Final Reflection

This class has been a great learning experience. After reading through my posts from this semester, the most formative assignment to me was identifying an opportunity. It helped me learn that entrepreneurs looks at bugs or problems and find solutions for it. The assignment that I would remember for a long time is the one where five people closest people to me told me what they thought about me. Their words will stick with me. The most joyous assignment was creating the customer avatar. I thought it was fun to create a picture of the person who I am targeting. The assignment that made me feel accomplished was the second elevator pitch. I used the critiques from my peers to make my elevator pitch better, and I think it was good with the revisions.

Since we're at the end of the semester, I do see that I have some of the entrepreneurial mindset. I see failure and bugs as a way to improve or do better. I am able to look at things in an entrepreneurial perspective now.

A recommendation I would give to the future students is to stay on top of the assignments. They should not do them last minute. In order to stay on top of the assignments, they should look at the assignments in the beginning of the week to see what type of assignment is due later that week. Some of the assignments are longer than others.

                               

Venture Concept No. 2

Part 1: Illustrious Beauty

Opportunity. My business plan has an opportunity with makeup enthusiasts. They are people who are very familiar with how makeup works, and they love wearing false eyelashes. The unmet need is that eyelash glue is very stubborn, so there needs to be a product or service that can help remove remaining eyelashes glue after an attempt to wash off all makeup from the face. People are always longing for the best eyelash glue that can keep the false eyelashes intact through rain, wind or sweat. Therefore, eyelash glue manufacturers make the glue stronger and waterproof, which is harder to remove. The market is defined to be from 18 to 38 years old. They are most likely to reside in the suburban or urban areas. The market is composed of mostly women, but men can also wear false eyelashes and other makeup products. They can be from any race. The customers currently satisfy the need by using different methods like micellar water, facial cleanser or picking at the glue until it comes off. They think the method that they are using is not efficient enough because the glue is still stubborn which can also pull off their own natural lashes. The opportunity is big because the beauty industry is always getting bigger. With the use of social media, cosmetics is gaining more attention because people want to do the same looks that they see. The “window of opportunity” will not be open for too long because anyone can come out with a product to help with the unmet need. So I would have to act on it fast.

Innovation. The product I am trying to create is an eyelash adhesive remover. I would want it to be like a balm that the customers are able to lightly rub on their natural eyelashes to remove the stubborn eyelash glue. It would be safe for the eyes. The product is meant to break down the glue and to become detached from the natural eyelashes. For a tub of the product, I would want to sell it for $30. Along with the product, I would want to sell a service. If the customers want to go through a treatment, then it would include the eyelash adhesive remover product and a lash serum. After the remover is used, the lash serum would be used to protect the natural lashes’ health. The treatment would be sold for $75.

Venture concept. My innovation will help solve the unmet need of removing the stubborn eyelash glue that is left on the natural eyelashes and eyelids. Customers will buy my innovation because they do not want to keep the eyelash glue on their eyes because it is unsafe and it does not look clean. The customers will switch to this product because they already spend a lot of money on beauty products so they will pay to remove the eyelash glue. Also, it is to help with the health of the lashes, so it is a cleaning product which is important. Makeup enthusiasts know it is important to work on the skin before putting on makeup. It is important to have a good and clean foundation, which is the face, before putting on any cosmetics. Customers might be a little skeptical at first to try the product, but they should try it first before making a decision if they do not like it. The competitors are brands that have cleaning balms or eye makeup remover, such as Clinique or Lancome. Their weaknesses are that they do not have products specifically to remove the eyelash glue. Packaging is very important when it comes to beauty products. So the packaging for my product should look prestige. I believe the price point is valid because beauty products are marked with high prices because of the name and the distribution. Also, I think the customer support and customer experience will be great because I have the customer in mind when creating the business plan. Since it is a new business, I would have about 10 people help me with the business. I would need help sorting out the products for delivery. Most of the work would be done in a warehouse. So customers would have to make the purchases online.

Most important resource. I have beauty experience by working with different people and doing different makeup for different occasions. I think the quality is unique to have because I know what the customers are looking for in products or what products they want to see be created.

Next step for venture. The next step for the venture is to look for a formula. It is important to get the right formula that I know customers will like to use. It has to be effective.

Next step for me. In five years, I want to see the business do really well. I hope that there are other products launched within the brand name. My goal is to work in the beauty industry, so I think the venture would help me go far into it.

Part 2: Feedback

The feedback I got on my first venture concept and "What's Next?" assignment were overall positive from my peers. They said that my business idea is good and well thought out. However, my existing market gave me feedback on my idea. They told me that I should consider putting my business online before having a brick-and-mortar. Also, they said I should create a line of false eyelashes.

Part 3: Changes

I changed my venture concept based on what my existing market told me. I changed my idea from a physical location to an online business. The reason why I changed it to online is to raise awareness for my brand before I have a physical location to sell the products and services.

