Entrepreneurship 30: Unveiling the Business Acumen of Vanier Students
Introduction:
On January 24th, 2024, the Entrepreneurship 30 classroom at Vanier Collegiate witnessed the culmination of a year-long business venture, as Christa Lapointe’s students presented their final shareholders’ reports. This article delves into the experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by two exceptional student-led businesses: Beadlink Creations and Unity Jewels.
Beadlink Creations: Flourishing in the Silicone Wristlet Market
With a team of eight enthusiastic individuals, Beadlink Creations ventured into the production and sale of silicone keychain wristlets. Their meticulously crafted products, priced between $16 and $20, garnered significant attention at trade shows and through individual sales. Notably, they secured corporate sales to esteemed entities such as Tourism Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, and ‘Dress Well With Giselle’ in Melfort.
Beadlink Creations surpassed their initial sales target of 200 products, reaching a remarkable 240 wristlets sold. This remarkable achievement translated into a net income of $2761.14. Demonstrating their commitment to community involvement, the group allocated 15% of their net profit, amounting to $414, to KidSport Moose Jaw.
Their strategic marketing efforts yielded a substantial social media following, including 71 Instagram followers with 446 likes and 32 TikTok followers with 212 likes. The team members shared responsibilities, with each individual contributing to various aspects of the business, including social media, marketing, design, production, and finance.
Oluwatimileyin Konu, the Co-President and Head of Marketing and Sales, expressed her inclination towards entrepreneurship as a future career path. Reflecting on the highlights of the experience, she emphasized the value of organization, teamwork, and professionalism within a business setting. She expressed optimism for future business ventures to learn from their experiences and build upon their success.
Unity Jewels: Navigating Challenges in Jewelry Sales
Unity Jewels, comprising 13 dedicated members, embarked on a jewelry-making venture, crafting and selling bracelets and necklaces. Their exquisite products ranged from $12 to $17, catering to a diverse customer base. The team set a sales target of 195 products and surpassed it by selling 218 pieces. Excluding initial shares, their net income amounted to $1570.47, of which 20%, or $314, was generously donated to Moose Jaw Transition House.
Their social media presence included 35 Instagram followers, 45 TikTok followers with 357 likes, and 12 Facebook followers. However, the team encountered challenges related to product quality, specifically the inability to stamp pendants as intended.
Despite the obstacles, the Unity Jewels team gained valuable insights. Ireland Guillaume, the Co-President, highlighted the importance of thorough research, particularly in light of the difficulties encountered with stamping the stainless-steel pendants. She spoke of the enjoyable experience of working as a team and gaining insights into business operations.
Entrepreneurship 30: Nurturing Future Business Leaders
The Entrepreneurship 30 program at Vanier Collegiate is an annual fall semester course that provides students with hands-on experience in launching and managing their own businesses. This immersive program fosters creativity, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and financial literacy, equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in various career paths.
Conclusion:
The success stories of Beadlink Creations and Unity Jewels exemplify the transformative power of the Entrepreneurship 30 program at Vanier Collegiate. These student-led ventures not only generated financial returns but also instilled invaluable life lessons, entrepreneurial mindsets, and a sense of community responsibility. The program’s emphasis on real-world business challenges prepares students for future endeavors, whether they choose to pursue entrepreneurship or other career paths. The experiences gained in this program empower students to become confident, innovative, and socially conscious leaders in their respective fields.