Interviewing Customers No. 1

*coming soon*

Week 4 Reading Reflection

The biggest surprise for me in this week's reading was the part about developing your entrepreneurial creativity. Personally, I consider my creativity to be more technical and crafty. While I love graphic design, video editing, and hand lettering I often have a difficult time thinking of innovative ideas, so I felt at ease to read that there are a other ways to enhance my creative talents as an entrepreneur.

What I found most confusing was the "creative exercise" on page 134. The activity tells you to look at a list of items and to write down every use for the item you could think of. This task proved to be quite the head-scratcher because at first glance the items are all random and quite frankly, useless. However, after taking some time to read through the list and really think about the item's potential uses, the exercise finally made sense.  The activity's purpose was foster creativity in normality. 

I would ask for the author to clarify the four areas of innovation. What are the distinctions, and where do you even start? Are you supposed to know which area you are before you go in, or do you begin innovating and see which area you fit best in?

The part of the reading I disagree with most would be the title for the sub-article "Terrorism Ignites Innovation." Although the article did take a nice twist on how we can make the best out of unfortunate situations, I feel like the title could be less blunt, harsh, and seriously triggering. It's unnecessary and the author could've taken a different approach in explaining this concept. 

Top 5 World Problems

Here are 5 of the world's biggest problems ranked from "most serious" to "least serious" (but still pretty serious) 

1. Lack of World Peace
2. International Terrorism 
3. The Global Economic Situation
4. Political and Social Instability 
5. Lack of Resources 

I selected "World Peace" as the top problem because if we solve that, almost all of the other problems on my list will be solved too.  "International Terrorism" is a danger to every human on Earth and exists as a result of lack of world peace, the worsening global economic situation, and the political and social instability that exists as well.  I selected "Lack of Resources" as "least serious" because this one can be solved with help from science and strategy. 

Here are 5 solutions to the world's biggest problems (in my opinion) ranked from "most-possible to implement" to "least-possible to implement."

1. Lack of Resources: Distribute the world's resources more effectively and then use them wisely and effectively.
2. Political and Social Instability: Foster effective and non-corrupt government officials who actually listen to their constituents. Wow, what a thought? Oh, and overthrow the corrupt government systems! I say we start with Cuba.'
3. The Global Economic Situation: Create budgets and stick to them. Or take a big step at world peace and maybe we wouldn't have to spend massive amounts of money on defense and weapons.
4. International Terrorism: This one is really tricky to solve. I wish I had all of the answers
5. Lack of World Peace: This one is another tricky one to solve. I'll let you know if I think of anything great to solve this one! Just kidding, I'll go straight to Washington D.C. if I figure out how to solve this problem.

These solutions are ranked in reverse from the Problem List.  This is because there is a direct correlation between the size and capacity of the problem and the size and capacity of the proposed solution I created for it.  As you can see, the last two problems on my "Solutions" list don't really even have solutions because the problems are so severe, I can't even fathom a solution. 

Update: Still don't know how to spell "entrepreneurship" without relying on Spell Check but thankfully I didn't have to use the word in this post (until now). 

Identifying Local Opportunities

Cold weather shelter program houses homeless

Due to the recent decline in temperate, Gainesville's Cold Night Shelter program has been offering housing, blankets, and breakfast for Gainesville's homeless residents.  The program offers two shelter locations where they are currently offering temporary relief to as many people as they can with housing.  Although the program is doing a successful job at keeping the homeless safe and warm, the program could be even more effective if there were more than two locations and if the program offered different services year-round and not only when the temperature drops.  While easy to overlook, all homeless people suffer from a lack of shelter, food, and safety.  The problem would no longer exist or diminish greatly if communities came together to help those in need. 

http://www.alligator.org/news/local/article_42dd9a7c-bb44-11e5-8aaa-2b8f4774dbac.html

Driver arrested after high-speed chase

A Gainesville man was arrested after leading officers on a three-mile chase, while driving a car that was missing its front passenger-side tire.  The man was involved in a hit-and-run prior to the start of the police chase, where a motorcyclist was hit and thrown off his vehicle.  He only sustained minor injuries.  It's no surprise that reckless driving ensued; the man ran a red light while narrowly avoiding hitting multiple vehicles. The man finally stopped after reaching Aviara Apartments.  During the hit-and-run accident, this man hit a motorcyclist. The motorcyclist was thrown off of his vehicle, but only sustained minor injuries.  The obvious problem was that a man was involved in a hit-and-run and a high-speed chase with police officers.  The man was arrested for these crimes now faces the problems and the severe consequences that will come from his actions. The motorcyclist that was involved and injured also faces problems with his injuries and the damages of his motorcycle.