Your Exit Strategy

1. The exit strategy I plan to take is management/employee buyout.
2. I selected this particular exit strategy because I I would want to sell the business to someone who has the same values as me. They were there at the beginning so they know the origins of the business.
3. My exit strategy has influenced the way that I wish the business to carry on. I put my passion into the unmet need, so I would like for it to grow.

Reading Reflection No. 3

How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big, Scott Adams

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

• The book is about failing and how it's okay to fail. Scott Adams talks about different ways of thinking when it comes to failure or goals. He makes you think about the situation in a more positive way in order to do and be better.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

• In my opinion, the book helps me understand failure and enhances my understanding of taking risks. Entrepreneurs have to take risks, and they always experience failure. However, they are successful because they learn from it in order to make money.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

• The exercise would involve an activity for the class where they would create a list of their strengths that other people may have trouble with. The strengths that they list are areas that they would be comfortable taking risks in, which is a part of the book that Adams talked about. It helps you think about jobs that you may be comfortable taking on.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

• I was surprised about the systems and goals thought process, but it does make sense. People make goals but they're similar to wishes in the aspect that people have those goals, but probably aren't doing anything to accomplish them.

Celebrating Failure

1. During the beginning of the semester, I had an internship that involved digital marketing. I had to create an online campaign, and I thought I was doing well but my boss gave me critiques on the project. So I would fix it and submit it, but it was still not to his liking until I finally got to the final attempt that he really liked.
2. I learned that it's okay to fail. You have to be willing to learn and improve to do better.
3. I usually take failure harshly. I think about it all the time, and I feel embarrassed. After taking this class, I learned that it is okay to fail. If you fail, then it's an opportunity to reflect on what went wrong and see where there needs to be improvement. I am more likely to take risks now because I think that it is important to take risks to see where it leads you.

What's Next?

Existing Market

1. What's Next? After developing an eyelash adhesive remover product and service, I would like to develop an eyelash glue that is healthy for the eyelashes. It would also act as a serum to help the lashes grow longer and thicker. I would also make sure that the eyelash glue is able to handle rain, wind and sweat.
2. Interviews. I interviewed three people who are in my existing market. Overall, they like my business plan, but they had some good suggestions for me to think about. Two of the three said that I should consider selling online before I think about a physical location. They said it is smarter because I need to raise awareness for the brand before opening a location. Also, they said it is a real unmet need for many makeup users so they suggested that I promote the business by paying social media influencers who have content related to beauty. When I asked them about the new product that I would develop, they said it is a little contradicting to the product that I am selling first, but if I can truly make it healthier than other lash glue then it would work. Also, one of them mentioned that I should also develop a line of false eyelashes.
3. Path For Future. After the interviews, I realized that I thought too far into my business plan with having a physical location to sell my product. I do agree that I should try selling online before opening a brick-and-mortar. Also, I do think it is important to have beauty influencers to endorse Illustrious Beauty on social media. Many of the people who I am trying to target are on social media, and they are influenced in buying products because of their favorite beauty guru.

New Market

1. Identify New Market. I would look into B2B like salons to sell the products. 
2. Value. Illustrious Beauty would be valuable to salons who want to sell extra products. They are able to make a profit from selling the products and doing the service.
3. Interviews. I interviewed two people who are in the salon industry. They think the business plan would work if I do start small. They think I should try selling the products and service to local salons before going to bigger brands. If I start off smaller, then it will test to see if the products will sell well. They think that it would benefit local salon owners as well. It will help them be different from other salons. Also, they mentioned that the salon must be certified by Illustrious Beauty in order to sell the products and service. It would help with credibility.
4. Reflect. I learned that this market likes to look for products or services that will make them stand out from the competitors, which is similar to all businesses. It surprised me that the salon owners do not wear false eyelashes, but they do have a lot of clients who do wear false eyelashes so they were interested in my business plan. They thought it was different from what they have seen. My expectations and assumptions were correct because I have worked in a salon before so I know what the clients/customers are looking for when it comes to products and services. I think the new market is attractive, but probably not as much as my existing market. It is a market that I can benefit from, but the salons would also have to do their part to sell Illustrious Beauty in order for us to keep selling to B2B.

