Shop

Help the Shelfies out by browsing and taking their surveys. Your insight will help them be more successful, more quickly!

Watch interviews

Imagine your product on our shelves.

Our Shelfies have about a month to showcase and test their ideas. They could be working on a product or service that is already developed or starting at the beginning, with just an idea. During their month at Shift they will receive a stipend and programming, including a bootcamp, Feedback Friday, and group pop-up market.

Each semester there are multiple opportunities for current VCU students, alumni, and community founders to test their products, services, and ideas on the shelf at Shift. 

Apply

Current Shelfies

Demiq

Demiq aims to create tools and resource to improve the experience of higher education professionals.

Team

Roy Roach III

Product Type

Digital Product, Digital Service

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Community Member

Give Feedback

Demiq

Dress For Yourself

Mason is experimenting with a clothing brand that inspires people to overcome their insecurities and express themselves with unique apparel. The mission is simple: Dress authentically.

Team

Mason Miles

Product Type

Apparel

Development Stage

Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

Undergraduate Student VCU School of Business: Marketing

Give Feedback

Seated person modeling a purple Dress For Yourself hoodie

EPICenter Studios

This project is researching the use of augmented reality as an immersive storytelling tool.

Team

Alana Wiljanen

Product Type

Physical Product, Digital Product

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

EPICenter Studios

Gewd Botanicals

Gewd Botanicals is an all natural skin care line that is Gewd for the Earth, you, and everyone in between. Using simple and natural ingredients backed by science, we combat common skin care ailments with the power of nature!

Team

Malique Middleton

Product Type

Skin Care

Development Stage

Ready for market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU School of Medicine (CERT)

Give Feedback

Gewd Botanicals

Gotcha Matcha

Gotcha Matcha specializes in high-quality matcha and mixed matcha beverages for people of all ages. They are seeking your thoughts to gain insights on branding and the current market here in Richmond, VA.

Team

Masrik Dahir

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

Psychology Major, Marketing Minor

Give Feedback

Gotcha Matcha

Jacked! Jackfruit Jerky

Julien is combining his passion for sustainable food with his love of snacks by creating plant-based jerky made from jackfruit.

Team

Julien Reininger

Product Type

Food

Development Stage

Ready for market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU da Vinci Center for Innovation

Master of Product Innovation

Give Feedback

Jacked! Jackfruit Jerky

Kozy Kup

Kozy Kup is a portable cup that will heat up a blanket to keep you cozy and warm.

Team

Vakirah Barbour

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Idea

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU School of Business: Business Management

Give Feedback

KozyKan

Milimint

A web application capable of building real estate financial models.

Team

Masrik Dahir

Product Type

Digital Service

Development Stage

Minimum Viable Product

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU College of Engineering, Computer Science

Give Feedback

Milimint

Notova

We are testing foods for our Cajun Cafe. Along with tasty grab & go options, we encourage you to try our authentic New Orleans cuisine.

Team

Chazity James

Product Type

Physical Product, Physical Service

Development Stage

Prototype

Community Member

Give Feedback

Notova

Polavizor

Have you ever been forced to stare at the sun? Susan created the Polavizor, a retractable door for a polarized screen and can convert back to a standard car visor.

Team

Susan Lewis

Product Type

Car Accessory

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

Polavizor

SpellSee

SpellSee is a family word game that could be an app based game or a physical card game.

Team

Taylor Allen, Seth Gathright

Product Type

Physical Product, Digital Product

Development Stage

Just an Idea

Schools/Programs Represented

Alum: Elementary Ed / Teaching

Give Feedback

Scroodles

Shifters

We are an upcoming student-lead organization at VCU that works to improve the meaning of innovation and collaboration through a variety of hands-on, transferrable skills.

Team

Mariesha Little

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Just an Idea

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Arts: Communication Arts

Give Feedback

Co-work at Shift Retail Lab

Sidhur Perfume

A perfume line aimed at those interested in affordable luxury and fresh unique smells.

