Andrew Brown, Meg Lancaster and Ben Rutledge formed The Make Ready, a full-service, Boone-based graphic design company, in February 2010.

"We enjoy working local because it allows us to have a face-to-face relationship with clients," Brown said. "We love developing creative strategy together with our customers."

Since then, the three graduates have worked with business clients to utilize their graphic arts expertise. They've created business cards, wedding invitations and logos for various organizations - including Appalachian's computer science department and Faith Mountain Farms in Creston. The trio has also worked on website designs for High Country businesses and advertising campaigns for The Charlotte Observer.

Brown and Rutledge are not strangers to the world of businesses. Both hail from families which owned and ran small businesses themselves.

But for Lancaster, whose family is not as entrepreneurial, joining The Make Ready was a leap of faith.

"The hardest part is learning to collaborate together," Rutledge said. "Business is a learning experience."

For students facing graduation in the current economy, finding a job seems like a daunting task. The Make Ready stands as an example for current students with entrepreneurial ambitions.

"With the economy like it is, the business world is a tough one to break into, especially when starting your own small business," said Katelyn Young, a junior business management and entrepreneurship major. "Seeing three alumni making it work right out of college is inspirational."

For more information on The Make Ready, visit themakeready.com.

Story: MADISON FISLER, Intern News Reporter