Students at LSU have probably seen a party cup or two during their time on campus. Whether they are made by a friend or a local business, they are a popular accessory for several types of social events.
Haley Miller, a junior at LSU, has made her own party cups since she joined the Delta Iota chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma in 2014. What started as a small side gig has blossomed into a full fledged business.

“I thought it was just gonna be for myself and my close friends,” Miller said. “Then whenever I realized a lot of people didn’t have the amount of paint pens that I had, then I could make money off of it.”

Miller takes orders every week, charging $10 per cup. Last week alone, she designed 26 cups, closing orders at one point. Even though it keeps her busy, Miller still sees this as a hobby.

“I paint cups and watch netflix at the same time, so it’s a study break,” Miller said. “I’m always doing something with my hands. So cups are a good outlet for that.”

Miller creates her party cups out of her sorority house on campus, making it convenient for anyone that wants to place an order. With so many customers, Miller gets to remain very creative with all different themes.

“I’ve done cups for preschoolers, high-schoolers, for Sadie Hawkins dances, and then i’ve also done some for family vacations,” Miller said. 

Miller also holds an on-campus job at an LSU laboratory, but likes the flexibility of her party cup venture.

“It’s making me more money than my real job,” Miller said. “But it’s also on my own time. I could do it at ten at night or midnight if I have to.” 

Miller showcases her work on a professional Instagram account, @hmillscups. She is always open to new customers who see her cups and want in on some of the detailed party cups on campus. 

“If someone were to go up to someone else and say oh my gosh your cups are so good, I know that, hopefully it was one of my cups,” Miller said.