Week 12 Butterfly Goodbye

The Capstone was a culmination of each course I took, but required me to extensively work on research programs, people and seminars that would help me move forward in business. From taking Intro to EI, the three electives: Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Management and Entrepreneurship in Arts, to this Capstone course-- I have learned how to pitch, research, innovate, analyze, process and present information as an entrepreneur.

This Capstone was filled with experiences that were informative and explorative. I learned so much about myself, business, social entrepreneurship and general entrepreneurship that I am sure it will last me a lifetime.

• In working extensively on the Lean Canvas business model, I learned the evolution process of research in business is never ending.

• In having to research funding avenues and by attending Detroit Startup Week, I established relationships with local companies and entrepreneurs that have extended my entrepreneurial network.

• And I have tapped into informational sources that will help direct me in any future endeavors I may have.

While this week concludes the Capstone, I am still meeting with Jeff Ponders from Tech Town. This week, we came to the conclusion that I have to stop "doing what I am am doing". When I asked Jeff what that was, he said, "You're wearing all hats and you will burnout!" Little does Jeff know... when that happens, it's only for a day or two (just kidding). In all seriousness, I need to build and implement a team that will handle tasks at hand, while I manage them collectively.

We discussed the need for team members exclusively for marketing, social media, and supply chain. If I delegate those areas, I will be more available to take on the Livid Lash Pro App development and funding. Although my brother mentioned "doing it all" was something we inadvertently inherited from our mother, I learned in the Leadership and Management EI course-- having a team, with diverse mindsets are pivotal in having a successful business overall.

Along with building a team, I have collectively decided with Dr. Stoltman and Jeff Ponders to pursue the DEGC Small Business Relief Grant, the MEDC Small Business Grant, the MEDC and Entrepreneur Magazine Elevator Pitch Competition and (recently announced) TCF $1 Billion loan fund for minority businesses. In the coming days, I will pursue them based on qualifications and deadlines. Last year, upon entering the EI program I learned that about only 3% of VC goes to minorities. Oddly, enough the COVID-19 crisis is the great equalizer in reguard to funding!

I truly enjoyed all that the Entrepreneurship and Innovation certification had to offer, and I am positive it has reinforced and fortified me to become one of the most well-verse entrepreneurs the City of Detroit has to offer the world. I am honored to have been a part of this program. And can't wait to deliver professional results that circle back to the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Certification from the Mike Ilitch School of Business.