What began as an idea to help Salukis support one another has quickly become a success story. Since launching in late 2025, Saluki Market, the SIU Alumni Association’s newest venture, has generated more than $6,000 in first-month sales, connecting alumni, students and friends of Southern Illinois University Carbondale with businesses owned by alumni and friends of the university.
Built on Shopify, one of the world’s leading e-commerce platforms, Saluki Market has quickly established itself as more than a shopping destination — it’s a digital hub where alumni, students and SIU supporters can discover, connect with and support fellow Salukis. In addition to offering curated products, the platform highlights the personal stories behind each business, celebrating the university’s long-standing culture of entrepreneurship.
To help launch and grow the platform, the SIU Alumni Association secured a multiyear Champion Sponsorship from Black Diamond Harley-Davidson, the flagship dealership of the Black Diamond Family of Businesses, a growing portfolio of retail, entertainment and sports ventures based in Marion, Illinois. This partnership has played a key role in supporting the market’s early success and will continue to help expand opportunities for alumni entrepreneurs.
“Many members of our Black Diamond team are proud SIU alumni and active members of the SIU Alumni Association,” said Black Diamond co-founder Shad Zimbro. “Supporting Saluki Market was a natural fit for us. We believe in entrepreneurship because that’s exactly how we started. This partnership is more than a sponsorship — it’s an investment in the next generation of Saluki business owners. And from a business standpoint, aligning with a platform that reaches nearly 280,000 alumni worldwide just makes sense.”
A platform built by Salukis, for Salukis
“At SIU, we’re known for forging our own paths to success,” said Molly Hudgins, a 1997 SIU graduate and executive director of the SIU Alumni Association. “Our alumni consistently launch successful businesses, and Saluki Market reflects our mission to showcase SIU excellence while creating meaningful, tangible opportunities for our graduates. Seeing the market exceed $6,000 in sales in its first month confirmed what we already believed: Salukis want to support Salukis!”
The idea for Saluki Market took shape in 2024 after the alumni association recognized a growing desire among graduates to intentionally support alumni-owned businesses. The platform simplifies that process, encouraging shoppers to “Shop SIU First” while directly engaging with Saluki entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurial excellence at your fingertips
Saluki Market was developed with the expertise of SIU alumni such as Sadie Horan (Class of 2007), an independent consultant with prior experience at Shopify. Inspired by the project, Horan also became one of the marketplace’s first vendors, launching All Things Maroon, a boutique offering SIU-inspired apparel in maroon and white.
In addition, other alums, like Tom Harness (Class of 2001), owner of Harness Digital Marketing, provided early consulting and support, while Jeremy Packer (Class of 2015), owner of his own tech consulting firm, Packer Labs, assisted with back-end logistics before the market’s launch.
The association also worked closely with a selection of alumni-owned vendors, who volunteered time and effort to establish storefronts on the Saluki Market.
Early Saluki Market vendors include T.J. Cowan, founder of Cold-Blooded Coffee and Roastery, who collaborated on a Saluki Market–exclusive coffee blend. The marketplace also features products from Rendleman Orchards, an Illinois-based farm owned by SIU alumni Wayne and Michelle Sirles.
“As an alumna and longtime partner of the SIU Alumni Association, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see Saluki Market take off so quickly,” said Michelle Sirles. “This platform is a powerful way to celebrate our SIU community while showcasing the outstanding products our alumni and region have to offer.”
For Michael Smith and Krista Daniel, owners of Fired-Up Jellies and Jams, joining the Saluki Market as a vendor meant expanding their online presence. “Prior to this shift, we would only have one or two orders every couple of months on our website,” Smith said. “Now, since we launched our Shopify website, we have had over 30 orders in two months, some of which came from the Saluki Market. Though it is only on its infancy, we know this partnership will be a game-changer for us, as it already has been.”
Additional vendors featured on Saluki Market include:
- 17th Street BBQ.
- 40 Below Joe.
- Cristaudo’s.
- Eccentrics Boutique.
- Handmade by Chloe.
- Howdy Hyde.
- Kinley Jewelry, LLC.
- Nicholas Brewing Co.
- Sunflower Girl Skincare.
- Tattered-N-Torn Designs.
Additional sponsors and partners supporting Saluki Market include Blue Sky Vineyard, First Southern Bank, Silkworm, The Printing Plant, the Small Business Development Center at SIU, SI Now, Banterra Bank and First Mid Bank.
Discover and support Saluki entrepreneurs
With strong early sales, positive feedback from vendors and growing interest from alumni shoppers, Saluki Market continues to expand its offerings while strengthening connections across the SIU community.
To explore the marketplace and support Saluki-owned businesses, visit https://salukimarket.com/
If you’re an alum or student or have a close working relationship with SIU and are a small-business owner, you’re also welcome to apply as a vendor online. More information about getting started can be found on the website.
