At just 18 years old, Victoria Parisi is one of the most dedicated, hardworking, and inspirational people I know. After being diagnosed with a chronic illness at age 14, she has over come many challenges in order to start her own business and inspire the lives of many. Read more to hear her story!
Name: Victoria Parisi
Major: Entrepreneurship
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Simsbury, Connecticut
LG: What is your business?
VP: It’s called “Skilled Sitters”. It’s an online childcare service for kids who have chronic illnesses. It’s like a dating service, but for caregivers and parents.
LG: Where did you get your idea?
VP: I grew up with an illness that affects my nerves. I saw my parents struggle to find someone to take care of me with all my issues.
LG: What are some complications of your illness?
VP: I experienced a lot of seizures, fainting, and severe heart problems as a child. I was almost always in pain, which made growing up normally very difficult.
LG: What are some of your greatest accomplishments?
VP: I won the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2014, and I had the opportunity to accept my award at a Global Gala in Washington D.C. I spoke at the Babson Forum as a “Futurepreneur”, as well as at Harvard University. I was also featured on a Microsoft Blog as a motivational young business owner.
LG: What are some of your biggest challenges?
VP: Definitely my illness, as I still deal with it everyday as it gets worse. Another challenge would be law attorneys, because they’re difficult to deal with.
LG: What is it like owning your business at such a young age?
VP: It’s super stressful to balance school and deal with people who have had years of experience. You need to respect them, but you also need to respect yourself so people will take you seriously.
LG: Who is your role model and why?
VP: My mom. She was diagnosed with heart failture at a young age and wasn’t supposed to live. Fifteen years later, she’s one of the hardest workers I know.
LG: What’s your favorite part about Suffolk?
VP: I made a wonderful group of friends!
LG: Any advice to striving business owners?
VP: Even if you fail, keep moving forward and don’t be afraid of failure because sometimes it brings out something incredible.