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A73C5DD53A9200?p=AWNB

Blaze destroys Monteocha family's home

After being made aware of a house fire in the area, Alachua, LaCrosse, Melrose, and High Springs fire teams worked together to extinguish the flames.  Although the cause of the fire is still unknown, the possibility of foul or inappropriate play is very unlikely and fortunately nobody was injured.  Kind comments by neighbors were made about the homeowners, the Monteocha family, of the house that burned down.  They chose not to make a comment about the accident.  The problem now lies in the fact that the homeowners and their family are without a home and must look to help from their insurance company as they try to rebuild their life.  The Monteocha family are now the victims of this new, unwelcome problem. 

http://infoweb.newsbank.com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/resources/doc/nb/news/15A8E38F7047DD00?p=AWNB

Rock Gym faces unstable ground, buoyed by locals' support

Due to the unfortunate recent discovery of cracked and sinking concrete slabs, The Gainesville Rock Gym has temporarily been forced to close.  Although the gym had plans on successfully expanding due to popularity and success, this new issue has put a halt to that plan.  This displaces its 400 active members and its 10,000 monthly customers.  Kindly, other rock gyms in surrounding areas are offering free or reduced climbs to Gainesville's members until the foundation is fixed.  The biggest problem on hand is that the gym needs around $100,000 to repair their damages.  A GoFundMe account was created three weeks ago and they have successfully achieved their goal, so they are already on their way to solving their problem.  The closure affects its patrons and its 20 employees they were forced to lay off until the gym reopens. 

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E65B287302D0?p=AWNB

Royal Caribbean ship cancels Haiti visit amid protests

After various protests from locals near their Haitian port, The Royal Caribbean cruise line canceled its visit to Haiti Tuesday.  This decision was made due to the fact that the guests would not be able to fully enjoy their vacation due to political unrest stemming from the opposition party, which ultimately resulted in the protests, which go hand-in-hand in serving as the problem.  Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines potentially faces a huge economic losses (after spending millions to create a port in Haiti) if political equilibrium isn't restored in Haiti.  The problem can be solved by having the protests end once Haiti's citizens are content with the political situation with their country. 

http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A7E6C412AF10D8?p=AWNB

Week 3 Reading Reflection

In Chapter 2, I was surprised, yet pleased, to read how entrepreneurs are so relatable.  They make mistakes and encounter problems, but that doesn't mean they have to solve literally every issue in their life and they know insolvable problems exist.  

I'm slightly confused on just how entrepreneurs know they are making the right behavioral and entrepreneurial decisions according to a model of entrepreneurial motivation.  I was also confused/intrigued by the concept of grief recovery, but only because I think very few failures should be followed by a period of mourning. 

The two questions I would ask the author are: 

• Should an entrepreneur be feared or liked? 
• How do you deal with emotional side (grieving, stress, anxiety, etc.) of entrepreneurship? 

There actually wasn't any part of the reading I disagreed with.  In fact, there was one mention of something in the text I agree with wholeheartedly: entrepreneurs don't believe their successes or failures of their businesses derive from luck.  I believe in setting goals, working hard, fate, and being at the right place at the right time. 

Very Short Interview No. 1 with Entrepreneur Brandon Telg

When I first was made aware of this assignment I was stumped; I was certain I didn't know of ANY entrepreneurs.  I read over the assignment again a few days later while I was at work and tried to think (again) of any possible entrepreneurs I even remotely knew.  Then it hit me: I did know one and he was sitting at the desk less than three feet away from me.

I'm going to tell you about a very inspiring individual.  I've had the pleasure of working with Brandon Telg for the past two years.  Brandon created quite the passion project called Self Narrate.  Self Narrate helps individuals (and groups of individuals) tell their real life stories to empower them in understanding their experiences so that they can grow and learn (individually or together as a group).  Self Narrate believes everyone has a story and they want to help you tell it. 

