My first introduction into the topic of entrepreneurship was from the "Chocolate with Nuts" episode of SpongeBob SquarePants when I was in Elementary School. I've always felt that I wanted to own my own business someday- but not to the point of being against working for others in the meantime. I think entrepreneurship is in my blood because while my parents didn't do anything entrepreneurial during my childhood, I grew up with stories of my grandfather working many types of freelance jobs (mostly construction and political campaign work) in Miami after he escaped from Cuba. This was before permits were so strictly enforced for construction work; he never had a license, but positive word of mouth provided many clients for him. Now my parents own their own business: Shadow Mountain Mobile Home Park in Hendersonville, North Carolina. They still live in Florida, so it has been difficult for them to mange the property from afar. They've offered me the possibility of allowing me to live there (rent free) where I could mange things, while still working part or full time somewhere else. It could happen!
What I hope to get from this class is some additional confidence and insight into the mindset required to own my own business, what that really entails as far as time management between other jobs and family life, and honestly the biased hope that what I learn will support the lifestyle I've always dreamed of. I wish that I could work hard in my 20's to make money while working for a company, while building a family, then have the resources and time in my 30's to make just enough money working for myself (I have high end honey/bees wax products, possibly incorporating marijuana products, possibly wood pallet art, etc. in mind) to be comfortable and educational to my children.
Pictured: My brother(Left), Abuelo Pedro (Entrepreneur), and Dad (this picture is from the early 2000s)
April, this is a very simple, and touching example of an entrepreneurship idea. I didn't think this far back, but cartoons like Sponge bob with the chocolate with nuts episode, really gave a vivid description of sales and entrepreneurship, and how they are tied together, through a simple example in the episode, never really thought about this until you brought it up.
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ReplyDeleteHello April, your reference to "Sponge-bob: Chocolate with Nuts", really brought me back. It seems your entrepreneurial aspirations were predetermined from a very young age. The inspiration you draw from your grandfather's history, and your parents’ business is both motivational and admirable, it couples passion with resilience, elements of a success story to which many can relate. I am confident the entrepreneurial tenacity that has helped your parents persevere with the remote management of their company has also provided you with a sure foundation for professional and personal success.
ReplyDeleteHey April,
ReplyDeleteYou were not short of entrepreneurial inspiration growing up. With SpongeBob’s “Chocolate with Nuts” your grandfather’s story, and your parent’s current business. What an amazing opportunity to be able to gain experience managing a business. I also hope to learn almost the same as you from this class, mostly the mindset required to own a business part. Thanks for sharing.