| The most meaningful part of this project was the understanding of the hardship and struggles of opening and running a business, the time and the foundation that helped this business owner grow his establishment. He gave me a sense of hope that hard work and keeping to my foundation will one day pay off, because sometimes even the little ice cream store in the corner still sees their regulars everyday. Having to build patience and realize that not everything comes right away was also an eye opener for myself. Seeing how this man and his wife were able to wait more than five years until their business started to bloom and even until today they still are maintaining what they did twelve years ago and prior to the twelve years, you need to add fifteen years on top of their experience with their field. I realized from this meeting that nothing ever comes easy, that is why we must keep to our ethical foundation, in order to prosper the ethical way and also a reason we can sleep at night. Being able to dissect the mind of a business owner was also meaningful. Visually seeing what he had gone through in order to get to where he is today. The bond he has with his wife and their business is so strong, the entering of their establishment you could feel the warmth and the happiness along with the history they have gone through and what they have accomplished. Being in their establishment I can actually feel the family vibe that the establishment gives, it is very homey and lots of care within the business. It is just that feeling you get when you walk into a business and it just feels right, you feel like you’re at home or you’re at a place that is comfortable to you, it’s true, people can sense the foundation these entrepreneurs stand by. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 01:50:15
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| In this project, I have learned many valuable things that I could use in my future. I've learned that, if I want something badly, I would have to work hard for it. I have to focus on getting a good education and have a goal set. Being an entrepreneur is very risky and that i would have to be really wise of what i do. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 02:36:23
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| I think the most meaningful aspect of this project is the fact that I had the opportunity to interview the business owner of one of the more admired retail clothing companies. I have always wanted to have a clothing brand I could call my own. Having my own business is a passion of mine and having a clothing brand is what I desire and striving to do. When I went in for the interview, I didn’t realize that there was so much more that I needed to learn before even running my business. Fortunately the business that I'm currently overseeing isn’t quite started yet so now I can use what I have gained for the better of my company. Gaining information from people and asking questions that usually people are afraid to ask is very important in a successful startup of your business. When we spoke of having to gain prior work experience with a business similar to yours, I realized that I have a lot more to learn. Through this interview, I was able to not only discuss but network with someone I could potentially be working with in the future. To me, that means all the world to know that a potential door is open for me to succeed. This project is very necessary for a small business management class; it is just what everyone needs to get an idea of how a successful business is run. I recommend doing something like this project to all aspiring business owners. I would definitely do this again if I were to ever change my mind on what kind of business I want to run. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 03:55:25
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| This project gave me a better understanding about small businesses in United States, as the interview give an direct insight from a successful businesswoman in an industry that I am very interested in. As a child, I have always wanted to have my own store. My mom and I spent lots of time travelling since I was 6 years old, experiencing different cultures. As I entered middle school, a few subjects that I found interesting are economics and foreign languages. My mom owns a store when I was 13-14 years old, and this somewhat pushed me to be even more interested in owning my own business someday. I was, therefore, determined to become an entrepreneur myself. During high school, I concentrated on humanities and economics, but I also became more aware of the trends and trends in the fashion world. I love fashion since I was young and it continues as I grew up. My mom pushed me to get into the Fashion Merchandising Major. She knew I love to combine best of both worlds. I love dealing with locals in general and would like to provide what the general market need in terms of fashion. In terms of this interview, the business owner herself is my mentor in one of my fashion classes. I hope that someday I will be able to take some part in the fashion industry. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 08:53:51
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| Everything about doing this project has helped me and prepared me to see how the type of business I want to have will be. I was able to learn that having a business takes a lot of commitment and that I will need a lot of time to plan and strategize what will be needed in order to thrive. Having resources to look to will help you stay up to date and have many options for what you will need to learn. I have learned that it’s not going to be a “walk in the park” meaning it’s not going to be easy. The owner is in complete control of every situation and must make decisions to be successful in money and services. Sometimes, I will need to be willing to spend extra time to develop ideas, finish projects, and cleaning. I have learned that you really don’t need all of the money in the world to start something you want to do. Luckily with the field of business in which I want to be, it starts with one or two children that you babysit and it grows from there. People will build trust in me and give recommendations to family and friends which will result in more families will start to come to me for child care services. While you are starting a business it can be stressful so having someone to lean that you can go to for help, advice and to ask questions will be important. They will be able to give suggestions and inform you on things that maybe you didn’t know of. We need to know every part of our business. We should focus on everything but not be self-conscious about everything. Put the children first and focus on their needs. Children with special needs need specific teachers with specific courses taken. Research everything I cannot stress that enough and use your resources regularly. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 08:56:39