Even though Brandon took a few entrepreneurship courses while he was in graduate school here at the University of Florida,  he started off our conversation by saying, "I never thought I'd be doing this [Self Narrate]."  After taking an interpersonal leadership class and was required, via an assignment, to "tell his story" in 20 minutes to his entire class, Brandon experienced the benefits of storytelling and realized his experiences mattered to someone else.  He wanted other people to have the opportunity to feel what he felt when he shared his story, so he and a classmate began offering people all over campus $1 to tell their story.  Brandon and his classmate discovered most people believed they didn't have a story worth telling.  However, they did encounter a few people who, when they shared their stories, were relieved or reached an epiphany just because someone stopped to listen. 

Brandon knew he wanted to help people understand their story and give then an opportunity to share it.  After two years of helping individuals in the community share their stories, someone offered to pay him for his skills and passion for storytelling, professionally.  That's how Self Narrate was born.  It began with a great deal of what Brandon described it as "trial-by-fire."  However, Brandon realized he had something that worth money and decided to incorporate Self Narrate as an LLC.

When I asked him what my expectations should be for this course, he encouraged me to look beyond the textbook and lectures and use the course as an "opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs" because it's a "prime place for networking."  He advised that this course would serve as a "good opportunity to see where each others' skills fit into each others ideas."  Something he learned through developing Self Narrate was that "no entrepreneur does it alone; everyone works together." 

According to Brandon, being an entrepreneur "means different things to different people, but ultimately entrepreneurs are the ones who have an idea, the passion to make it come to life, and the fortitude to actually follow through."  Brandon believes almost everyone has one of those three qualities, then some people have two of the three, but it's a very small group of individuals who have all three qualities, but it's those people who are the entrepreneurs.  "Being an entrepreneur means you know it's ok to fail," Brandon said after restating the wild statistic of how the greater majority of companies fail within their first year of existence. 

After explaining to Brandon how this class works, he advised that I should learn about "the stuff that would be very confusing to learn on your own -- basically any kind of legal and/or government stuff.  Finding that stuff clearly online is like finding a needle in a haystack."  Brandon explained the ins and outs of your own business is what you're going to learn on your own on a trial and error basis.   

At the end of our conversation, Brandon revealed the one thing he wished he was taught in his classes before he became an entrepreneur.  "I wish I was taught where to find clients!" he exclaimed.  Brandon explained how it's difficult for him to develop his own unique client base because what he does is so specialized and different organizations want to use his services.

To conclude our conversation, I asked Brandon what his favorite quotes were:

• "There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you." - Maya Angelou
• "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." - Friedrich Nietzsche   

This assignment made me realize entrepreneurs come in all different forms.  Entrepreneurs are more than just individuals in suits trying to get you to buy the products they came up with.  This is why it took me so long to realize that Brandon is an entrepreneur!  Brandon is just like anyone else who has a big passion for something.  However, Brandon isn't pushy for you to buy something from him.  Brandon just wants to know your story because he's so passionate about storytelling.  I think a great deal of entrepreneurs can learn something from Brandon and Self Narrate.  Entrepreneurship is founded on, and fueled by, passion and thanks to Brandon, Self Narrate is a great example of just that.

Feel free to learn more about Self Narrate by visiting the following website:

http://www.selfnarrate.com/

The World's Biggest Problems

This class has given me a new favorite quote: "When we find problems we identify opportunity." 

Here are 10 of the world's biggest problems, and their proposed solutions, in no particular order, according to me. 

