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.
“The day that you stop learning and wanting to grow within your business is the day your business dies,” said Catrabone.
The panel also emphasized that one should never begin a business with the mindset that you want something easy to do. It is a lot of work that one needs to be prepared for; you need to not only work in your business, but work on it.
They all believed that an important step is also “admitting your weaknesses.”
When asked if they believed they have encountered any roadblocks throughout their careers because of their gender, many of the women, two of whom are in the beauty field, did not believe to have experienced roadblocks because they do not focus on what can stop them.
They told those in attendance that if you focus on looking for those roadblocks, they will stop you. There are going to be things that may stop you as you journey through your career, but the question you always need to ask yourself is where do you want to go.
Jenna Giordano can be reached at eupnews.spectator@gmail.com.
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