Venture Concept No. 1 - Illustrious Beauty

Opportunity. My business plan has an opportunity with makeup enthusiasts. They are people who are very familiar with how makeup works, and they love wearing false eyelashes. The unmet need is that eyelash glue is very stubborn, so there needs to be a product or service that can help remove remaining eyelashes glue after an attempt to wash off all makeup from the face. People are always longing for the best eyelash glue that can keep the false eyelashes intact through rain, wind or sweat. Therefore, eyelash glue manufacturers make the glue stronger and waterproof, which is harder to remove. The market is defined to be from 18 to 38 years old. They are most likely to reside in the suburban or urban areas. The market is composed of mostly women, but men can also wear false eyelashes and other makeup products. They can be from any race. The customers currently satisfy the need by using different methods like micellar water, facial cleanser or picking at the glue until it comes off. They think the method that they are using is not efficient enough because the glue is still stubborn which can also pull off their own natural lashes. The opportunity is big because the beauty industry is always getting bigger. With the use of social media, cosmetics is gaining more attention because people want to do the same looks that they see. The “window of opportunity” will not be open for too long because anyone can come out with a product to help with the unmet need. So I would have to act on it fast.

Innovation. The product I am trying to create is an eyelash adhesive remover. I would want it to be like a balm that the customers are able to lightly rub on their natural eyelashes to remove the stubborn eyelash glue. It would be safe for the eyes. The product is meant to break down the glue and to become detached from the natural eyelashes. For a tub of the product, I would want to sell it for $30. Along with the product, I would want to sell a service. If the customers want to go through a treatment, then it would include the eyelash adhesive remover product and a lash serum. After the remover is used, the lash serum would be used to protect the natural lashes’ health. The treatment would be sold for $75. Also, I would want to make it available to cosmetics stores to sell.

Venture concept. My innovation will help solve the unmet need of removing the stubborn eyelash glue that is left on the natural eyelashes and eyelids. Customers will buy my innovation because they do not want to keep the eyelash glue on their eyes because it is unsafe and it does not look clean. The customers will switch to this product because they already spend a lot of money on beauty products so they will pay to remove the eyelash glue. Also, it is to help with the health of the lashes, so it is a cleaning product which is important. Makeup enthusiasts know it is important to work on the skin before putting on makeup. It is important to have a good and clean foundation, which is the face, before putting on any cosmetics. Customers might be a little skeptical at first to try the product, but they should try it first before making a decision if they do not like it. The competitors are brands that have cleaning balms or eye makeup remover, such as Clinique or Lancome. Their weaknesses are that they do not have products specifically to remove the eyelash glue. Packaging is very important when it comes to beauty products. So the packaging for my product should look prestige. I believe the price point is valid because beauty products are marked with high prices because of the name and the distribution. Also, I think the customer support and customer experience will be great because I have the customer in mind when creating the business plan. Since it is a new business, I would have about 20 people help me with the business. I would need help in the physical location to sell the products, market the products/service, handle customer service and handle distribution.

Most important resource. I have beauty experience by working with different people and doing different makeup for different occasions. I think the quality is unique to have because I know what the customers are looking for in products or what products they want to see be created.

Next step for venture. The next step for the venture is to look for a formula. It is important to get the right formula that I know customers will like to use. It has to be effective.

Next step for me. In five years, I want to see the business do really well. I hope that there are other products launched within the brand name. My goal is to work in the beauty industry, so I think the venture would help me go far into it.

Your Venture's Unfair Advantage

1. Social capital: I am in an international sorority
1. Valuable: I am able to spread the word about my business to a lot of people
2. Rare: This resource is moderately rare
3. Inimitable: It is difficult to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable 
2. Beauty experience: I worked with other people as their makeup artist
1. Valuable: I am able to use the experience to guide the business
2. Rare: It is not too rare because other people can do makeup too, but it is rare because of the specific experience that I have gained.
3. Inimitable: My experience is difficult to imitated
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable
3. Licensed with the Florida board of cosmetology
1. Valuable: I am able to use my knowledge of cosmetology
2. Rare: It is not too rare because there are other people who are licensed
3. Inimitable: It is difficult to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is substitutable
4. Human capital: passionate
1. Valuable: Passion is important because it is a driving factor
2. Rare: It is not rare because other people can have passion
3. Inimitable: It is not difficult to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable
5. Social media experience
1. Valuable: I know how to raise awareness and engage with people on social media. It is important for businesses
2. Rare: It is not rare
3. Inimitable: It is imitable
4. Non-substitutable: It is substitutable
6. Social capital: I know people in the beauty industry
1. Valuable: I think having a social capital within the beauty industry is important if it's where I am trying to get into
2. Rare: It is rare
3. Inimitable: It is difficult to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable
7. Personal experience with the need
1. Valuable: Since I have had personal experience with the unmet need, I know what consumers like me are looking for
2. Rare: It is not rare
3. Inimitable: It is easy to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable
8. Experience with customer service
1. Valuable: I think having good customer service skills and previous experience with customers are important when it comes to having a business
2. Rare: It is not rare
3. Inimitable: It is easy to imitate
4. Non-substitutable: It is substitutable
9. Advertising background
1. Valuable: My advertising background can help me raise awareness for the business
2. Rare: it is not rare
3. Inimitable: It is imitable
4. Non-substitutable: It is substitutable
10. Knowledge of beauty products
1. Valuable: It is crucial to know about existing beauty products
2. Rare: It is not rare
3. Inimitable: It is imitable
4. Non-substitutable: It is not substitutable

After conducting the VRIN analysis, my top resource is my beauty experience. I think my beauty experience is the most important resource out of the others because my beauty experience is what sets me apart from others. It will help me with the business plan.

