Sela is a technology platform founded by Ty Nelson and Troup Wallace, both senior finance majors, that connects homeowners, businesses and real estate professionals with trusted local college students for everyday projects. From moving and yard work to furniture assembly, cleaning and property preparation, Sela provides a fast, reliable and convenient way to find an extra set of hands.
What is the story of your business? How did it start?
We have always looked for side ways to make money and help other people through odd jobs. Once we got to college and got to learn about what it might look like to start our own company, we worked to build our own technology platform that connects parents and professionals in the area to trusted hand-picked college students. We built Sela to be the platform people can go to in a pinch for a last-minute set of hands that people can actually trust.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
The most challenging part of starting our business has been the back-end development and updating as well as marketing. Learning to balance both things that the customer sees and doesn’t see, knowing it is all extremely meaningful.
What is the goal behind your entrepreneurial pursuits? What do you envision for your business?
Our goal would be to spread to multiple college campus areas around the south after we continue to develop and grow in the Birmingham area. We hope to serve thousands of customers, while also giving college students a great way to make extra money on their own time while also helping others.
Does your business have a social mission or purpose? If so, explain how your business is redemptive in a Christlike manner?
Sela exists to strengthen communities by connecting trusted local help with the people who need it most. We believe everyone needs an extra set of hands at some point and college students are always looking for a way to earn part-time cash. We exist to serve others while also creating meaningful relationships and helping people who need it.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and/or Birmingham communities?
We hope to partner with Samford IFC and other departments around campus, Sela is a great way to see what Samford students are doing with hands on service while also serving families and professionals in the Birmingham area.
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