If you’re anything like me, you’ve wondered what it’s like to start a business. Growing up, becoming an entrepreneur seemed easy at first glance, but when you hear first-hand experiences, you learn that it is not as easy as it seems. The journey is full of triumphant ups and extreme downs. However, on my journey discovering my interest in entrepreneurship, I met Jannette Melo, entrepreneur, soon-to-be mother and total girl boss (as I like to call her).
Her Campus (HC): First let’s start with a little bit about you. Where did you attend college and what did you study?
Jannette Melo (JM): I studied at the University of Miami and I graduated with a degree in Marine Affairs with minors in Business Law and Business Administration. Originally, I was going to study Marine Affairs and Biology, but I figured out I was not interested in studying science in college.
HC: Because you initially came in with the idea of earning a degree in a science field, what prompted you to start your business?
JM: After asking around and doing my share of research, I discovered that I did not want to pursue anything science-based in college just because, later on, I found business to be more interesting. The business of medicine, or science in general, was either too black and white or not black and white at all. Later on in my college career, I realized that I was drawn to law, but then I changed to business law. Towards the end of my college career, I also started my business with my business partner. He introduced me to the idea of starting a tutoring business, and I decided to tag along. While kick-starting the business, I found that I love learning how to tutor and the techniques to build on it.
HC: What are some things going, or not going, to business school can teach you?
JM: Because I did get two business minors, I was able to learn the basics like foundational marketing, accounting, etc. Something that really helped, however, was the Launchpad program at the University of Miami. I joined and immediately met people that were starting their own businesses. I learned from them through making connections and reaching out within Launchpad. I find that collaborating is one of the best ways you can not only build a business but also grow as a person in your future career. In Miami, I was a part of different chambers of different businesses, which also helped me achieve a network and experience. Researching the Small Business Administration (SBA) website is a huge help. Besides all of these tips, the best thing to remember on your journey is that experience is everything. Over time you learn how to do things on your own through research and getting to know how your business works. Also, don’t forget: there are so many resources at your fingertips! As people, we tend to limit ourselves and close doors, but we need to keep an open mind. I always remind my students that.
HC: So we know you have a business, but can you tell us about it?
JM: My business is PrepSmart, which is a test-prep organization focused on helping students improve on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. In the lifetime of the company, we have helped people on all types of entrance exams, including graduate school exams, and we have experience helping with academic advising and admissions counseling. Our goals are, and have always been, to provide quality services.
HC: Is this business what you have always wanted, or have your goals changed since college?
JM: Honestly, this is not what I have always wanted. Just by jumping into building a business, I found that I was interested in it. I find that starting a business is just a matter of going for it! It’s all a learning process! There are so many reasons not to do stuff in life, but if you have a passion for something, and if you’re good at it, you might as well try. Also, it’s great starting when you’re young so you have room to make mistakes, which are okay to do. Your goal should just be to be respectful and honorable. Fortunately, my business grew organically on its own. There were times where it had its lows, but it’s a matter of pushing through.
HC: You are not only the founder of your business, but you also teach. How do you balance being both the employer and an employee?
JM: Well, balancing is a hard thing to do. This is why finding like-minded people is so helpful to smooth the process. We live in a “hustle-culture” where we’re told, “Do it all,” and, “You can handle it! Don’t sleep!” Although there are things you can do on your own and you must do on your own, I believe that it is so important to have a healthy work-life balance. You need to take care of yourself emotionally, physically and spiritually. So, having that help and guidance is key to running a business because stressing yourself long-term is not ideal.
HC: As you’re starting a family of your own, you’re teaching children and seeing them grow up and go to college. How does having your own soon feel while still tutoring children?
JM: This past year, I have felt more of a connection with my students. I am more invested in their futures because now being pregnant has made me shift my perspective into wanting my child to have that same care. I am excited to figure out the balance between having a child and having a career. I find that it’s all a matter of looking for guidance from those who have done it or are doing it with you. I am extremely thankful to my husband for supporting me through the journey of finding this balance. Picking a partner, in business or life, is key for support.
HC: Due to COVID-19 and immigration restrictions, you have not been home in Miami in almost a year and a half. How did you handle these major changes with your business?
JM: Approaching this transition was actually not as scary as some may think. Thankfully, I had some experience with remote learning before COVID hit, but it was still a learning process, nonetheless. I found that the simplest way was the best way to teach. Long story short, I just streamlined my methods and adapted.
HC: How do you balance making connections even in long-distance, from Canada to Miami?
JM: Honestly, I didn’t know what I was going to do when I got stuck here in Canada, but I have been blessed that at home, people have been sharing my business. Growing by word-of-mouth is such a strong way to grow as a business, and I am so thankful I have been able to. The experience of my business speaks for itself when it comes to results and trust.
HC: So finally, what is some advice on growing as an entrepreneur?
JM: My advice is to just go for it and stick to it! As an entrepreneur, you need to learn to look at the big picture of your business, but also maintain the day-to-day work. This is why finding help and support is extremely crucial. I love doing what I do and I genuinely care and love my students. In my business, it’s hard to not look at the earnings and focus on making money, because we grow up in that mindset. We hear business and we think bottom-line and Shark Tank. To me, a really big part of what I do is connecting with a person so I can encourage them. I love helping my students truly find a goal and help them along their journey to reach it. There’s a quote that I love to stick by: “How you do anything, is how you do everything.” I find this to be true. As you make decisions you need to think about how they affect the rest of your future and how they can propel you to move forward. Most importantly, do your best at everything. I recommend the book, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter And How To Make The Most Of Them Now by Meg Jay to further read about how to figure out what you want to do.
Jannette is open to any questions you may have. If you want to contact her, you can reach out using the email provided: jmelo@prepsmart.net.
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