My entrepreneurship story
Check out the picture above. That’s me on the left, and my
best friend Megan on the right, over 4 years ago working at our first
internship. We had only ever worked together in our high school newspaper class,
but this picture captures the moment where we were first exposed to small,
family businesses.
Fast forward a few years, and Megan and I are roommates. Oh
yeah, and she’s the editor and CEO of her own publication called
GainesvilleScene.
Before the age of 20, I was living with Megan and watching
her run a staff of writers, photographers and PR strategists all while creating
daily content for her website. By herself, she trademarked the company, offered
internships to students and built a validated, reliable publication.
I worked for her as a friend and as a journalist. I would
cover news and features, photograph concerts and go to special press events
with her permission and credentials. I always admired her work ethic to create
a name and brand for herself, that made her stand out from the regular
newspaper experience.
It’s been really cool and eye-opening to hear about the
connections she’s made and the opportunities she gets to check out new
places/things in Gainesville. She’s also gone through a lot of legal trouble
with licensing and becoming a real, registered company in Florida. I reflect on
the time I’ve spent with her and realize I look up to her as she’s inspired me
to never be afraid to build my own brand.
That’s why I joined this class – to build a brand that’s
unique to me and that will benefit my future endeavors. As a journalist, I
think it’s really important to know how to pitch yourself and your skills, and
know how to freelance or start your own media outlet.
Hi Kristen!
ReplyDeleteWow that's absolutely amazing to hear! It must be so inspirational to have friend who has moved up so quickly in the world of self-branding and creating a business. I hope that one day I am able to do exactly what your friend is doing. For some of us, it takes a little bit more time to get our feet in the ground of constructing a business. For you, you were able to view someone else doing it and I think that is very lucky for you. You were able to see it first hand from your best friend and it will allow you to do the same! Good luck!
Hello Kristen. You are fortunate to have people like her in your life that has great work ethic and independent. They say you are who you hang around so its great to have people like her to gain positive traits from. I hope that you find the brand you want for yourself and thrive in it.
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteThis was a very cool story to learn about your friend Megan and all of the trials and tribulations she's experienced managing her own company. It's great to learn that you two have a working relationship as well as personal relationship as roommates and friends! I hope that she is able to figure out her legal issues so that she can find the most success possible with her company.
Hi Kristen,
ReplyDeleteYou are a real entrepreneur. It makes me so happy that the University of Florida is filled with so many ambitious students like yourself. My entrepreneurial story was similar in a way but to be a full time student and fostering this company is extremely impressive. I wish you the best of luck with the future of your company and will be sure to check out GainesvilleScene
James