Local entrepreneurs share business advice

Edinboro University recently held a Women’s Entrepreneur Panel in Pogue Student Center last Wednesday. The event was sponsored by the school of business and the department of business and economics.

The panel featured female entrepreneurs Mary Beth Graml, owner of Grapevine Laundry and Linens; Brenda Bennett, president of Transportation Solutions Driving School; Rae Jean Catrabone, owner and creator of SandCille Spa; and Adria Johnson, owner and head artist at Headcases Salon.

The women were asked a series of questions by those who were in attendance.

One of the questions was about what kind of advice they had for those who would like to start their own small businesses. Among many thoughtful responses from the panel, the three words that seemed to stick out throughout the discussion were “research,” “vision” and the phrase, “save up.”

The women spoke about how important it is to do a lot of research on what one might have an idea for. One also has to have a vision. One needs to set his or her sights on what they want and with that, research goes hand in hand.

Additionally, saving up the money for the business is important because many businesses struggle in the beginning, and can for quite a while.