Team

Srinija Kovvali

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Idea

Schools/Programs Represented

Finance Major

Sindhur - Perfume

ti Boulé

ti Boulé is a vibrant Haitian-inspired hot sauce made from habanero and scotch Bonnet peppers with the aim to introduce the world to Haitian food and flavors.

Team

Zachera Kernizan

Product Type

Food

Development Stage

Prototyping

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

ti boule hot sauce and scotch bonnet peppers

Tow Ninja

Tow Ninja is a user-friendly web application that simplifies the process of tracking and retrieving towed vehicles, reducing stress for vehicle owners and improving efficiency for tow companies. The platform delivers quick and reliable information about the location and status of towed vehicles, streamlines payment and release processes, and aims to provide the best end-user experience possible.

Team

Jack Oppenheim

Product Type

Digital Service

Development Stage

Minimum Viable Product

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

Tow Ninja

TXT LLC

Thal is an entrepreneur and founder of the global technology company, TXT LLC, which offers social networking platform, txt, only on the Apple App Store. The app includes one of a kind features, including a global status feed enabling international friendship and connection.

Team

Thal Saleh

Product Type

Technology

Development Stage

Minimal Viable Product

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU School of Business

Give Feedback

mock up of TXT social network

Unearth

A board game based on the Varginha alien sighting that teaches critical thinking. Play as a group of detectives who’ve been hired to investigate a possible alien sighting in Varginha, Brazil. It’s a race to uncover the truth before anyone else.

Team

Matthew Bennett, Eden Neifeld, Paige Bernson, Siera Fountain

Product Type

Digital Product, Digital Service

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU CommArts

Give Feedback

Unearth

VisiCycle

Visicycle is an idea to create gloves featuring LED lights programmable in a variety of colors to increase the visibility of your hand signals for turning, hoping to make cycling safer during decreased visibility conditions.

Team

Andy Pitts

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

VisiCycle

Past Shelfies

AC Photobooth

Annie started out editing photos on her phone for fun years ago. Over time, she developed her skills and discovered her genuine passion for digital art. She now strives to bring her art to new levels which can connect with a vast audience.

Team

Annabel Chilton

Product Type

Digital Art Prints

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

Undergraduate Student, College of Humanities & Sciences Psychology Department

Give Feedback

digital art print with swirling colors of reds, purples, and blues

Andrew's Special Seasoning

Andrew has been formulating this seasoning mix for over 20 years, and he uses it on a daily basis. He puts it on EVERYTHING. Friends and family have been gifted this essential spice mix for years, now it can be yours to own.

Team

Andrew Ilnicki

Product Type

Food

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU da Vinci Center, Staff

GoodASSRub

3000REALM

Zaza is building a jewelry line with pieces that allow for reclamation by the wearer through the representation of marginalized genders, sexualities, races and aesthetics.

Team

Zaza Willis

Product Type

Jewelry

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Alumni

Give Feedback

3000Realm

Beneath the Surface

Beneath the Surface is a language and cultural learning card game. The goal of Beneath the Surface is to encourage cultural curiosity and language comprehension through conversation and exploration.

Team

Siera Fountain

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

Communication Arts, Spanish Minor, and da Vinci Center Product Innovation Certificate

Give Feedback

Beneath the Surface

Broad Alley

Alex wants to build community. She is working on a merchandise and apparel brand focused on representing and celebrating Richmond.

Team

Alex Smith-Scales

Product Type

Apparel, General Merchandise

Development Stage

Ready for market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Brandcenter, Creative Brand Management

Give Feedback

Broad Alley Designs

C’est La Vé

C’est La Vé Organic Breaks is a 100% vegan and organic meat, cheese, nuts, and crackers snack- sized packs. The idea is for C’est La Vé Charcuterie Packs to be an affordable, on-the-go, vegan snack pack for adults who want to save time and effort to get a healthy protein-packed quick bite.

Team

Yosef Mirakov Cohen

Product Type

Food

Development Stage

Ready for market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU School of Business

Give Feedback

C’est La Vé

The Children’s Soap Company of Virginia

A physician-owned company that formulates and manufactures handmade, hypoallergenic, organic soap for the unique skin and dexterity needs of young children. Ingredient purchase supports the local farm market.