1. Obesity - Unhealthy food is more cost-effective and made more available than healthier food options, individuals place a lack of priority on engaging in physical activities to make them healthier, and people are going to the doctor less (possibly due to insurance issues/lack of access to healthcare providers). 
   Proposed solution: Establishing a global Food and Drug Administration.  This would help eliminate the rise of unhealthy food options/establishments. 
2. Climate Change - The climate appears to be getting hotter every year, the amount of greenhouse gases is alarming, and the number of natural disasters has increased over the past few years. 
   Proposed solution: Placing eco-friendly limitations on construction, automobiles, and waste disposal. 
3. Increased Global Population - According to thepopulationinstitute.org, the world population is increasing at around 80 million people a year (that's about 220,000 people per day!)  If this trend continues, there will 2.5 billion more people on the planet by mid-century, bringing the total to about 9.2 billion.  Where do we put all of these people?  What do we feed them? 
   Proposed solution: Allow birth control and contraceptive options to be easily accessed and cost-effective. 
4. International Terrorism - Ever since the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the United States, international terrorism has been on the forefront of the minds of citizens and politicians all over the world.  The unsettlement of peace between countries all over the world is costing the lives of innocent individuals and billions of dollars in damage. 
   Proposed solution: This one is really tricky to solve. I wish I had all of the answers. 
5. Poverty - Homelessness is an issue almost every country in the world faces.  Other problems that fuel this are lack of resources and unemployment. 
   Proposed solution: Creating more jobs or programs to help get homeless individuals back on their feet. 
6. The Global Economic Situation - Debt hangs over like a dark cloud over most countries in the world; especially the United States.  It seems almost as if money is the root of all evil in our world today. 
   Proposed solution: Create budgets and stick to them.  Or take a big step at world peace and maybe we wouldn't have to spend massive amounts of money on defense and weapons.   
7. Unemployment - Although many countries have decreased their unemployment numbers over the past few years, the unemployment numbers still exist.   
   Proposed solution: Create. More. Jobs.  Maybe create more jobs that don't require 10 years of experience out of college?  Just a thought. 
8. Political and Social Instability - Citizens are no longer putting their complete trust in their government officials.  Communism and authoritarian government systems still exist today.  Even in democratic societies, its citizens are not being fairly represented, therefore creating political unrest. 
   Proposed solution: Foster effective and non-corrupt government officials who actually listen to their constituents.  Wow, what a thought?  Oh, and overthrow the corrupt government systems!  I say we start with Cuba.   
9. Lack of Resources - Countries have poor access to clean drinking water, natural resources, and a stable food supply.  This directly impacts its citizens and their health. 
   Proposed solution:  Distribute the world's resources more effectively and then use them wisely and effectively.   
10. World Peace - Simply put: countries aren't getting along and its detrimental.  The reason why items number 1-9 on this list exist is because there is no world peace. 
    Proposed solution: This one is another tricky one to solve.  I'll let you know if I think of anything great to solve this one!  Just kidding, I'll go straight to Washington D.C. if I figure out how to solve this problem. 

Week 2 Reading Reflection

What stood out to me in the reading is how entrepreneurship was identified only by economists until the 1950s.  I personally believe entrepreneurship is more identified with individuals of business, however, this reading makes me think otherwise now.  Now I see entrepreneurs as a combination of businessmen/women and economists because entrepreneurship centers around creating products from ideas and then driving it to consumers in the most effective and profitable way.  What also stood out to me in the reading is how entrepreneurs are considered the heroes of free enterprise!  

Something in the reading didn't resonate well with me.  Entrepreneurs typically are involved in almost every aspect of their ventures and they usually have multiple ventures -- they have a number of "balls in the air" simultaneously.  The reading made it seem as if time management (including prioritizing) takes a backseat in the entrepreneurial world.  Entrepreneurs need to learn how to balance all of their ventures properly and prioritize them. 

Two questions I would like to ask the author are: 

1. What is the one key characteristic entrepreneurs must have? 
2. Why do most individuals who are actually entrepreneurs call themselves business owners?

I understand entrepreneurs should have a multitude of positive qualities that make them successful but I would like to know which one is the most crucial.  I also understand the differences between an entrepreneur and a man or woman of business, but I would like to know why more people don't call themselves entrepreneurs when they are!  Is there some sort of rite of passage they don't know about?

I don't think the author was wrong about anything really.  I'm assuming she's the expert here, since she did write the book.  This first reading was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to the upcoming readings! 

Update: I'm still relying on spell check when I type the words entrepreneur, entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurial. Maybe Week 3 will bring me success!  

BUG LIST

No, I will not be rambling on about entomology in this blog post, but rather my list of pet peeves. Twenty of them to be exact. Here we go, in no particular order:

