19 Years and Counting

19 is a weird year. I kind of knew what I wanted at 18, but then you know, real life had to kick in and change all the rules. Like, having to pay to go in for a check up to needing to pay taxes, which I will say I never learned with my 3.75 GPA.

Right after I ended high school at the ripe age of 17 and a half, I had no idea what else I wanted to do. Most of my friends were going to college or the military and I was taking the year off. I'm very glad that I did. A school is good for some don't get me wrong, you should always keep learning, but it's what you learn that makes the difference.

That summer, an associate of my mom's thought I would be interested in a class during July. I said, sure, why not. I mean, the guy already paid for it, so why would I say no? I got there not really knowing what to expect. With my notebook, pen and a water bottle, I embarked on a completely new adventure.

The course was called Biz Girls. As I walked in, early I noticed my instructors and spoke with them until a few other students arrived. The first day we learned all kinds of amazing things about businesses. The first of which is the business model canvas. This basically is a layout of what your business will offer and to whom. It also includes the costs, key metrics, and revenue streams.

We then learned about a variety of teen businesses that we could start with minimal costs. This was extremely important for anyone who is starting from the bottom.

The second day we got mentors and listened to women who had their own businesses and what they learned. But the one that caught my attention was Megan.

She's a brilliant woman who is creating the next big app called Karmies. I'm still in contact with her and she is just as tenacious as the day we first met. Having her as a mentor these past few years has made my business flourish into something I love to do every day.

By the third day, we had our websites up and running, bank accounts ready to receive money from our ideas, and started to learn all about pitching. For those who are new to being an entrepreneur, a pitch is a fundamental part of a successful business. During a pitch, you are trying to motivate another person or persons to want to help your business, whether it be with money or marketing.

By the last day, I had new friends with business savvy ways. I dressed in my now legendary biz girl suit. I gave my first pitch for an application I know will change the world someday. The other parents there were all very supportive of my idea.

The best part of all this is that I had a business that was already making it happen. And all in one week. Most adults can’t do that in a year or 2 years or more!

I can't believe that was 3 years ago now. Yeah, 3 more days until I'm 2 decades old. That week helped me get to where I am today. In one week I learned more that I learned in all the schooling I had had in the past 14 years of my life.

In these narratives, I will talk about my 3 years of becoming an adult and successful entrepreneur. And the next part will surprise and astound you...

P.S. if it doesn't then you'll at least be amused :)