Team

Dr. Amy SM Paul

Product Type

Skincare

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Alumni

Give Feedback

The Children’s Soap Company of Virginia

Crissmuss

Crissmuss in your mouth is in the concept stage. The product is a traditional Jamaican drink that tackles the problem that many diaspora members like myself face. It's a vibe, a feeling, an experience with familiar food items. Also, a way for my Richmond community to sample Jamaican Flavas and experience a tropical Crissmuss in their Mouth.

Team

Sannia James, Shawn Haye

Product Type

Physical Product

Minimum Viable Product

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

University College B.S Interdisciplinary Studies

Give Feedback

Crissmuss

Crochet by Rae

Crochet by Rae is an upcoming crochet business that makes fashionable items for all to wear, ranging from hats to bags.

Team

Raechel McDonald

Product Type

Dog Treats

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

African American Studies Major

Give Feedback

Crochet by Rae

Day at a Time Designs

David loves his 3D printer. He’s exploring how to create 3D printed customizable products that are great for individual marketing and small businesses.

Team

David Casey

Product Type

3D printed art and Custom products

Development Stage

Prototype/Physical product

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU da Vinci Center Certificate in Product Innovation

Give Feedback

3D printed models arranged on a table

Divine Plush

Daisana created this consignment boutique for her gals who love to stand out, and carry themselves with class and the epitome of gracefulness while strutting with the hottest pieces.

Team

Daisana Pittman

Product Type

Luxury Consignment

Development Stage

Ready for market

Schools/Programs Represented

Undergraduate Student, VCUarts Fashion Merchandising

Give Feedback

Divine Plush

Dress For Yourself

Mason is experimenting with a clothing brand that inspires people to overcome their insecurities and express themselves with unique apparel. The mission is simple: Dress authentically.

Team

Mason Miles

Product Type

Apparel

Development Stage

Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

Undergraduate Student VCU School of Business: Marketing

Give Feedback

Seated person modeling a purple Dress For Yourself hoodie

Draco’s Dog Treats

Inspired by my picky eater, Draco. Draco’s dog treats provides homemade, organic dog treats to the Richmond community.

Team

Hannah Jackson

Product Type

Dog Treats

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Brandcenter

Give Feedback

Draco's Dog Treats

House of Aromas

Loretta and her daughter started making Body Butters “With a Purpose.” They create a variety of natural products and love nothing more than sharing their passion and enthusiasm with customers. House of Aromas is a SWAM certified LLC.

Team

Loretta Simmons-Jackson and Erica Taylor

Product Type

Skincare and Candles

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Alumni

Give Feedback

House of Aromas

Hope Ollivant Designs

Hope Ollivant Designs is a collection of ceramics, jewelry and art designed and fabricated by artist Hope Ollivant. These pieces are often inspired by personal journal entries and sketches to communicate a message of self expression, introspection, and the beauty of everyday experience.

Team

Hope Ollivant

Product Type

Jewelry and Ceramics

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

VCUarts Undergraduate Craft and Material Studies

Give Feedback

Hope Ollivant Design

Hyper Scooter

Inspired by electric skateboards, ChunFaye wanted to make something that is really fast. He bought an Amazon scooter and modified it to go 40+ MPH. He’s currently on the 1.2 version of his prototype.

Team

ChunFaye Wu

Product Type

Dog Treats

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Interdisciplinary Studies

Give Feedback

Super Scooter

Illusion

Our product is based on everyday street athleisure wear. The plan is to focus on cargo/ sweatpants with special add-ons to make them look aesthetically pleasing and help with better fitting. It is something everyone struggles with and we want to address that issue through our concept.

Team

Monica Kamshatti, Valeria Espinoza

Product Type

Physical Product, Digital Service

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU College of Engineering and Biomedical Engineering

Give Feedback

Illusion

Juni

Gerard researches and creates websites and applications for clients. He’s looking for feedback about his design ideas.