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| This project has allowed me to pick the brain of a young entrepreneur. It was good to see what is needed to succeed because although we are in different industries his insights can help me prepare for when I decide to open my own business. His drive to be successful is inspirational. I have never wanted the typical nine to five job and knowing that there are other people out there like that and that I am not alone is a good thing to know. He talked a lot about failure which is scary but it is realistic. I believe I have the qualities that are needed to be successful. I also think it was good to see what other entrepreneurs have to done to fund their businesses. I do not think I would ever be able to self-fund unless I open my business later on in life. He thought this was the best way to open and run a business. I do agree but I don't think I will ever have the financial ability to do this. He didn't talk about vendors, or bank loans. He has bought everything out of pocket or on personal lines of credit. I believe anyone can open their own business with determination and some knowledge of their market. I believe this project has allowed me to see how other people have made their ideas and dreams real and that was the most meaningful thing I learned. I have seen this business struggle and grow but I never asked entrepreneurial questions and this project has opened a portal to do that and not only for the project but my future ventures as well. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 10:39:45
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| Doing this project was meaninful in every way possible. I was able to see how Jonathan started his store. I got to see how his family history are in the donuts being made. How he took something so simple that he and his family loved to do and shared it with everyone. On top of all that is something that he loves to do. Hes not trying to be a billionaire out of it. He is doing what he loves to do. Being able to get a glimpse of how it is like being an entrenprenur is just an honor. Getting helpful tips about how and why he started his company, how he got through the hard times and what got him through it is an inspiration. Hearing that motivated me in further pursuing my dream of one day opening a bake shop. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 13:03:52
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| The most significant is the first time that I talk with entrepreneurs on a company's survival. This is very interesting.Most entrepreneurs I chat with them will not go to their company. They thought I was a child, what all don't understand.This is a very good experience makes me realize that a big company how to set up. How do they win in this competition.I love this entrepreneur ' seize the heart of the young man '. They do clothing business, they understand young people's psychological, which gives me a idea.Later no matter what business I will seize this business takes its essence of man. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 13:29:38
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| The most meaningful part would have to be sitting down with the interviewee and seeing the passion that came from talking about his brand. After doing this interview it actually somewhat inspired me to start my own business. I was a little skeptical at first because I was afraid of the risk but seeing my interviewee starting at such a young age of 21 and seeing how he took the risk and decided to make the choice of starting his own clothing brand gave me motivation to think that you can never be too young to follow your dreams. The information he provided such as the importance of doing my research not only about my business but other businesses to remain competitive in the market. I learned that it is very important to start networking with people and start talking to mentors, peers, and other business owners to get a feel what it is like in the market. I learned various methods to take, what courses I should look into, and what to expect if I start my own business. After the interview process was over and I had time to think about what my interviewee had told me it made me believe that what I want to do is possible. The road will not be easy but like what my interviewee told me as long as you work hard and believe in your business there is no reason for me to not be successful. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 14:41:13
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| With this project it showed me a lot that a business isn’t just about money, it a lot more than that. From the start of the school year I never put too much thought into how to start a business. My thinking was to open up a shop and go from there. It’s a lot more than that. From getting to know more about Dr. Ouellette I never thought it was more than waiting for a client to show, it’s about growing from the experiences and the ability to learn more and more. Without the constant growth there is not the ability to learn from life. She had discussed about her lawyer, which was something I did not take into consideration, that one must have a lawyer with a business. How I did not know about this I will never know. Now I know. This project gave me more insist on what a small business is and how to run it. The one answer I did like very much was Dr. Ouellette had discussed was the ability to listen to her clients and her employees. In my line of work I have a hard time being heard from management and those above me. I think that is a great source of information to always listen. I hope to always listen to those around me and to take away from each person something to new to learn. She had also discussed not know she would have her own business; this was me a couple years ago. I never knew I wanted to open up my own business, but just like Dr.Ouellette it came to me one day. I hope to be able to take what I learned from this and grow. |
Date Submitted: 2012-10-18 15:20:40
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