1. When you're walking in a crowded place and the person in front of you is either walking very slow or randomly comes to a complete stop for an inconsiderable reason.
   Why? I always have somewhere to be. Everyone has somewhere to be. If you need to stop in a crowded place, treat it as if you were driving on a highway: pull over to the right or left shoulder and stop.
2. When someone in earshot distance of you is chewing their food extremely loud or making unnecessary noises while they are eating.
   Why? This one just messes with my mind. One half of me is bothered by the sound and visual of it and the other half of me is mind-blown at how someone could have such mediocre table manners. 
3. When you're speaking to someone directly and they take out their phone and start checking their social media accounts, responding to texts, and ultimately not giving you their undivided attention.
   Why? Okay this is just flat-out rude. This bothers me because when someone does this to me, I immediately think this person really doesn't care what I have to say at all. Then I think about just how much technology consumes our lives in the 21st century, but that's a different topic for a different blog post. 
4. When you're in the car, at a party, or practically anywhere where there is music playing and your favorite song comes on and you say something along the lines of "YES, this is my favorite song!" and someone says something similar to, "THIS SONG SUCKS."
   Why? EVERYONE IS ENTITLED TO LIKE WHATEVER THEY LIKE. DO NOT PUT DOWN THE THINGS I LOVE. DON'T BE #RUDE. 
5. Getting all made-up for the day (awesome outfit, hair on point, and make up game strong) then having to take it all off when it's time to go to bed ONLY to have to wake up the next day, put together another awesome outfit, make your hair up all over again, and reapply your bomb make up.
   Why? This might be the teeny, tiny lazy person inside of me who just doesn't want to engage in those activities all over again when just a few short hours ago I was good to go. But sleeping with your hair in a pony tail is almost as bad as sleeping in your make up and sleeping in normal clothes does not compare to sleeping in cozy PJs so I've come to accept this bug.  
6. When you're scrolling through social media and see #MCM (Man-Crush Monday) and #WCW (Woman-Crush Wednesday) posts.
   Why? I feel as if this one is self-explanatory. We get it. We know you two are obsessed with each other, you don't need to tell us every week. Get a room and don't take your phones with you. Thank you. 
7. Receiving a grade of a 79%, 89%, or 99% on an assignment, exam, or quiz.
   Why? One point would really help a sister out. One point makes all the difference! One point of being so close, yet so far away. 
8. The feeling of knowing you're going to be late to something even though you very carefully planned not to be.
   Why? Because this happens to me all the time. I plan to be done and ready by a certain time and I even factor in travel time, etc. and then I STILL end up being late -- probably just by a few minutes. It bothers me because I really do try to be on time! 
9. When people make negative or joking comments about individuals with special needs, handicaps, disabilities, or any type of physical or mental impairments.
   Why? I grew up with my father working with children with special needs and now my sister does as well. These individuals do not deserve to be mocked or be the subject of ridicule. 
10. Any and all Wi-Fi related issues.
    Why? Because I'm a millennial and it's 2016; Wi-Fi issues should no longer exist. 
11. When you're having fun with your friends or doing something you enjoy and realize you have an assignment due soon or that you have to do something time-sensitive ASAP.
    Why? This one just kills the fun and that's no fun. 
12. Cooking an awesome meal and enjoying it with friends or your favorite TV show or movie and then having to clean up the whole kitchen after.
    Why? This one also kills the fun. Once the food is gone or the show/movie is over, SO IS THE FUN BECAUSE IT'S TIME TO CLEAN.
13. Driving long distances by yourself at night.
    Why? So I've never had to do this, but it sounds like it would make me extremely sleepy, which would be quite the problem since I'm driving... 
14. Waking up late/sleeping through your (seventeen) alarms in the morning.
    Why? Because I have places to be and things to do and I have no excuse for my body being selfish and wanting sleep. It's like I always say, "better to look great and arrive late than be on time and ugly..." this goes along with #8
15. Planning for everything and still managing to forget something.
    Why? Because I'm human and I forget things but it still makes me frustrated! 
16. Having professional/serious meetings over meals/while eating.
    Why? Two facts about me: I talk too much and I eat way too slowly. This combination results in the longest meeting ever. It's more counterproductive than productive. Trust me. 
17. Going somewhere indoors while it's nice outside and then leaving only to find out it's POURING RAIN outside and having no umbrella or rain jacket.
    Why? This one is definitely self-explanatory. No one likes running out in the rain when they're just trying to go about their day. 
18. Waiting in long lines anywhere. The line for rides at amusement parks, the check-out line, the line to wait to see your academic advisor... 
    Why? I have zero patience. Lines are the bane of my existence. Yes, I'm being dramatic, but you can agree, waiting in lines is the worst. 
19. When people/acquaintances (note my word choice) ask me if something is wrong or if I'm sick just because I'm not as dressed up/put together as I usually am. 
    Why? Because leave me alone, that's why. Just kidding (not really), some days I don't feel like getting all dolled up, or maybe I was running late this morning, or maybe I'm actually sick and you should stay away from me :) 
20. When people tell me that high school and/or college are the best years of my life.
    Why? You should be aiming to make each year of your life better than the previous one. Working hard in high school sets you up for success in college and working hard in college allows you to have success in the real world after. We should constantly be evolving ourselves into bigger and better versions of ourselves. Life does not end after college. It's only the beginning. 

