What’s more inspiring than hearing the story of your peers founding businesses before they were 20? That’s why the Red Frame Lab’s Imagine Series kicked off by featuring several students who are already finding their own entrepreneurial potential.
The panel included student entrepreneurs Kellon Patey ‘19, Atticus Daniels ‘20, Sara Abou Rashed ‘21, Alan Phung ‘22, Stephanie Liu ‘22 and Andrew Hughes ‘22. These students have been building businesses in service, personal branding, and social organizations.
“It’s important to bring student entrepreneurs together to network and learn from each other,” says Kerry Shea Penland, the entrepreneurship coach at the Red Frame Lab. “Although their paths are very different, there is common ground for each of their journeys, and the ability to meet and help each other is the primary goal of our student entrepreneur group.”
During the panel, these student-entrepreneurs talked about their experiences in entrepreneurship thus far, sharing lessons and advice. Most of the students started at a young age, trying to balance academics and growing their business and organizations knowing that each requires time and dedication.
Each of the young entrepreneurs shared a challenge they’ve faced while starting their organization or business.
“You have to have a skill with working with others and be social and collaborative,” says Phung. “Find people to network with that complement your strengths with theirs.”
“Finding someone who is excited about doing the work, not just for the salary or personal recognition,” says Liu. “Sharing online and through social media helps you become known.”
“You need to initiate conversations across difference — across age, class, profession and experience level,” says Patey. “Starting with team building and the collective ownership of the project and risk builds a foundation of trust.”
Students have a unique opportunity to take a risk while at Denison and explore their own potential. “They are in the place to take that risk,” says Penland. “That’s the beauty of young entrepreneurs.”
The Red Frame Lab can offer support and coaching to students with business ideas or who are interested in exploring their own entrepreneurial potential.