Every link tells our Aggie story.
As North Carolina A&T celebrates its 100th homecoming, our family is especially reflecting on what it means to be Aggies. For us, Aggie Pride is more than a tradition; it is a family legacy that continues to shape who we are and what we build.
Our Aggie roots run deep. My brother graduated with the Class of 1996, I followed with the Class of 1997, and our family legacy continued with nephews graduating from the Classes of 2023 and 2025.
We started The Link Lab when Sydney was a senior in high school. What began as a mother-daughter idea – built completely from scratch – has grown into a multi-city jewelry experience brand centered around connection, celebration and creating those “remember when…” moments. Today, The Link Lab offers permanent jewelry, charm bars, curated ear piercing and interactive event experiences. We’ve had the opportunity to work with corporations, universities, hotels, private events, and nationally recognized brands.
As the business grew beyond Charlotte, North Carolina, our family grew with it. We partnered with our cousins in Nashville, Tennessee, expanding The Link Lab and bring our experiences to a new market. What started with a mother and daughter has truly become a family affair. But some of our most meaningful events happen right back where so much of our story began: on the campus of North Carolina A&T. At least once each year, we return to campus for pop-ups and special events. There is a unique sense of joy and pride that comes from connecting with young Aggies, hearing their stories, watching friendships being celebrated, and knowing that we get to create memories with the next generation. Returning not only as alumni, but as entrepreneurs, makes every campus visit incredibly special.
And now, as we celebrate the 100th homecoming, Sydney is a senior once again – only this time, she’s an Aggie! The young woman who helped start The Link Lab as a high school senior is now helping lead and grow the business while preparing to graduate from the university that has meant so much to our family. It is a reminder that legacy isn’t only about what is passed down. It’s also about what the next generation chooses to build with it.
Every link tells a story. Ours is rooted in family, entrepreneurship, and – always – Aggie Pride!
Shelly Angus ‘97
Photo by @giannajoy.photography
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