Capstone: The results
The plan
From the beginning, I had one major goal: owning a Coffee Shop and Art Studio. As time progressed, I realized that I would need to work towards more goals to reach that ultimate goal.
Here was the initial plan:
to learn how to start and own a business
To learn and be successful in marketing myself and my brand through social media
make connections
to do business
The motivation
I have 3 major motivations when it comes to all of my goals.
To establish something original and unique making coffee and matcha the center of attention
To use creative liberty along with my love for God incorporating color, genuine connections, style, organization, and taste.
To prove that dreams can come true
The outcome
To my surprise, I did meet all of my goals!
While going through the process was a challenge, it was also necessary and appropriate for the time.
Here’s what I accomplished and how I did it:
Learning how to start a business
By actually doing it
Organizing my expenses, revenue, assets, and more through Excel, and other notes
Talking to and watching other business owners do their thing.
Trial and error
Research
Negotiating gracefully
Understanding what the customer/client/collaborator wants
Looking through a realistic lens while being creative
By making mistakes and LEARNING from them!
How I marketed myself as a brand
My artwork, how I dress in public, how I approach strangers, the drinks I make for others and myself
By magnifying different aspects of my appearance and personality
By focusing on my tone and attitude shown in my body of work
Variety and versatility
By using my passions, curiosity, and dreams to create unique and vibrant designs, illustrations, recipes, interpretations, and relationships.
Consistency in the LITTLE things while also keeping them wondering and guessing
How I did business while making connections
Asking lots of questions
Learning to be a listener not just a talker
Taking in the individual’s presence
Encouraging them
Searching for that thing that gets them talking for hours
Sharing interests and passions through music, TV, the taste of coffee, and experiences
Showing security in yourself
Having fun with life
What I learned
You will not always be understood as a creator, especially a pioneer.
Just because something is difficult when starting, that doesn’t always mean you should give up immediately.
Your goal should never be negative such as attempting to only “prove them wrong”
Actions will always speak louder than words- especially as a creator.
Often, when you’re in the midst of a project/experience you’re unable to see the fruits of your labor until after the fact.
Document everything- whether for organization, an invoice, or just to give you peace of mind.
Don’t take EVERYTHING personally.
Patience is key
Negotiating is a NECESSARY skill in business whether you like it or not.
Make your expectations obvious and straightforward - do unto others as you would have them do to you.
There is no one-size-fits-all advice- unless it’s from the Word of God.
Highlights
Creating a body of work I’m proud of
My newsletter
This website
Instagram content
Connections with likeminded alumni through Instagram and LinkedIn
Meeting alumni and fellow Praxians while exploring a new city
Getting the social media manager/ content creator role
Getting art and pop-up coffee freelance gigs
