About Our Retail Enterprises

The Retail Enterprises include 3 enterprises that offer accommodations for a uniquely Berry environment, blending a distinctly historic feel with modern-day comfort. They serve as a creative retail outlet for special Berry products, such as Berry College merchandise, custom-made furniture, personal care products, and hand-sewn materials. The retail Enterprises include The Shipyard, Viking Furniture, and Sunshine Room Textiles

Shop Our Products

Some products can be found in store while other can only be bought at upcoming markets and events. Choose below to shop available items or look at the most up to date schedule of upcoming market and events.

Shop Online See Markets/Events

Our Retail Enterprises

  • The Shipyard

    A student-operated campus retail store offering Berry-branded apparel, gifts, accessories, and products from other student enterprises while providing hands-on experience in retail and business operations.
    Learn more

  • Viking Furniture

    A student-run woodworking enterprise where students design and build handcrafted furniture such as chairs, benches, tables, and custom wood pieces using durable, quality materials.
    Learn more

  • Sunshine Room Textiles

    A student enterprise dedicated to preserving the tradition of weaving through the creation of hand-woven textiles, including scarves, placemats, rugs, and other artisan craft items.
    Learn more

Meet The Supervisor

Marie Fossett

Marie Fossett

Retail Supervisor

Hi! I’m Marie, a Berry College alumna originally from Lathemtown, Georgia. I earned my undergraduate degree in Marketing with a minor in Creative Writing in 2021 and went on to complete my MBA in 2023. I began my role in November 2024 and enjoy staying connected to Berry’s creative and entrepreneurial community. Outside of work, I’m an avid reader and have read over 200 books. Another fun fact about myself is that during my undergraduate time at Berry I was the marketing and communications manager of the student enterprises.

What makes Berry’s student enterprise program unique?

Students who have been a part of this program typically enter the job market with a resume full of skills that most seasoned professionals don’t have. This is due mainly to the unique level of trust and responsibility they are given. While most businesses wouldn’t trust an entry level employee to lead real marketing campaigns, develop products, and plan large-scale events, we do. We encourage students to learn by doing, fail forward, and apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios in ways that accelerate their professional growth.

In one sentence, how would you describe your role and the impact of this work on students?

My role is to equip students with the resources, guidance, and confidence they need to succeed, while drawing on my personal and professional experience to help guide them along their way. 

What is one key value or skill you hope students gain from working in the enterprises?

One key skill I hope students gain is the ability to turn an idea into an actionable plan. Many people have great ideas, but they stop at the dream stage. Through the enterprise program, students learn how to interpret financial information, conduct market research, and communicate effectively with customers. These skills give them the tools to move from concept to execution and allow their work to grow beyond supporting the enterprise. For some, this has resulted in them owning their own businesses after graduation. 

Meet Our Student Leadership Team

Retail Enterprise Graduate Assistant

Hayden Chastain

My name is Hayden, and I am a graduate student pursuing an MBA with an expected graduation year of 2027. I earned my undergraduate degree in Business Management and am originally from Murphy, North Carolina, about two hours northeast of Rome. As the Retail Enterprises graduate assistant, I support the business operations of the student enterprises, primarily working with The Shipyard, and have recently taken on a more hands-on role with Viking Furniture. I hope the experience I have gained will continue to shape my professional growth and strengthen my interpersonal and managerial skills as I complete my graduate studies.

Marketing and Communications Team Lead

Elle Baird

Hi, I’m Elle, a double major in Economics and Accounting from Marshfield, Massachusetts. At The Shipyard, I create Instagram content through reels and graphics, and I also help with day-to-day activities in the store. What I enjoy most about my role is the team and getting to spend time with my coworkers every day.

Marketing and Communications Assistant

Olivia McFarland

Hi, I’m Olivia. My major is pre-nursing, and my hometown is Rome, GA. In my role, I help create content for the retail enterprises social media and take product photos for the online stores. The thing I enjoy most about my role is that it allows me to be creative.