Kent State University’s LaunchNET gave students the opportunity to connect with alumni fashion entrepreneurs during its Fashion Brunch Wednesday, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
LaunchNET is located on the second floor of the Design Innovation Hub and helps guide entrepreneurs to bring their businesses, inventions and ideas to life. LaunchNET holds an array of events focusing on entrepreneurship and business development.
The panel was joined by fashion illustrator Deanna First, Jenna Elise Alexander, founder of Soul Vision Co.; and Bana Tesfai, founder of Bana La Mode. The panel was led by junior fashion merchandising student Ella Holzhei, who is LaunchNET’s student events and programs assistant.
This was Holzhei’s first panel event she has led.
“If anybody wants to do a panel talk, I would recommend it; it was much easier than I thought it would be,” Holzhei said.
Throughout the discussion, the entrepreneurs gave students advice on how to run their own business and insight into working in the fashion industry. Alexander was honest with the students, describing the industry to be “cut-throat.”
Each of these entrepreneurs came from Kent State, showing current students how far they can take their fashion careers as well.
“I think about myself, when I was at Kent State and had so many big dreams and I just wanted to talk to people that were doing what I wanted to do,” First said. “It’s a full circle moment coming back and having all this knowledge that I craved when I was your guy’s age.”
Alexander discussed how guiding the younger generation was a passion of hers because it’s a way to give back to them.
“I think it’s really important to help the younger generation grow and be able to blossom into the amazing designers I know you’ll be,” Alexander said
Tesfai shared how giving advice to the future generation impacts on them and their career trajectory.
“A big thing for me is serving,” Tesfai said. “Even if you’re having boyfriend issues or anything, I love to give any type of advice that maybe I’ve experienced.”
First provided the students with inspiration by telling them that one day they could be working side by side with their peers one day.
Holzhei shared how she hopes the students were able to walk away from the discussion feeling fulfilled from the advice they were given.
“All the questions that we had I thought provoked good discussion and good thinking, and I hope gave the students that attended some inspiration on where they want to take their business or their career in fashion,” Holzhei said.
LaunchNET’s next event will be the Small Business Showcase Thursday, Nov. 13, from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. in the DI Hub.
Ava Drozd is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
