Breast Cancer Awareness, Making it in Cannabis, and Getting an MBA as an Entrepreneur
Millennial Entrepreneur Creates Sports Bra Brand & Raises Breast Cancer Awareness
Stephanie Vermaas is the CEO and founder of womenswear brand TIALS (This Is A Love Song). Last year, TIALS created the TIALSPINK campaign in partnership with the American Breast Cancer Foundation and every sale of their pink sports bra went to support the organization. The campaign was so popular that Vermaas decided to keep the TIALSPINK sports bra available for purchase year round.
Vermaas’ entrepreneurial journey and philanthropic focus have been impacted by her own personal experience with breast health. After finding a lump in her breast at age 23, she felt moved to bring breast cancer awareness to young women through education, prevention, and detection (her lump ended up being a benign cyst).
In addition to business success, Vermaas is also committed to fair trade and ethical production, body positivity, and social responsibility. “As an entrepreneur, you are building a business because you aim to solve a problem. That being said, when you have that choice from the beginning, why not also make sure that your decisions can also impact the planet and our society in a positive way? You have the power to write your story. It’s crucial to make it into a movement that is sustainable, ethical, eco-friendly and authentic.”
Can You Make it in Cannabis? 5 Ways to Know if You’ve Got What it Takes to Succeed in this Hot New Industry
Entrepreneurs (and “wantrepreneurs”) are flocking to this blazing hot new industry, but the cannabis space isn’t for everyone. Here’s how to know if you’ve got what it takes to make it in the weed business:
You’re committed to making it work
Failure is not an option for the rock stars of the cannabis world. If you’re just “kind of” interested in this industry, you’re not going to make it. Being committed to cannabis requires an understanding of all aspects of this controversial business — from medicinal purposes to the current legal status in states across the country.
You understand how to delegate
Cannabis entrepreneurs often have to wear many hats. From logistics to marketing to compliance to customer service — there are many moving parts that need to be handled on a daily basis. The good news is: you don’t have to do everything on your own. Keep the things you’re good at and delegate the rest.
You recognize — and respect — the cannabis industry pioneers
Early cannabis pioneers set the foundation for advocacy and helped pass legislation to build the booming industry we know today. These early investors and entrepreneurs have earned a bit of a legend as trailblazers and innovators in the world of cannabis, and seeking their mentorship is a great way to recognize their contributions and build upon their early efforts.
You value collaboration over competition
The cannabis game is a competitive space, and it can be easy to get distracted by trying to outdo competitors. The entrepreneurs who recognize opportunities to collaborate and join resources will be the ones who earn a greater share of the target market.
Quality is your #1 priority
The cannabis industry has come a long way (we’re not talking about your cousin smoking pot in the basement anymore) — and it’s only getting more sophisticated. If you’re not committed to being THE BEST in your particular niche, there’s sure to be someone out there who is. There’s no place for complacency in cannabis.
Source: https://www.greenentrepreneur.com/article/322131
Should Entrepreneurs Get an MBA?
Many aspiring entrepreneurs wonder if investing in a business education is a smart career move. There are some obvious reasons to pursue a business degree — advanced skills, qualifications, and degrees can come in handy if you’re looking to be hired by a company — but what if you’re launching your own company? Is a business degree really necessary?
The short answer is no, you don’t need a business degree to start your own company (just look at Richard Branson or Steve Jobs). On the other hand, the training offered during business school — finance, strategy, marketing, persuasive writing — can provide a great foundation for entrepreneurs to start and maintain successful businesses.
If you know exactly what kind of business you want to start, a business education can be particularly helpful in providing you with the tools you need to bring your idea to life.
According to a global survey, the top reasons MBA applicants gave for pursuing an MBA are as follows:
Improving career prospects (nearly two-thirds of respondents said this was important to them)
Learning new skills
Obtaining a leadership position
Building a professional network
The bottom line: pursuing a business education makes the most sense when you already have a focus and need this education to support your entrepreneurial journey.
Source: https://www.chron.com/news/article/How-Useful-Is-a-Business-Education-for-the-13320148.php