On Jan. 26, Jewels Incorporated hosted a panel discussion entitled Standing On Business.
The panel featured multiple beauty industry CEOs who are studying at Howard University.
Jewels Incorporated is a non-profit organization that mentors young girls in local and urban communities. The Howard University branch was founded in 2007. They serve high schools and middle schools in Washington, D.C. Their goal is to empower young women, and create leaders.
The panelists spoke about their journey in business, which many started in high school.
“I started my business to help alleviate my problems…my mom was a single mom, and she had four kids,” said Courtney Griffin, who is a biology major at Howard University. She sells customized hoodies through her company known as Phenomenal.
Griffin, and the other panelists, use their business to help them with financing a college degree.
“There may be some days where you barely have any clients,” said Mikayla Jackson, who is a graphic design major and social media manager. She specializes in digital marketing.
The women encouraged young girls to start their own business and utilize their community.
“You’re trying to push yourself to stand out, you’re trying to push yourself to be like the one that everybody is going around saying ‘this is cool, this is cool.’ That pushes me when it comes to writing and like figuring out like what I want to put out next, because that can be positive” said Griffin.
Those who attended the event left with a newfound appreciation for entrepreneurship.
“Doing what you love, I feel like is the key…because at the end of the day, you’re gonna continue to stick out to do what you love. As far as your business, you’re gonna put your heart into it. If you don’t enjoy what you’re doing overall, then you’re not gonna take it as serious, said Howard University student Jeremiah Lewis.
Christion Billy 