Incubating Inspiration with Arianna

Transcript

To learn more about entrepreneurship, let’s meet Arianna, a Health Services Administration Major who runs her own business. Bowie State designs classes to help students develop an entrepreneurial mindset with innovative problem solving skills. They learn to apply a creative approach to different obstacles, regardless of their major. Arianna, we’d love to hear how you’re putting your education into practice. You’re up.

– Thanks, Desi, but for my freshman year, my father passed away and it rocked my world. Losing a parent was one of the hardest things I’ve ever been through, and I almost didn’t go to college. But when I got here to Bowie State University, I was encouraged to use my resources here to tell our story. Being in the kitchen with my dad is one of my favorite memories, so I created a baked goods company, which gives me the opportunity to keep his name alive. Starting a business has been the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. Entrepreneurship and the entrepreneurial mindset are woven into the BSU’s core values, missions and academics. Entrepreneurship Innovation Center on campus helps students go from ideation to creation with resources such as mentors, pitch competitions, and areas for students to work and sell their products. There are so many spaces for students to explore concepts, collaborate on projects, and make their dreams a reality. Access to creative equipment like the 3D printer, heat press, and sewing machine is available for students to build their business prototypes. Being inside this creative space gave me the push I need to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. As a health services administration major, entrepreneurship is sewn into the fabric of my academic journey. Innovation is important in everything you do. Taking core classes such as macroeconomics and business administration has been very practical for me as a business owner. Entrepreneurship doesn’t have a certain look or feel to it. I never thought I’d become an entrepreneur, but here I am. I still plan to attend med school, but I also wanna take my business to the next level and open up a bakery to continue to tell my father and I’s story, one cupcake at a time. Back to you, Desi.

– Arianna, your story is truly inspiring. We’re so glad you were able to overcome such a hard time and emerge more determined than before. Bowie State’s education cultivates entrepreneurial thinking and prepares students across various majors for success as critical thinkers. I can’t wait to try some of those cupcakes Arianna, take care.