By: Cameron Ulmer (’20), Staff Writer
They say it is the era of entrepreneurs, small businesses, and influencers. Around the world young people everywhere are taking charge of their careers, purposely choosing to dedicate their time to their passions. It is a heartwarming and inspirational thing to see, and I see it all around me at UNC. Small businesses and innovative start-ups are giving life to this campus in ways that we did not know we needed. It is indeed the year of grabbing hold of that entrepreneurial spirit and running with.
It is the perfect time to do so as well. We are at a prime age to pursue anything and everything that interests us. So why don’t we? Gary Vaynerchuk, an entrepreneur and all around hustler, often speaks on the ’20s being a prime time in a person’s life to put their all in their passions and pursuits. Creating your own bag does not have to wait until you walk across that graduation stage. As college students, we have a vast stock of resources that are available on campus to bolster and support our dreams. If those dreams are entrepreneurial, UNC offers a fantastic minor with the Shuford Program to teach you how to develop and use that entrepreneurial mind of yours. There is also the 1789 Hub and Innovate Carolina which fosters collaboration between students, faculty, and mentors so that their designs for a project come to fruition.
Being a student with a desire to run a business comes with many challenges of course, but it is not impossible. Take it from the mouths of four business savvy and beautiful Black Women on campus who are doing their thing academically and professionally. They have strong words of wisdom for those interested in chasing a bag.
Vinny Busby, ’21, a blogger, make-up artist, and esteemed content creator (@vinnybusby), pushes the importance of scheduling! It doesn’t matter if you are strictly a student or a student by day and business owner by night, the value of a manageable schedule will make all the difference in a busy lifestyle.
In agreeance with Busby, Caitlin Kumi echos her sentiments on time management. Kumi states, ” You have to be able to execute and meet your customers’ needs, so it is essential to plan accordingly and plan for the unknown.” Kumi, who has caught the social entrepreneurial spirit, enjoys making food that people offer her money for. Not only is time management an important aspect for her, so is passion.
“If you are not driven or passionate you will fail.” – Caitlin Kumi, ’21.
Lasha Seaton, ’20, the owner of Lays Braids (@laysbraids), agrees wholeheartedly with Kumi about what it takes to be a student and entrepreneur at the same time. It takes dedication and passion as well as a balance between school work and 
‘work’ work. Seaton states, “Too much work is never a good thing. Yes, it’s what you love to do, and yes it brings in income, but it’s so hard to give your clientele a good final product if you’re tired and have no energy. I always pay myself with sleep, good food, and meditation.”
Grace Ekoja, ’19, the owner of Iconic Babe Boutique (@iconicbabeboutique), believes being a bomb entrepreneur and a student is doable if you follow these five steps.
- Plan ahead.
- Maximize your time.
- Ask for help.
- Take time for you.
- Stay inspired.
If you are trying to run your own entrepreneurial venture or not, Ekoja’s tips ring clear and true for every student on campus. Use the resources provided and follow your passion through it all.
Seems easy enough right? So now that you’ve read the words of four bomb businesswomen who are paving the way for dreamers and self-starters in our community, are you ready to chase a bag? Are you prepared to follow your interests and dreams into a bigger and brighter future? Well, good luck and go get your coin.