Okay, WOW this assignment was much more difficult than I thought it would be. Mostly because I'm a half-glass-full kind of gal and thinking of negative things/things that bother me isn't my favorite. However, listing these annoyances has allowed me to reflect on how I've dealt with these situations in the past when they have presented themselves. I'm a firm believer in always being a work in progress and reflecting on these "bugs" made me realize I can do a better job at reacting to them in a more positive way so that maybe someday this list can be a little shorter. 

My Entrepreneurship Story: The Erica Bow

To be extremely honest here, I don't really remember how my entrepreneurship story began, but I do remember when it began: January 2013. Now I'm going to ramble about hair bows for the next few minutes. 

The first two "Erica Bows"

For some reason, anxious and creative seventeen-year old Erica decided to make a few hair bows for herself one afternoon because she saw them on Pinterest, thought they were adorable, and decided to give it a shot. I went to Wal-Mart's craft section and picked out a few yards of fun patterned material and hot glue sticks. I'm not going to lie, it took a few tries to get the hang of making the "perfect" bow, but I found it enjoyable and challenging -- in a great way. This part of the story isn't surprising because I've always liked crafting. 

At the time, I was a senior in high school, but I was also president of the student body. On any given school day I had many interactions with faculty, teachers, and plenty of my peers. I started wearing my handmade bows in my hair to school and girls lost their minds over them. 

I was getting compliments and requests from my friends to make some for them. I received texts, and DMs on Twitter from girls asking if I was selling my hair bows. Then it hit me. I could SELL my handmade hair bows! 

The picture of fabric options I would
send to potential customers

This is where the story takes off. I did the math -- how much fabric each bow needed plus the barrette and hot glue to put it all together and how much that would all cost. I remember running the numbers in a small notebook over and over again and decided to sell two bows for $5. Then I went back to Wal-Mart and invested in my hobby-turned-high demand product. 

I took pictures of each fabric I purchased and edited them together in a photo collage app on my iPhone. Whenever I received a text or DM from a friend asking about bows, I sent them the collage picture of the fabric options and took their order. I designed personalized gift tags and tied the two bows together with ribbon and the gift tag. 

Most girls would order just one set of bows (2 bows) but orders of two, three, and even four sets were very common. My bows were getting so popular that for the greater part of the months of February and March I made bows everyday (or every night that is, after I finished my schoolwork). It became very overwhelming at times. I was always running to Wal-Mart to buy more barrettes or more fabric or running to the bank to deposit the stack of $5 bills I had stashed in a small tin box in my desk at home. 

Basket of "Erica Bows"

Each bow set was made with so much love and received with so much excitement. Girls LOVED them and I LOVED seeing them wear my handmade bows so proudly around school. They posted pictures of them on their Instagrams, which only grew my business even MORE. People started calling my bows, "Erica Bows" and it caught on very quickly. 

I would carry all of my bow orders of the day in a small wicker basket. They were always quite the conversation starter. Most of my teachers thought it was the neatest idea ever, but I was just nervous about getting in trouble with administration for running my own business during school (for the record, I never got in trouble for it -- thank goodness). 

Matching "Erica Bows" on me and
my little cousin

Although this is all just a distant memory to me now, I remember the fun I had with it. I sometimes look back on it and think, "Did I really run my own hair bow-making business my senior year of high school?" and then I think, "Why yes, yes you did, Erica and it was AWESOME." 

My bow business faded out by April of 2013 since I was graduating high school and moving to Gainesville to attend the University of Florida. That's where this entrepreneurship story ends. 

However, I like to think I'm starting a new entrepreneurship story with this class, ENT3003. As a junior currently studying advertising at the University of Florida in the College of Journalism and Communications, I am required to have a concentration of study or a minor. I chose to have a concentration in business and, if we're being really honest here, that is the reason why I'm taking this class; to complete my business concentration this semester. Although I am practically "required" to take this class, I am already looking forward to diving into the material and learning all there is to learn this semester. 

