The First Step Towards Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship - the process of starting your own business. It is risky, ballsy, dangerous, and all those other synonyms! But it can also be very rewarding; this is usually the reason why one takes the leap. 

I’m taking the leap because just about every time I talk about negative self-esteem in young girls, I cry. A mentor of mine tells me that those tears are my passion.

As mentioned in a previous post, How I Discovered My Latest Dream, I told you that I want to open my own boutique with a focus on providing young girls with tools to build a positive self-esteem. So as a recent graduate, working as an Administrative Assistant to pay my horrendous bills, what am I supposed to do?! How do I even start the process of opening up a store? 

Find your Weak Spots!

I started to think generally about what it means to open and maintain a boutique. I realized that I absolutely needed to learn about Business – management, accounting, legal forms, etc. I also realized that I needed to learn more about the Fashion part – buying, merchandising, etc. So what’s the best way to learn, go to school!! I mean that’s what I’ve done for the past 23 years, of course that’s the easiest way to learn something new.

And that’s exactly what I did. This is where I can turn my weak spots into strengths. The first class that was offered at a local college, at night after my full-time job was Retail Store Management. How perfect does that sound? Well it wasn't perfect at all. The department worked the system so that this course could actually be about E-Commerce, online shopping to make it simple. That sounds like a really great trade to know; however I do not have any plans to create an online store for my boutique (for now). But I stuck it out at the first class to hear what the teacher had to say and to get an idea of what I might learn. 

What did I learn, EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

I stayed in the course because the teacher had a lot of Industry experience and currently works at True Religion. I learned a lot of great things, including how to start and run and online store. I have firsthand experience with industry platforms such as Shopify, Magento, and Demandware. I also found myself walking out of every class with so much energy and drive. Each class there was something that was said or learned that justified my dream; opening up a boutique is EXACTLY what I am supposed to do. I was meant to be in this class so I can get that boost of energy. Early in the stages of entrepreneurship it's hard, the work can be tedious and slow, waiting around can be discouraging. And that’s what this class has helped me with. Not only do I have new skills but I have even more DRIVE to catch this dream!

I’m sure many of you will try entrepreneurship; my recommendation is to find your weak spots and make them your strengths. And know that there might be another story to be heard with every opportunity you experience.   

I want to hear about your business dreams, what kind of business do you want to own? Comment below.