It’s no surprise that Louisiana State University is home to a plethora of star-studded talent – from ambitious young entrepreneurs to aspiring creatives, and even those who thrive in the best of both worlds.
Students like Tre Hawkins share an inside look at how they balance it all.

Some of you may have seen him revving his engine on campus, unknowingly passed by his haircare line in the local beauty supply, or even seen one of his viral videos scrolling on social media.

Senior Tre Hawkins wears a number of hats: content creator, business owner, and author of his own cosmetology guide at the ripe age of 22 – His drive is truly undeniable.

But how does a mere undergraduate student having to juggle classes, a business and more stay afloat?

“My education goes alongside what I’m pursuing, so I never felt like it was interfering. I always felt like school was helpful, in the fact that it made me better at what I wanted to do,” Hawkins said.

Hawkins credits his drive for greatness to watching his father work in his own shop from a young age. Inspired by his father’s ability to network, build relations, and foster community – Hawkins always felt his own path was written in the stars.

“I was a kid just growing up in the barbershop. I watched people come in and out of there, and for Father’s Day in 2023 I told him that I would make him hair care so that way he could make more money selling hair care to his clients. So that was the main idea behind the business, and that’s how it took off,” he continued.

With his earliest business ventures dating back to age 16, he began experimenting in the fashion industry. Hawkins’ efforts to climb the ranks were fueled by creativity, persistence, and a deep passion for design.

Even though his journey hasn’t been easy, Hawkins’ has embodied the mantra “embracing failure” teaching him how to refine his craft. To him, failure isn’t the end — but the stepping stone towards greatness.

From sourcing a variety of materials to building his brand, he’s embraced every challenge, laying the foundation for his future success.