Lately people have been losing their minds over my hand-lettered canvases and art prints. Maybe this class will inspire me to revive the drive and passion I had when I made and sold my "Erica Bows" and just maybe I'll start selling my hand-lettered artwork. We'll have to wait and see! 

The Entrepreneur's Mantra

"Entrepreneurs don't wait. They act. And they don't quit.

Entrepreneurs fail. A lot. But in this forge of failure, entrepreneurs sharpen their edge, ready to face the future.

Entrepreneurs thirst for negative feedback. Too much praise leads to complacency, while criticism provides clues to improve.

Entrepreneurs work harder. To pursue their own lives. To improve the world around them. To build a better future for themselves, their families, and communities.

I am an entrepreneur."

An Introduction to Erica Rego

Standing proud at 5 feet tall (because I like to see the glass as half-full) with a head full of dreams and a heart full of passion, I am Erica Rego.

I like to describe myself in four words: small girl, big personality. My friends and family know that I have a thing for technology, are wowed by my hand lettering skills, and have gotten used to the fact that I use my hands a little too much when I speak.

Animals aren't really my thing, but I love butterflies. Currently Coldplay, the Chainsmokers, Ariana Grande, Odessa, Lorde, Billy Joel, and Kygo are all at the top of my Spotify playlists. Whenever I'm stressed out I hand letter my favorite quotes -- think of it as a knock-off of calligraphy (see left photo). I love typewriters (even though I don't own a real one), wearing capri pants as regular pants (#shortgirlprobz), and sushi (even though I'm allergic to shellfish #paradox). At the moment New Girl, The Mindy Project, and Jane the Virgin are all in my Hulu watch queue, but I find it important to mention that I own all 10 seasons of Friends on DVD.

I am just like any other almost-21-year old trying to figure my life out. I can say with confidence that my life is going somewhat in the right direction, but that's attributed to the fact that I'm in my third year at the University of Florida studying advertising and I have a VERY supportive family (hi mom and dad).

I've somehow managed to convince enough people that I am trustworthy, have reliable technical skills, and can speak to a wall and have it talk back to me; skills that have led me to earning my on-campus job as a student video technician for UF's Information Technology department and to having the honor of serving UF as a university ambassador through the Florida Cicerones.

It should come as no surprise that I am a big fan of the university I attend, but it hasn't always been that way. Until my sister, who is two years older than me, decided to attend UF upon her acceptance, college always seemed to be this distant, abstract idea to me. I always knew I'd go to college but I had no idea which one or how I'd get there. Then UF came into my world and turn the whole thing up-side-down.

Something I find truly remarkable about my time in college thus far is the fact that it has not changed me as a person; it has enhanced me. I now see the world as something to improve. I am constantly thinking, "how can I make the world a little better today," "what can I do today to leave the world a little better than I found it." College has taught me to be kind because everyone is fighting a hard battle you know nothing about.

I believe one of the greatest things you can do in this world is go after your passions because the world needs more passionate people. When I was in the third grade I was set on becoming an author. Then in the fifth grade I changed my mind and decided I wanted to become a news anchor someday. That all changed again when I was 16 and realized there's so much more to multimedia and communications than just being a pretty face on TV; plus I didn't want to report the bad news, but there's no escaping that nowadays.

So here I am now: obsessed with the power of communication, leadership, and multimedia. I've developed graphic design skills, learned about branding and consumer development, and fallen in love with the idea of creating something pleasing to the eyes, ears, and heart. This is why I'm an advertising major.

When people first look at me, they see a short, Cuban girl from South Florida with a voice that carries sass, a put-together style, and her hands all over the place because she's probably talking about something she's extremely passionate about. I'm okay with that image because that image is me and after almost 21 years, I am more than proud of the person I've become.

Welcome to my ENT3003 blog!

The first assignment of my Principles of Entrepreneurship (ENT3003) class has me creating this blog.

I already have a great feeling about this class.

In the class syllabus, the word "entrepreneurship" appears quite frequently. I can say with certainty that I am most looking forward to learning how to spell the word "entrepreneurship" this semester.

Will I actually learn how to spell the word or am I going to rely on spell-check the entire semester? Keep reading my blog and I'm sure you'll find out.

- Erica Rego