Small Business Startup

Pre-College Program - HMG 165 B

Production Management
 

My name is Kyle Berry and I would like to get a business degree, and FIT is the perfect place for me to achieve my goal. I would like to open my own restaurant one day. I like to cook all types of  food, and naturally as I like to cook, I also like to eat a lot. My favorites foods are ones that are spicy. In the future I can see my self  running a couple of restaurants and living in a large house with marble floors. I am very excited to be taking classes at FIT because it gives me the opportunity to get a good education. 

Week One Summary

After my first week taking the small business class at FIT I realize that opening a small business is a lot of work, but with proper planning it can be a big success. I recommend this class to everyone who is thinking about opening a business because you can gain valuable insight and when the class is over you have the tools to open your own business.

Week Two Summary

The Summer classes at FIT are almost over. I feel that I have learned a lot in the past two weeks and will continue to expand my knowledge in the third and final week.

Week Three Summary

EVERYBODY take this class.  It was much more than what I've expected.  This the first time that I took a class at a college and it was very enjoyable. Throughout the three weeks at FIT, I learned how to open my own business if it's a McDonald's, or a Laundromat designed as a night club. I believe after taking the small business class even the most impossible business venture that I think is possible.

I really enjoyed working with professor Vega and i believe he offers a valuable insight. I also made a lot of friends over the summer. These classes where definitely worth the 3 weeks and the time flew by. Although the classes are over I can now go into the world with the tools for success and make a million dollars.

Kyle Berry

My name is Ariela Brody. I am in 10th grade .I chose this class because I enjoyed my advertising marketing communications class, so this year I decided to expand and take two classes. This year I chose one class focusing on business to learn skills that will benefit any carrier I decide to pursue. The other class I decided to take is advertising design to explore the more artistic side of business. In the end, I would like to have a carrier in a CEO position in a menswear or cosmetic company. I feel that they are both similar in that both are relatively stagnant markets that change subtlety, which creates a more steady income. They are both exciting businesses and though I am more interested in cosmetics, realistically menswear is the better options.

My strengths are that I am willing to lean new things and I am very motivated when I have a project I am t invested in. When given an opportunity I will go above and beyond the assignment. I really enjoy solving problems and am successful and getting my point across and public speaking. I enjoy presenting my ideas to others .My weaknesses are the fact that sometimes I get too excited and fail to organize my ideas clearly. I also have trouble organizing papers and my materials. I enjoy being active and English. In particular I get many ideas for cosmetic products and over all looks from poems or literature I have read recently because I love creative writing and find it inspiring. My aggressive need to be my own boss comes from my favorite activity which is Greco-roman style wrestling. I competed all of middle school and enjoy the straightforwardness and aggressiveness the sport requires.

Week One Summary

This week I was educated on the basics of starting a small business. I am beginning to understand both the business and creative components involved in this. The most important thing that I learned so far, is how beneficial it is to have website urls in your notes. Though, before I had some basic understanding of some key business process, I was fascinated with how largely law is emphasizes and needed in business. Before, I thought of business as a purely mathematical and reasonable enterprise. I have learned this week, that there are large creative and law components to it as well. This week focused mostly on understanding what it takes to start a small business, the legal procedures involved and analyzing how well we can relate to others.

Week Two Summary

Week 2 has taught me a creative side to business. I have completed many different creative projects including business cards and brochures. In the processes of understanding layout and what makes visuals really pop, I have also been able to improve my Photoshop skills. The most exciting thing this week is when I learned how to make a brochure. Having never done that before, it was exciting to see the end product. The most difficult thing I have done this week was struggle with the images for my poster.

Week Three Summary

Week three was the most challenging and rewarding work I have done this entire course. The amount of work I turned out at and the spread I accomplished made me very proud. Professor Vega encouraged me and really pushed me to try my hardest. I was finally able to grasp some law terms and understand documents that I had never come across before. I am both excited and terrified for the presentation Thursday and I can’t wait to display my work.

Ariel Brody

My name is Jonathan Objio, and this is my first year at FIT. This summer at FIT I am taking two classes. The first class that I am taking is introduction to Menswear and my second class is How to start your own business. So far the experience has been very exciting and fun. I've learned so much in just one day of class. My professors are professionals in the fields of subject that I am studying in. Some of the things that I enjoy to do is watch and play sports. My favorite sports are baseball and basketball. I also enjoy looking at magazines and drawing men's wear designs. I am going to be a senior in high school next fall and looking forward to graduate next spring.