Team

Gerard Hogue

Product Type

Website/App Development

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Interdisciplinary UX/UI Pathway with minor in Psychology

Give Feedback

Juni

LipLoveLine

Ingredient-conscious lip care products to empower self-expression in the best and cleanest way possible: through the lips. No full face of makeup necessary.

Team

Briana Williams

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

Community Founder

Jackson Ward Collective Member

Give Feedback

Two models applying LipLoveLine lip products

Macabre, Malicious, & Morbid

Studio HotPink’s 2022 art book is a collection of works centering around the Halloween/spooky theme. Through this book we’re aiming to showcase and promote student artists and alumni within the VCU & RVA community.

Team

Jordyn Flood & Bharathi Mathivanan

Product Type

Art Book

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Communication Arts

Give Feedback

Macabre, Malicious, & Morbid: Studio HotPink’s 2022 Artbook

Marinel Leather

Marinel is an artisan leather brand designed and handcrafted by Isaac Wright. Whether it is an inspired custom piece, or one created to satisfy a wider but targeted demographic, Isaac is ready to sew his wild creations!

Team

Issac Wright

Product Type

Fine Leather Goods

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Schools/Programs Represented

Alumni VCU School of Business

Give Feedback

Marinel Leather

ModiMasks

With the rise of Covid, there was an influx of synthetic fabric to make medical masks. To give these non-reusable items new life, ModiMasks created a fashionable tote bag that became an archival piece from this era.

Team

Cael Parker

Product Type

Accessories

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

Sculpture and Extended Media

Give Feedback

ModiMasks

Mushroom Gummies

Wyatt is exploring natural health supplements. His current prototype is in the form of gummies made with blended mushrooms, like lions mane and cordyceps. He wants to bring the healthy properties f rom these mushrooms to the supplement world through a variety of fun flavors.

Team

Wyatt Shaw

Product Type

Natural health supplements

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU School of Business

Give Feedback

Mushroom Gummies

Noodlers

Peyton wants to create a toy that gives children the ability to create their own worlds. Noodlers bring children away f rom screens and into the world of their imagination. They are made f rom high quality, sustainable natural rubber, lessening the environmental impact of plastic in landfills.

Team

Peyton Spangler

Product Type

Toy

Development Stage

Prototype

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Brandcenter

Give Feedback

Noodlers

Pollination Station

Pollination Station is a series of state-curated wildflower stations that aim to offset the decline of pollinators caused by the ‘pressures of human development.

Team

Mare Reynolds

Product Type

Product, B2B - ‘Plants & Outdoors’

Development Stage

Prototyping

Schools/Programs Represented

Graduate Student VCU da Vinci Master of Product Innovation Student

Give Feedback

rendering of a person observing a pollination station

PopUp Hairstore

I’ve noticed a common trend of students in need of hair products or a hairstylist on campus. As a freshman, it is especially challenging to find transportation to the resources that we need. This is why I’ve come up with the idea of bringing the hair store to the campus.

Team

Charity Whitaker

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Business Student

Give Feedback

Popup Hair Store

Siera Ashleigh: Curious x Creative

The goal of my business is to use both visual and linguistic communication to inform and aid the learning and understanding of one another. I plan to do this by creating a community through a podcast, magazine, merchandise, physical game, and art journaling subscription.

Team

Siera Fountain

Product Type

Physical Product, Digital Product

Development Stage

Proof of Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Interdisciplinary Studies

Give Feedback

Siera Ashleigh

ZaeFace Custom Shoe Designer

Xavier loves sneakers. He paints, customizes, and restores sneakers. Help Xavier expand on their idea by leaving a suggestion and answering the survey questions.

Team

Xavier Nguyen

Product Type

Apparel

Development Stage

Concept

Schools/Programs Represented

VCU Undergraduate, Undecided

Give Feedback

Xavier

LushUs Kids

We are a plant-based hair care system formulated with children in mind by using organic Caribbean fruit ingredients, bringing nutrition and health to their hair when they need it most, in their youth.

Team

Cherlyn Carby

Product Type

Physical Product

Development Stage

Ready for Market

Community Member

Give Feedback

LushUs Kids