Entrepreneurship is much like a game, an adventure that challenges and demands your utmost. It tests your creativity and resilience, often leading you down unexpected paths. It's akin to hopscotch: it begins with a bold step but involves careful footwork, occasional missteps, balance, and brave leaps forward. Each square represents a step in building a full-blown business from a simple idea, fueled by passion, persistence, and community.
At LaunchNET's Showcase, these entrepreneurs aren't just selling products; they're landing on their "final square," celebrating the culmination of their journey so far.
Square 1 - The Beginning
Every business, no matter how successful, begins with a small idea, a spark of creativity.
For Tesha Genet, founder of Braided LLC, it all began with a desire for more:
“I just wanted to turn my passion into something stable… so I took the plunge.”
For Rafaela Happel, founder of Taste of Brazil, this spark was nostalgia and a cultural connection with her home country of Brazil.
“Here in Kent, we don't have Brazilian food nearby. It was a way for me to feel close to my culture and share it with others.”
For Joy McCune, founder of Flora and Fibers Boutique, her love of yarn and constantly creating motivated her to start her business.
“I think it's great to start with something simple like a thread and end up with something great you can wear or use.”
Kaitlyn Phillips of HyAndHook saw a niche in the market and a need for inclusivity:
“I wanted patterns that were relevant... and visually accessible.”
Finally, Joe, the creator of Thought Processes, was inspired to innovate by a 1960s board game:
"I liked the concept of the game, but I knew I could do better."
Square 2 - Obstacles
The entrepreneurial journey can be complicated—it’s the kind of path that has a number of twists, turns, and roadblocks.
Rafaela shared how difficult it was to promote her artisanal business during the Ohio winters:
“The winter was tough. There were no events, it was snowing... but we kept going.”
For Joy, the challenge was time:
“Combining being a full-time student with running a business, It's hard. But every time I finish a market, I realize I'm capable of so much.”
Kaitlyn spoke about the challenge of being consistent:
“I think part of entrepreneurship is really growing and adapting”
Joe spoke to his experience of learning entrepreneurship despite not being “a techie:”
“I trusted LaunchNET. They guided me through technological challenges. They are fabulous people. I mean that.”
And for Tesha, the key was perseverance:
“Sometimes you want to give up, but you can't. Even when you don't get anything in return, you must keep going.”
Square 3 - The Surprise
In this entrepreneurial adventure, there are certain challenges that one expects, certain difficulties that one sees coming, but the journey is also full of pleasant surprises.
For Tesha, it was watching her dedication pay off in real time:
“Seeing my clientele grow, it’s all from my own hard work.”
Rafaela loved watching people try Brazilian treats for the first time:
“Even if they don’t know what it is, they try it, love it, and want more.”
Joy found happiness in sharing her craft:
“After each market, I look at all the things I made and feel proud. That’s the best part.”
For Joe, it was the people:
“I walked into a beautiful situation. The availability of everything I needed blew me away.”
And for Kaitlyn discovered that even pausing can be powerful:
“I learned that stepping back doesn’t mean you’re stepping away.”
The Showcase Moments
While the path of entrepreneurship demands resilience, it's often fueled by passion, a core motivation that keeps these entrepreneurs moving forward. For Tesha, it’s inspiring people to love themselves and their hair:
“It’s important to love yourself fully.”
Rafaela is excited to share special Easter-themed brigadeiros and represent her culture.
Joy can’t wait for people to see her whimsical creations:
“From sun prints to mohair flounces — it’s all full of joy.”
Kaitlyn wants to talk and connect with people:
“I love learning what customers like, even more than selling sometimes.”
Joe is excited about the engagement and impact his game has on people.
“I’ve got students playing their fourth round of the game. They’re hooked. Some are asking to buy the prototypes.”
Through every challenge faced and every success achieved, LaunchNET celebrates and is proud to serve as a guide for these entrepreneurs, providing them with unconditional support to navigate their unique hopscotch path.