Week One Summary

During my first week I feel like I learned a lot and realized that after this class is over I will come out of it with many ideas and thoughts on how I could start my own business. I feel Professor Vega has much to offer us students with his savyness on the many fields of business. I'm glad I can learn from him and be on my way to starting my own business.

Week Two Summary

Getting to the week two mark in this program was quite challenging. Everyday ever since making our brochures, we have had a lecture part in the beginning of class, followed by a creative component after break. This week wasn't as hard, but following the assignments were a bit tricky. So far I have done a brochure, business card, letter head, and I just have to finish the three posters and item list. I enjoy my day every class, and I continue to gain valuable knowledge. As the last week approaches, I am excited to see how how things turn out, but sad to see the course end. It will somewhat bittersweet.

During the second week we did a lot of fun projects to keep developing the core of our businesses. I enjoyed creating the brochure, letterhead, business card, and the posters. I feel that my business idea is now coming to life and I can tell that it can become a very interesting and exciting brand of menswear clothing. I enjoyed the fact that we spent more time on our creative component and not as much on the notes. The class has been very fun and I’m learning a lot of information that will help me develop my business idea.

Week Three Summary

The third week was great. I learned more information on how to start my own business and am on my way to making my business a reality. This week I made some advertisements and some posters to express my business. Overall this class was more than I expected and I’m very excited to develop my business and make it a reality. I want to thank Professor Vega for providing me with information that will help me develop my own business and hopefully have it become a success.

Jonathan Objio

My name is Amelia Merker, and I'm a senior at Archbishop Molloy High School and photography and graphic design are my life. Screen printing has become a hobby of mine and I create t-shirts, pillow cases, sweatshirts, prints, etc. In this class I hope to learn how to take these hobbies to a new level. Learning how to start  up a business to show the world my love for t-shirt design, and hopefully make some money off of it.

Week One Summary

During week one I learned a lot. Took a lot of great notes and used our creativity to create sales flyers and logos for our companies. I learned so much with just a few classes. I never realized how many decisions needed to be made in starting up and running a small business. I'm excited to see what I will learn next.

Week Two Summary

These past two weeks I have learned so much. This class is so packed full of information and such a great learning experience. I'm excited to see what I will learn in the last 4 days that will help me kick start my business.

Amelia Merker

It seems to me that every generation loses vim and vigor as time goes on, as sad as that sounds. The term "procrastination" is not by any means foreign to young people these days. I'm taking classes at FIT this summer because I refuse to fit this complacently lackadaisical mold. Trust me, I'm not bashing those who choose to live life in the slow lane and I will admit to some serious procrastination from time to time, but I would like to be a go getter. I would like to experience everything that the world has to offer, as well as give something back to it. I would like to make a difference.

Week One Summary

The first week of business class involved plenty of writing, however the amount and variety of subjects we covered is shocking. Business itself involves concentration and being well rehearsed in all facets of your industry and beyond. It takes diligence and ambition to manage a healthy business, and through working creatively and taking many notes we have experienced that first hand. Everything must start from an idea, and virtually anyone could start a business if that was all that was required. We have learned about many of the stages passed the idea that are necessary in business starting.

Week Three Summary

On the last day of our small business starting class, I have not gone as far as some of my classmates have in putting their business into action.  I have not met with a lawyer or anything of the sort to pursue a functioning business. What I have learned however, is that everything starts with an idea, and when you feel strongly enough about an idea it can become a reality.

Perhaps my strong idea has not come yet, but I know that some day it will. Though this is the end of our class, what I will learn and how I will grow will not end here. I have learned a great deal of information that will assist me in some day becoming the business owner that I know that I will be

Kelsey Bryden

My name is Mariah Mckenzie and I am a Queens NYC resident. I decided to take small business start because some time in the future I would love to have my own business. Plus the fact that there was nothing else open but that's besides the matter . Being in this class will give me an early in site as to learn how to start my own business. In the future I can say I received all my business start up skills from the summer live program at FIT, and I had one of the most down to earth teacher professor Vega.

Week One Summary

My first week in small business start up was very interesting, and I learned a lot from just that one week. I learned a lot about running a business, and all the steps, hard work and compassion it takes to start one.  in my first week a also had the chance to find out some things about my professor which I thought were very interesting to know and hear about, he also gave me an idea of how I... myself could start my own business.  I am looking forward to week 2 and all it can bring.

