FLORENCE – “Everyone thought it was crazy to have a store underground, but we immediately knew that it was what we needed,” said Carter Cothren, University of North Alabama junior. “Since middle school my father had told me that I could open my own record store when I went to college. I honestly never believed him, but when we toured UNA and looked around Florence, I fell in love with the place.”
And just like that Cothren opened Underground Art & Sound with the help of his father in April 2015. Over the past year their inventory and operation has settled into a unique routine. “We buy, sell and trade records, cds and cassettes. We also consign local art,” Cothren said. “We even have local paintings and t-shirts. I want these artists to know that if they’re interested in selling, we are here to help them out.”
In addition to working with artists, the store has recently started hosting resident musicians as well, having small shows underground periodically, which, according to Cothren, have been a huge success.
As if operating a business alone wasn’t difficult enough, Cothren is currently a business major at UNA and will begin his junior year this fall. Even though he is receiving his business education, he still asks his father for advice on the store.
Carter Cothren
“I want to further my business knowledge so I can make better decisions. Eventually, I want to be able to do all of this on my own. That’s why balancing school is important,” he said.
But that balancing act can be difficult too. When asked how he manages the responsibilities that come with operating a business and being a student, he said it’s “extremely stressful.” Cothren said it’s more than just balancing work and school; he also needs a social life.
“I am the vice president of Pi Kappa Alpha right now too, so finding time for everything is tough. Honestly, 80 percent of my day is difficult and frustrating, but that’s okay because the other 20 percent makes it all worth it.”
After graduation, Cothren hopes to open another store in Nashville or Seattle, although he believes that this branch will remain successful in Florence even after he leaves.
“We made it through the first year, and that is always the hardest part,” he said. “I just hope people continue to support their local businesses, which is so important.”
For more information on the business program at the University of North Alabama, visit: https://www.una.edu/business/
For more information on Underground Art & Sound: https://www.facebook.com/
Media Release/University of North Alabama/Taylor Goodwin, University Communications
