fashionistas. Inspired by the traditional textiles she discovered on a trip to Ghana,
Africa, Maryanne stitched up a plan in. 2009 to start her own fashion line.
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THE GRASSROOTS ISSUE
REAL. LIFE. STYLE APRIL 2011
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GRASSROOTS
GOT A BUSINESS IDEA THAT YOU WANT TO SEE FLY? WHY WAIT UNTIL YOU’VE FINISHED SCHOOL? BY JACKIE MIDDLETON
W
ith youthful drive and boundless creativity, female students are launching their own businesses before they even land a diploma. Starting from humble beginnings and growing confidence young entrepreneurs are the ultimate risk takers! But how do you turn an idea into a reality? Vervegirl wants you to meet three inspiring female entrepreneurs who jumped into business while still students.
Photography by Lindsay Neufeld
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The Grassroots Issue
Photography by Jodie Abrams
Business success for Jill Lennox was in the bag – literally! The hardworking Bishop’s University student couldn’t find a laptop bag that satisfied her needs, so she made one! The 19-year-old’s colourful, protective case became the talk of her Québec campus – and Stuffitbag was born! Student excitement grew into cross-Canada newspaper coverage and a multitude of sales. Soon Australia, Singapore and Europe all wanted Stuffitbag products. Jill’s onetime “hobby and learning experience” is now a worldwide commodity. “I never would have imagined that six years later, I would still be selling [bags],” she says. Jill’s currently embarking on a spin-off project, creating laptop and tote bags from recycled trash in Indonesia.
Maryanne Mathias is the ultimate in forward-thinking fashionistas. Inspired by the traditional textiles she discovered on a trip to Ghana, Africa, Maryanne stitched up a plan in 2009 to start her own fashion line. While completing her MBA at the University of British Columbia, Maryanne and design partner, Molly Keogh, created Osei-Duro Clothing. Sewn by Ghanaian seamstresses, Osei-Duro uses vibrant local prints to craft sustainable fashions. Not only does Maryanne celebrate the unique beauty of Ghanaian textiles, but she provides fairwaged employment for local women. Talk about fashion with a conscience! Now with her MBA, Maryanne splits her time between Vancouver and Ghana while Osei-Duro continues to capture new fans around the globe.
Can you marry environmental concerns with a successful business? Teang Tang, a student at Alberta’s Athabasca University is proof! In 2003, she started Mingle Event Management, an event-planning company with a green twist. Clients flock to Teang for her expertise on parties, fashion shows, and product unveilings. What’s the Mingle difference? Teang’s functions offer a reduced carbon footprint without scrimping on quality. With her know-how, parties and conferences generate less waste, use fewer resources, and employ environmentally conscious caterers. Today, Teang boasts over 50 regular clients, including Roots Canada.
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All three of our entrepreneurs were provincial winners in the Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship’s (ACE) Student Entrepreneurship program. Teang, Jill, and Maryanne recommend that entrepreneurial youth take advantage of competitions and learning sessions from organizations such as ACE, and Junior Achievement to help find your way along your career path.
STEPS TO SUCCESS So how did these industrious ladies deal with the time and money crunch that accompanies student life? How can a business begin when both are limited? “Keeping up with the business and school was a definite challenge,” says Maryanne. Free moments – anytime, anywhere – were devoted to her business. Luckily, Maryanne could rely on partner Molly to travel between Ghana and Vancouver whenever school proved overwhelming. “We each saved up enough for a flight to Ghana, living and production expenses,” she says. “You don’t need much money to start something the way we did.” Time constraints didn’t dissuade Jill Lennox either. “It helped my course work – gave me motivation and a reason to learn,” she says. And money was never an issue. “There was very little initial investment,” says Jill. “My biggest cost was a website, and purchasing fabric.” Teang Tang agrees with Maryanne and Jill. “I find the busier I am, the more stuff I get done. When I’m trying to juggle [school and business], I’ve got that energy, that push. It’s like a snowball – things just get bigger and better.” But did money stress her out? Nope! “It doesn’t make sense to start your business in debt,” says Teang, “Find creative ways to obtain things you need. You can barter, for example.” All three women agree that students have the perfect opportunity to begin an entrepreneurial quest before life gets complicated – there’s no better moment to capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime situation. Mortgages, a husband, kids – none of these major life commitments are in play. Plus, a wealth of assistance is available at your fingertips. “I spent hours talking to my profs, asking for advice,” says Jill. “It’s the greatest pool of information and resources right in front of you.” It’s true! With few financial worries, teachers easily within reach, the support of family, and friends to lean on, Canada’s young entrepreneurs believe the future is now. As Maryanne, Jill and Teang prove, if you have the guts, inspiration and hunger to launch a business as a student, you’re in good company.
Connect with more mentors! vervegirl.com/mentor
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The Grassroots Issue
“Don’t ever think you are too young to start a business,” states Teang, “Persistence will get you much further than age will…and much faster.” Teang swears by persistence, determination, developing thick skin and being goal driven. “Surround yourself with supportive people, trust your instinct, and take a risk. Be motivated, be open to hearing criticism and advice, and (have) the drive to learn and be involved in all areas of a business,” says Jill. “Follow your heart, and get educated about what you want to do; some practical experience in the industry would also help,” says Maryanne, “Be prepared to work hard, but know you are on the right track when it doesn’t feel like work.” Maryanne believes in intellect and creativity, a genuine personality with good networking skills, and excellence at planning and multi-tasking.
GOTTA GET A MENTOR:
A parent, a teacher, or a businessperson can all serve as mentors. They can offer invaluable help, advice and contacts – assistance that can make the difference between success and failure.
Maryanne Mathias: “I have a mentor. Clayton Evans, lead designer/founder of Complexgeometries, a conceptual clothing line out of Montréal, who has been pivotal in helping us succeed,” says Maryanne, “He is always willing to share information and resources. He started five years before us as a small independent designer and knows the (growing) pains we are going through.” Jill Lennox: “My entrepreneurship teacher, Gary Bishop mentored me, and still continues (to do so),” says Jill, “His input has changed my business substantially. He has spent countless hours with me and has connected me to so many individuals.”