Week Two Summary

In my second week of small business start up, I took in much information. Not only that but the lessons where fun and creative. This class has pulled me in and filled me up with knowledge that I believe will help me a lot in the future, and in any of my endeavors. This class was not what I expected, but I say this because I thought this class would be writing and long lectures. Instead I came into a class where as the days went on, and as the second week came along the class became more and more intriguing, and I learned how to do things on the computer that I did not know I could do and much information about small business start up. So with that I cant wait for what week three can bring.

Mariah McKenzie

Growing up I always wondered what I wanted to become. At one point I dreamt about becoming a police officer to help the community. Another dream was to become a doctor to help cure the sick. I even wanted to become a geologist because rocks are so fascinating to me. However, as the years went on, my dreams kept changing. It wasn't until I was twelve years old when a light bulb went off in my head. I was watching the Look For Less on the Fashion Channel, and that was the first time I actually took interest in clothing. Ever since, I had a fascination with clothes and the different styles that  they can portray with a sense of creativity. It was then when I knew I wanted to enter the fashion industry. I didn't know what exactly, but I knew my heart was set on it.

Now let me introduce myself. My name is Georgina Isabella Ogirri and I am seventeen years old. I am an upcoming senior at a Prep School and after I graduate I plan to major in fashion design. I dream to become a fashion designer, but I also hope to one day own my own clothing store in the city. After gaining knowledge on the summer program opportunities at F.I.T., I knew immediately that the Small Business Start-Up  course would benefit me in many ways. Since I know very little upon this subject, this course will give me so much insight to hopefully have my dreams come true. It will help me learn more about owning and managing a business, and also other factors that play an important role in the business world, such as costing techniques. It is so easy to say you want to own your own business, but in reality it's way harder than it appears. With that being said, I know with my hard work, determination, and the knowledge I will acquire throughout this course, I can pursue the many steps to becoming successful.

Week One Summary

Well, my first week of taking this Small Business Start-Up course was pretty overwhelming. I thought I knew a little something about business, but I soon realized that there is so much information needed to even think about saying you want to own your own business. I quickly began to feel as if I knew nothing. I thought it would be easy to, well you know, just think of a name and higher employees, but boy was I in for a surprise. It's like a huge puzzle and there are so many pieces you have to fit together before you are able to see the beautiful picture. There are so many steps you have to take, and you really have to be dedicated. Within the first four days it feels as if I have received a whole month's worth of knowledge. Taking notes and keeping up was a bit challenging, but as the days went on I got the hang of it. I loved the creative part of this course. I think that that was my favorite part thus far. However, the lectures help me get a better understanding of the business world. I really look forward to the next two weeks. I am learning so much, and am excited to learn more.

Georgina Ogirri

I always felt that just knowing how to design was not enough to be successful in the world of fashion. The management of clothes is also a very important factor, so I had joined this course, Small Business Start Up, to learn about how I should manage my own designs if I ever open my own boutique store in the future. I want to learn about how to not just start, but to maintain, nurture, and make big a business. I chose to come and take classes at FIT here in New York instead of attending a private summer course back in Thailand because I felt that coming here can enable me to learn different things from what they will teach back home due to cultural and educational differences. I am fairly sure that I have made the right decision.

Having not taken any Business classes at school, I had expected myself to feel foreign and in lack of understanding within the first week of the Small Business Start-Up class.  Yet, the brief period of 4 days yielded results better than what I could have imagined.  Lectures were given with just enough business terms to learn, contemplate, and retain without being too overwhelming, and sessions where we put our creativity to work made class times relaxing and enjoyable. Here, I learnt of the shockingly big amount of preparation required to start up a business, but instead of feeling intimidated by the large amount of work needed, I actually feel much more motivated to start my very own business.  This makes me feel very glad that I had chosen and applied to take this course here at F.I.T with Professor Vega, and I am definitely looking forwards to what the next two weeks will bring.

Week Two Summary

For some reason, the four days that made up week 2 seemed to have gone by really fast. The amount of knowledge that was taught to us was staggering. I had taken many pages of notes-- so much that I don't think I would have managed to keep all of the notes organized if I had written them all done by writing. We all had our own brochures, letterheads, business cards, and posters made in the creative sessions--making them made me feel as if I was really creating a business, and in turn feel all the more motivated to make my dream come true.

I noticed that recently, whenever I start thinking about possible businesses that I could start, the thoughts and details that I made out for each of the ideas have become more sophisticated compared to when I haven't started taking this class yet. This big and positive difference in me is all thanks to Professor Vega, who has so much knowledge and experience to offer and share to his students. I am looking forwards to what week 3 will bring.

