InNOLEnews Volume

LIZ CASEY | GRADUATE STUDENT | TEXTILES & APPAREL ENTREPRENEURSHIP

What is your favorite thing about the JMC program so far? My favorite thing about this program, at both the undergraduate and the graduate levels, is how broad and diverse the teaching faculty is. It has truly been an honor to be taught by educators with such a variety of interests and specialties. With that, there have been so many incredible hands-on opportunities with these professors. From 3D printing accessories, to digitally printing our own designs, and testing textiles in a lab are all experiences that I have valued greatly.

What are your career goals? One of my career goals has come to fruition this semester. I interned with Disney Theme Park Merchandise in 2019 and ended in March of 2020. While I was with the company, I was planting networking seeds that began to flower just a few weeks ago. At the end of October, my former leader from Disney reached out about a remote position on her team. At the beginning of November, I began working remotely as a merchandise coordinator for the women ’ s apparel and accessories department. It is right where I want to be and I am elated!

What have you enjoyed most this past fall? This fall has been my first semester in the master ’ s program with the JMC. I have enjoyed the small class size immensely. I love having a small class where I can get to know the people in my cohort, as well as the instructing professor. Discussions, presentations, and lectures are so engaging and the participation is wonderful and aligns well with my learning style.

What was the most valuable piece of knowledge you ’ ve learned from your experience in the Entrepreneurial program? One of the most valuable things I have learned in my time in the college of entrepreneurship is that being an entrepreneur does not always mean starting your own business. I was once speaking with a professor and I mentioned that I felt like the title of ‘ entrepreneur ’ on my resume might misrepresent my career and professional goals. She told me that the creativity, actions, and innovation of someone with an entrepreneurial background can be applied in a myriad of ways like in a small, family-owned business or a massive corporation. This has stuck with me, and I fully intend to apply that advice wherever I go.

Who or what has influenced you to pursue entrepreneurship in your specific industry? I don ’ t know what led me to the school of entrepreneurship, but I do know that I spent my whole life growing up in and around small retail businesses. Growing up and working in small, local businesses has given me an inside look into entrepreneurship and how it can bolster the community. I also recall being very young and being enthralled with fabrics and clothing. Once I found out that I could get a degree in textiles and apparel, I was hooked. I chose to further my education with the JMC because I wanted to know more about textiles and apparel entrepreneurship and I know that this will help point me in the right direction for my future, whatever that may be.

One of the most valuable things I have learned in my time in the college of entrepreneurship is that being an entrepreneur does not always mean starting your own business.

What advice would you give to a student that is thinking about pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship? At first, I didn ’ t think that the College of Entrepreneurship was for me, but once I got the opportunity to think about what entrepreneurship means to me, everything fell into place. My advice would be to keep an open mind. Entrepreneurship means something different to every single person, and once you find out what it means to you, the possibilities are vast and unique.

SIXTUS KUUDAAR | GRADUATE STUDENT | SOCIAL & SUSTAINABLE ENTERPRISES

What is your favorite thing about the JMC program so far? Being at JMC has been an eye-opening experience for me, where I have been able to learn and understand much more about the entrepreneurship world. As a master ' s student in the Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Enterprises program, I have had the exposure to know about the current revolution of the world of business, which is the triad factors to a sustainable world that is the Environment, Social life, and Governance (ESG).

What are your career goals? My career goals are fostering an innovative green-tech ecosystem and I am championing this effort through my start-up called VisionX.

What have you enjoyed most this past fall? What I enjoyed the most this fall was the field trip my class tookto Babcock Ranch and Legacy Resort Homes where we learned a lot from the experts on site.

What was the most valuable piece of knowledge you ’ ve learned from your experience in the Entrepreneurial program? Learning about ESG' s goals has been phenomenal for me, I have gotten to factor in these goals in my startup.

Who or what has influenced you to pursue entrepreneurship in your specific industry? My mentor Bill Krizner has been a great influence to me, he suggested this program to me and I haven’t regretted it.

What advice would you give to a student that is thinking about pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship? Take a step of becoming an impact maker, and do it through a degree in entrepreneurship. As a master ' s student in the Social Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Enterprises program, I have had the exposure to know about the current revolution of the world of business which is the triad factors to a sustainable world that is the Environment, Social life, and Governance (ESG).

INSPIRE. INSTILL. IGNITE.

The mission of the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University is to inspire innovation, instill compassion, and ignite an entrepreneurial mindset in the next generation of leaders.

Undergraduate Programs

Commercial Entrepreneurship

Commercial Entrepreneurship,

with a concentration in Automotive Franchising Undergraduate Minors

Art Entrepreneurship

Commercial Entrepreneurship

Computational Science Entrepreneurship

Hospitality Entrepreneurship Graduate Programs

Textiles and Apparel Entrepreneurship

Product Development

Hospitality Entrepreneurship

CAMILLE LASTRAPES | GRADUATE STUDENT | PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

What has been your favorite thing about the Product Development master' s program? My favorite thing about the master ' s program is being able to build close relationships with individuals in my cohort. During my time in undergrad, I knew a few of them from our commercial entrepreneurship major, however, it has been amazing to grow closer with everyone knowing that I have such a strong support system with my endeavors. Everyone is so friendly, and we all truly want to see each other succeed.

What makes you passionate about entrepreneurship? From a very young age, I was always intrigued with running a business. During middle and high school, I created a few small businesses here and there, selling my products through Etsy and to family members. It wasn ’ t until I entered the Jim Moran program that it became clear that entrepreneurship was a passion of mine and something I knew I needed to for a career. I love the opportunities that entrepreneurship gives, such as networking and doing what I love while also making a living.

What are some lessons you have learned with your experience starting Cala Designs? When I started Cala Designs a little over two years ago, I would have never thought that I could grow this business to where it is today. With a few mistakes and small failures, I have learned so much from running Cala Designs. In the beginning stages, I was so eager to get my products out into the market, that I ignored how much research mattered, along with making sure my products were up to quality standards. Rushing the early process caused me to have to completely stop my business for a bit, understand what went wrong, then fix those issues. Ever since then, my products exceed my expectations of quality, I learned who my target market exactly is, and those customers are satisfied.

If you could give your younger self some advice, what would you tell her? There are so many things I would tell my younger self. Do not rush! The right idea and time will come. There were many instances where I got very frustrated trying to sell things in saturated markets, losing money, and wasting time. I would also say to research as much as you can. Trust your gut and expect to fail. Do not let yourself get down when you do though, because failure is such a great learning experience. Make as many connections as you can because everyone can bring value to you, and vice versa. Most importantly, do something you love, because it will never feel like a job if so.

What are your career goals? My career goals in the future are to successfully own and operate my own business. I love the idea of working without feeling like it ’ s a job – that ’ s how I envision myself feeling about owning a business. Before I get to that point, I would like to join a marketing or product development company to gain experience and knowledge before creating my own entrepreneurial venture.

What advice would you give to a student that is thinking about pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship? If you are debating going into the entrepreneurship program, do it!! This program offers so much more than just how to run your own business. I have made lifelong connections with those in my cohort, learned new communication skills, and got over my fear of public speaking. The professors in this program really care about you and want you to succeed, which truly shows in your classes. The creative nature of this program is what grew my love for entrepreneurship even more, and I couldn