Part 1: From Scholarships to Startups: My Unexpected Journey into Entrepreneurship:
When I graduated high school, business wasn’t on my radar. I had a track scholarship and dreams of becoming a pharmacist. But life has a funny way of redirecting you. After a falling-out with my high school sweetheart, I walked away from pharmacy school and shifted gears to pursue nursing at a local community college. Medicine has always been a passion of mine, and I was determined to build a meaningful career in healthcare.
Fast forward a few months, and after a final breakup with that same boyfriend, I needed an escape. On a whim, I visited a friend in Charleston, SC, (1987) and it was love at first sight—not with a person, but with the city itself. The cobblestone streets, the friendly people, the salty air, the hum of a city alive with opportunity—it felt like home. Not to mention it was 75 degrees in December, and I’d left behind 2 feet of snow on the ground.
Without hesitation, I packed up my life in the Mid-Ohio Valley and headed to Charleston to start fresh. No plan, no safety net—just a stubborn belief that I could build something meaningful from scratch.
That’s where my journey as a business owner truly began.
When I started my first business at 19, I had little more than a dream, a work ethic, and an unshakable belief that I could create something. I didn’t have a detailed business plan, a fancy office, or a pile of cash. I didn’t have the luxury of YouTube tutorials, business podcasts, or even an internet connection. What I had was determination and a willingness to learn—often the hard way. What I had was grit, resourcefulness, and a willingness to take risks. My first business wasn’t anything media related. It was retail. I had no capital, no connections and no clue what I was doing. Looking back, I realize that starting before you’re ready is often the key to success.
Tip for New Entrepreneurs:
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment” to start. Take that first step, no matter how small, and adjust as you go.
In those early years, every decision felt monumental. From choosing the right name to managing cash flow, it was all trial and error. But those lessons, earned through sweat and sleepless nights, became the foundation of not only my first business but every venture I’ve launched since.
Lesson #1: Start Before You’re Ready
You’ll never have the perfect plan, enough money, or all the answers. If I had waited for the “right time,” I might still be waiting. Starting young forced me to rely on creativity and resourcefulness instead of overthinking every detail. I started to examine what the need was. What did Charleston lack that I had back in my very small hometown? The answer was … a lingerie store. I had modeled lingerie and worked in restaurants from the time I was 16 years old. At the time, there was no lingerie store in Charleston. I had seen how successful the couple I had worked for were, so I said why not? I knew the product and I knew how to sell. What could go wrong? I kept my relationship with them strong and positive when I left. Never burn bridges. A quick phone call to my old boss led me to believe she’d tell me how and who she purchased merchandise from. She gave me 2 of her suppliers phone numbers. After all, I was no competition for her being so far away.
Tip for New Entrepreneurs:
Start small, test your ideas, and focus on building a strong foundation before scaling.
Lesson #2: The Power of Relationships
In the early days, I quickly learned that business isn’t just about products or services—it’s about people. Whether it was finding a mentor, building client trust, or negotiating with suppliers, relationships were everything. If I hadn’t kept my relationship strong with my previous boss, I would have had no idea how to become a buyer of women’s apparel. She gave me a few tips and I ran with it.
Tip for New Entrepreneurs:
Take care of your customers, communicate clearly, and always follow through on your promises. Word-of-mouth remains one of the most powerful marketing tools to this day.
Lesson #3: Adapt or Get Left Behind
At 19 years old, while most of my friends were navigating college campuses, I was navigating the roadways with a trunk full of lingerie. I started small—selling lacey teddies and silk pajama sets straight out of my car, one sale at a time.
But I didn’t stop there. I started hosting lingerie parties, much like the classic Tupperware parties, long before it was trendy. We’re talking 1988-90. I’d gather groups of women, create a fun and welcoming space, and let them shop in private and celebrate confidence. Every penny I earned went right back into my business. If I sold one piece, I’d use the profits to buy two more. While doing this, I waited tables and worked retail at the mall, and became a makeup artist for Estee Lauder. I worked what felt like 24-7. But that’s what it took to pay my bills and pursue my dream. I didn’t have a trust fund, or a wealthy parent to loan me money. I built what I have with pure grit. Was it hard? Yes! Was I living in a single wide trailer with no AC in the middle of Charleston summers, also Yes! I’ll never forget being able to finally afford a window unit AC for that place.
Living in Charleston, SC, I noticed something: the Navy presence was strong, and behind every sailor was a community of naval wives looking for connection and a little fun. I worked my way into every naval wife’s home I could, encouraging them to host their own parties.
This strategy was my golden ticket—grassroots marketing at its finest. Those home parties weren’t just sales events; they were relationship-building opportunities. I learned firsthand the power of word-of-mouth marketing, community connections, and putting people first.
Slowly but surely, my inventory grew, my reputation spread, and I was able to open my first brick-and-mortar store.
That little lingerie business taught me lessons that still guide me today.
Markets change, styles change, peoples tastes change, customer needs evolve, and technology advances. One of the biggest lessons from those early years was the importance of adaptability. The world doesn’t stop for anyone, and successful businesses find ways to pivot when needed. I did a lot of pivoting in my 20s.
Tip for New Entrepreneurs:
Stay informed about trends, listen to your customers, and don’t be afraid to experiment.
How I Help Today’s Entrepreneurs
If I could go back in time and give my 19-year-old self one piece of advice, it would be this: Invest in yourself early. I was afraid to advertise because of costs. I didn’t have an agency or a mentor or anyone to guide me. In most business today, your website is your storefront, your social media is half your marketing, and your SEO strategy is your map to being discovered. I didn’t have those luxuries until later.
Looking Ahead to Part 2
In the next installment, we’ll talk about The Growth Phase – Scaling Without Losing Your Soul. I’ll share stories from when my business started to grow and the challenges that came with it.
Stay tuned—and if you’re an entrepreneur just starting out, remember: every big success starts with a small step.
What was the biggest lesson you learned in your first year of business? Share your story with me—I’d love to hear from you!
The only way to do great work is to love what you do.