Week Three Summary

How enjoyable and worthwhile was the A Small Business Start-Up course? So much that I want to recommend them to my younger sister and my group of friends back at Thailand. I now have a project I am very proud of that I can put into my portfolio, plus knowledge and motivation that will get me ahead of everyone else. Classes were always entertaining, filled with an overabundance of knowledge and laughter. "The size of your dream is the limit of your world" is a quote that I had always admired and liked, but came to love because of this particular course since it made me firmly believe that as long as the idea is there, you can be successful. 

And who was the mastermind behind all this? Why, Professor Vega, of course!

Diana Horng

I am a freshman in high school with big dreams of one day opening my own successful business perhaps a fashion magazine of my own or clothing line . I always knew this was not an easy dream and to become a big success I had to learn from every opportunity I was given. So when I found out about the classes at FIT I was super excited to start my journey, I started off by during the spring taking a basics to publication design. This class provided me with information about making my own magazine and layouts of a magazine. I take forth that knowledge gained to this class where I hope to learn how to taking my idea and make it become a reality.

Week One Summary

As we begin to end week one I think of all I have learned this past week. This knowledge will continues with me down any career path I end up in. We learned many business terms that can even help me in every day life and in the world of business. Professor Vega asked us questions as to do we have what it takes to own our own business?  Am I a self starter? and so many more actually about ten pages worth that will help further my thinking skills and how ready I am to take such a big step. This week has been tiring yet fulfilling. I enjoyed the creative aspect of making opening day flyers and our own logo for our company this class is starting to make me feel like my  dreams may become a reality and giving me a clearer view on what I'd like to do when as I get older.

Week Two Summary

This past week has gone by even faster then the last. As we approach the last week I think about all the knowledge I have gained and how much there is to starting a business. We worked on many creative aspects this week that have helped me to realize what I need to do to promote my future business. We talked about all the expenses and how to get start up money. I never realized how much its going to take but I still think I have what it takes to succeed.

Week Three Summary

As we come to an end I am sad about leaving but excited to take this new found knowledge into my next chapter of life. I want to use all the information professor Vega gave me and incorporate it into my own business. I hope I can be just as successful as Professor Vega and this class has definitely taught me so much that will be useful in my journey. 

Marisa Micciantuono

When I first heard that there was a class for Small Business Start-up I immediately thought back to all the ideas I had in my head about wanting  start my own boutique or that the class could even help develop the one job I really want. I thought to myself this was the perfect class and what  made it all the better was that it was in New York City, my favorite place.

The one job I really want to do is become the editor of a fashion magazine such as Glamour, Elle, or Vogue. I like to write, but I'm also really into fashion. When I grew up I kept switching around what I wanted to be. First there was being a spy, then a model, then a doctor, next a fashion designer, a photographer and then I finally realized that I was really interested in being involved in a magazine like Vogue. 

For the future I hope to live in the city and what better way to get to know NYC then to take a class at FIT? I think that taking a business class will really help me learn some aspects of what I need to know for the future and even use those skills in my everyday life. I will soon be a sophomore in high-school and as I get closer to college I want to know exactly what I'll want to major in. Others things that I like to do on the side are photography and snowboarding. A few months ago a friend was telling me about  the FIT Live classes and I knew that right away I had to check out what courses they offered and sign up  as soon as possible.

Week One Summary

For the first week here I feel like I've really learned a lot. When I first started the class I didn't realize how much time and knowledge you would need to start off your business. So far this class really helps me understand what I need for business and I like how we started off making flyer, a logo, and now creating a brochure for our own business. At first you'd think that creating flyers and logos are simple, but in reality they aren't and with this class it helps us learn what aspects are involved when creating things like that. A plus to this class is having Professor Vega for a teacher. He really helps make things clearer and can really teach you the parts of business.

Week Two Summary

In week 2 I've learned even more. With every passing day I keep gaining so much knowledge about the business world and I feel like by the end of this course I will be very prepared for whichever business I will like to enter. With some of the creative activities we do, you really start to notice how much money everything cost and how much thought it put into making business cards. 

Week Three Summary

As week three comes to a close I think back to everything I learned and honestly I've never gained so much knowledge in three weeks. I think that Professor Vega had a smart concept as he made one day filled with notes and the other doing creative things. In week 3 everything seems to be coming together. I really think that when I continue on with the future I will use a lot of things he has taught me! 

