Trying to decide if you want to start a business in college? It can be a tough, but life-changing, decision.
A majority of college students are looking for ways to make money, so college is the perfect time to start a business and put your ideas into action. Starting a new business can be nerve-wrecking, so we interviewed college seniors who have been through the process.
From the Nile is a skincare company created by North Carolina A&T State University students. It is all-natural skincare company that focuses on bringing quality products to their customers. They offer several different types of body scrubs and body oils.
Here is their advice.
What is your major?
Of our main group of three key people involved, Avvery, Marquis, and Travian, are all senior mechanical engineering students.
What is the hardest part about being an entrepreneur?
The hardest part about being an entrepreneur, arguably the most universal answer, is starting. However, it is not just the action of doing something, but more specifically, picking, out of all the ideas and possibilities, what to do first.
What/who is your motivation?
I am a very curious and observational person, so I have drawn motivation and inspiration from everywhere imaginable just from the simple fact that I am looking for it; but the most important, original and everlasting motivation will always be my mom.
When did you start your business?
From the Nile is a new business, being that we only started strategizing and planning in the spring of this year and made our first sale towards the end of the summer. Before this year it really didn’t exist even in concept.
What made you want to start your own business?
I have always wanted to start my own business I just really struggled with consolidating all my ideas and trying to figure out where the start line was located. So, because of this From the Nile isn’t something really that unexpected, in fact From the Nile isn’t the first business I have started.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Lately I have been obsessed with the ideology of serial entrepreneurship, and every idea or inkling of an idea I completely explore in depth in my personal notebook. So in ten years, I will have time to bring those things into fruition and see some of the results of the short lead time goals.
What are your future career plans?
Like I mention, my immediate attention is really focused on tackling the ideology of serial entrepreneurship, so that is definitely plan A.
Are you looking to expand?
Like any new company, we want as many people to know about us as possible, we feel that we really wanted to take advantage of our location being that our product is beauty enhancing and it’s only right to provide it to a campus filled with so many beautiful people.
What do you hope people feel when they see or use your products?
The most important, and I feel needs to be overly evident, thing is that the customer feels they are getting a quality product that WORKS. Our goal is not to rip people off or offer then a flashy item where the majority of the money is brand name. Along with this though, when people use our product we want them to feel fresh, new, and rejuvenated. We want them to feel as if their skin has transformed. When your skin feels good it’s only right that the rest of you will feel good, you will do great things, and all of life’s gifts will follow.
What advice would you give to other starting entrepreneurs?
The absolute most important thing is to strategize, decide on what you want the end goal to be and from that you can start weeding out all the other ideas and possibilities that can leave you daydreaming for years. From that I would tell other starting entrepreneurs is to START, dive completely into the process. “Hold the vision and Trust the Process”. Many people have billion dollar ideas, but they never get started so it all goes to waste. Just start! Once you start persevere and be resilient in what you are doing.
Check out From the Nile on their website.
Overall, becoming an entrepreneur isn’t an easy task, it takes a strong and fearful individual to believe in their dreams. Don’t let rejection get in the way of your dreams and success, it is important to follow your passion and step out of your comfort zone. Success won’t happen overnight, but in the end it will be worth it!
Here are four tips for starting a business:
Success comes when you get out of your comfort zone
In order to achieve your goals, you must step out of your comfort zone and follow your dreams. A majority of individuals never accomplish their goals because they aren’t risk-takers. Don’t let fear overshadow your passion!
Get mentors!
The best way to learn is from others who have experienced the same thing. Gaining a mentor is very valuable, it gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge, ask for advice, and help you with your business.
Take advantage of being a student
Starting a business in college can help with connecting with other college students. Also taking business classes can help you succeed-especially if you’re a business student! If your product is catered to college students or young adults, being in college can help with getting your product out to consumers. Networking with your peers can truly help your business grow!
Just Start
Often times, individuals don’t follow through with their ideas and continue to put it off. Once you just get started the easier it will be to accomplish your goals. Stop being afraid of the “what if’s” and just get started!