish here in the past."

Reflecting on the challenges faced, Carolina highlighted the difficulty in obtaining the space for the store. Yet, she overcame this and other hurdles with determination and the support of key individuals, including Meg Regan from Admissions, Mike Debuccio from Security, and Jennifer Biscardi, her Senior Project Mentor. After securing the desired space in the Great Hall, Carolina worked tirelessly to open the Spiral Store before Spirit Week, capitalizing on the excitement of students returning to school. Natalia, architect, and wife of Ross School Athletic Director Marcelo Reda, worked with Carolina to build the display boards and arrange the space. 

The store's success is evident, with plans to continue as a student-run venture after Carolina graduates, allowing students to earn community service hours. Carolina's contribution has left a lasting mark, as the school intends to recognize her efforts with a plaque, acknowledging her and her brother's role in starting the store.

When asked about the business model, Carolina revealed that all profits would be reinvested into the school, with discussions ongoing about allocating funds to athletics or other areas. Her passion for sports and the positive impact they had on her school experience fueled this decision.

As for the future, Carolina, who has always had a business mindset, sees the Spiral Store as a first step toward a future in business. Heading to Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, she envisions exploring further entrepreneurial ventures. "I have always had a business Mindset," Carolina said. "Having this type of mindset, I thought, 'let me create something that I have a passion for and enjoy learning about.' It was really just, for me, the best project I could have done. I am really proud of what I could accomplish. People inside and outside of the Ross School community have been congratulating me on my accomplishment. Teachers, parents, friends, students of all ages, and alums have all been very supportive and impressed with the outcome."

The Spiral Store is not just a place to buy school gear; it's a catalyst for community bonding and school spirit. Carolina believes the store's presence will bring students closer together, fostering conversations and creating lasting memories. With the Spiral Store's remarkable success, Carolina has left a legacy at Ross School and set a precedent for future student projects. 

Of course, Carolina was not alone in this venture. "I could have never achieved this without the help and support of so many," she said. "Starting with Mark Frankel, who approved the store. Moving on to my amazing senior project mentor, Jenn Biscardi, who helped in so many ways. The architect who donated her time, friends and family who donated to the GoFundMe to front the store, Mike and Security, who helped me physically build the store, and my friends Quinn and Milo, who also helped me physically build the store."