Brittney Gringer

I decided to take another course at FIT because I really enjoyed my first class here last year.  Last summer, I took "Fashion Business" and found the three weeks very interesting.  When I searched through the course catalog for the Summer Live 2009 program I knew that I would love "Start up Business".  After reading Professor Vega's description of the class I became very excited.

I am looking forward to creating my own business plan but first I need to learn where to start because I do not have the first clue!

All I know is that I want to start my own home/accessory/gift shop in my town.  About two months ago, there was a lot of open space in my town for a store, so I started researching but was SOO over my head!  I really hope that in a few years, possibly next summer, I will be able to open my own shop.

Week One Summary

After hearing about Professor Vega's impressive background, I knew that we were going to learn a lot in this course.  The first class I typed three pages of notes but still had a lot more to research. I felt a little overwhelmed with all the information that was being thrown at me but by the third day I knew the routine and my notes were getting better.  I was still going home each night and having to review and add more to my notes but I felt like I was learning a lot about how to start by business.  It was a nice change of pace when we got to do some creative things. I did not think that designing a flyer for the grand opening of our business and a logo would take three hours but it took longer!

Week Two Summary

The second week went by even faster than the first. Although we took less notes I still learned a lot. I really enjoyed making my company's letter head, business card, and brochure. After adding up all of the start up expenses I realized that there is a lot of work that needs to be done before opening the doors!  I look forward to finalizing my plan and putting my portfolio together next week. 

Lilly Havens

My name is Maya Majcen, a senior at The Hudson School in Hoboken, NJ, and a 16 year old unsure of my career path. However, I know that whatever I might end up doing, an education is key to success. Although my dream job has changed plenty of times one thing has remained true, I want to be my own boss. Currently my goal is to open a boutique spa in Japan. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to tell you how I'm going to get there or even be able to tell you exactly what'll be in my spa on the spot. Thankfully, there's a class that'll help me understand what I must do. I hope by the end of this course that I'll be able see under a new light and know the ins and outs of the business world.

Week One Summary

My experience so far has been both educational and worthwhile. I have pages worth of helpful organized notes to get my business started. Apart from note-taking, I was even more pleased with the class's "creative" section. I now have a flyer and logo for my business. I'm excited to start making our brochures.

Week Two Summary

Week 2 has also been an educational experience. We continued our creative section by making business cards, letterheads, and brochures.  I appreciate our focus on employment, security, telecommunications, and the specific supplies needed for our business. I have enhanced my business skills.

Maya Majcen

My name is Zoe Swanton and in September I will be a senior at Thomas Edison high school in Elmira Heights New York. I attended summer live 2008 and Saturday live fall 2008 taking classes in sewing and business at FIT. In the morning I am taking a class in fragrance and cosmetics marketing and have an interest in running or working with a fashion merchandise business in my future. Right now my plans for college is to be a business marketing major at Corning Community college.

I was born in London, England and moved to New York city in 2000.  I now live in upstate new York and plan to work in that area in the future. My interest in fashion merchandising and business started in 8th grade and I have been pursuing it since by looking into internship opportunities and taking fashion design courses in my junior year. I plan to continue in this business and hopefully be in a business management position or open my own business focusing on cosmetics and accessories and opening a store in my town.

Week Two Summary

During my second week in this class I learned moré about the costs of all the necessities needed to start and operate my business something that I had not considered much before. I also learned more about the different positions needed to be filled in my business operations and how I should fill them. Although we only have one more week I feel that by its completion I will be better prepared and informed on not only the beginnings of business but on whether or not this will be the career path I will desire and what courses will benefit my goal in college. This second week defiantly was very useful in my grasping of the many facets involved in small business.

Zoe Swanton

Week Two Summary

For me, the biggest change from Week 1 to Week 2 was that the focus shifted from the business side of having a small business to the creative side. I worked a lot on my brochure, business card and letter head. Each of these projects require so much work, but I learned that it is much easier to know how to do these projects by yourself rather than to have to hire someone to do it. This saves a company a great deal of money, which is particularly important in small businesses. Learning about start up costs was also an interesting topic in Week 2. I never realized how much money it would cost me to open a business, let alone a single office. 

I continue to enjoy this class very much. When making decisions in business, it is important to be well informed. I feel like this class gives a variety of information that can allow one to make better decisions in business. I'm really glad that the information taught is relevant to creating your own business as well as working for a company. 

Hayley Bingham