Reading Reflection No. 2

1) What was the general theme or argument of the book?

• The book is about social media marketing. The authors help the readers understand the different components of posting on social media and how to gain a following.

2) How did the book, in your opinion, connect with and enhance what you are learning in ENT 3003?

• I think the book helps me understand social capital even more. People are connected through social media, and the networking happens online. Other people want to see your true self on your social media.

3) If you had to design an exercise for this class, based on the book you read, what would that exercise involve?

• The exercise would involve how to create posts. I would explain the difference between content creation and content curation. Also, I would have the class create a content based on the tips that the authors wrote about.

4) What was your biggest surprise or 'aha' moment when reading the book? In other words, what did you learn that differed most from your expectations?

• I've known about content curation before, but I didn't know it as that term. While I was reading the tips about it, I was really interested in it because I was learning more about content curation. I think it's helpful and changes the way I look at online posts.

Elevator Pitch No. 3

Reflection on feedback
No one gave me feedback on my last attempt of the elevator pitch.

Changes
I memorized the elevator pitch, and I'm more comfortable. I think this attempt on the elevator pitch isn't the best because I sped through it.

Growing Your Social Capital

Domain Expert
1) Lisa H. - She is a licensed full specialist in nails and lashes.
2) Domain expert
3) I found her through my old boss. I contacted her by calling.
4) She has done lash extension on other people. She can tell me how the product would work on the customers and if the customers would like it.
5) She can tell me what the customers are thinking when it comes to eyelash glue remover. Also, she works with the customer firsthand.

Market Expert

1) Vanessa N. - She is a licensed full specialist and a makeup enthusiast.
2) Market expert
3) I found her through a mutual friend. I contacted her by text.
4) Since she is a makeup enthusiast, she told me what she thought about my business idea. She was able to tell me she would use the product and/or service herself.
5) She is a makeup enthusiast so she represents a major piece of my market. She would be able to help me what the market thinks about the product and service.

Supplier Expert

1) Cyndi M. - She works at a cosmetics store as a manager.
2) Supplier expert
3) I found her through my old boss. I contacted her by text.
4) I asked her how would my product and service be available to the customers. She works at a cosmetics store as a manager. She understands where the products would be placed and how to sell it to the customers.
5) I think including this person into my network is important because she has direct interaction with the customer when I am trying to get the product into their hands.

Reflect

The experience gained from this assignment will help me reach out to more people who are related to my industry that I am trying to pursue. I know that these people can connect me to other people and gain access to more knowledge in order to help me improve and move forward in the industry. The experience is different from other networking events that I have been to because this is targeted.

Idea Napkin No. 2

Idea Napkin
Hi, my name is Cathy Van. I have a strong interest in beauty and working with people. I have different skills in beauty such as nails and makeup. I have worked as a nail technician at a nail salon and a product consultant at Sephora. My aspirations is to work in the beauty industry. If I were to start my business with eyelash adhesive remover, I think it would help me fulfill my interest in beauty and working with other people.

I am offering a product and service, which will solve the customers' unmet need of removing stubborn eyelash glue. The product is an eyelash adhesive remover solution that will break down lash glue. It will help remove glue that is advertised to be waterproof. The service will include a procedure that includes the product and a serum to help the natural lashes' health.

Customers who need this product are makeup enthusiasts. They love wearing false eyelashes. The customers are willing to spend money on beauty products. As they are applying beauty products, they are also concerned for the health of their skin.

The customers care because eyelash glue is really stubborn. They want to remove it but also maintain the health of their lashes. The customers are likely to pay money to keep up with their beauty.

The product and service offered to customers can effectively remove the eyelash glue while maintaining the natural lashes' health. Also, we provide a service if the customer wants to feel like they're going through a nice treatment. The product and service is different from others because it is developed with care and concern for the health of the lashes while effectively removing the eyelash glue.

I believe these elements fit together because the beauty industry is all about feeling good and looking good. My business concept will help customers feel and look good. My passion and past experiences set me apart from everyone else. My passion is what drives me with the business plan, and my knowledge from the industry is beneficial. I am always learning in the industry, so I can bring that knowledge to the table.

Feedback
My peers gave me similar feedback. They said that they can see that I am very passionate about the industry, so it is a good driving factor in my plan. Also, they said that my past experiences and knowledge is beneficial. I emphasized the two points in the last paragraph.

Customer Avatar

 

Photo by @thinkmagically on Unsplash

Rachel the Fierce Makeup Enthusiast

Rachel is a 22-year-old who is a college student. She goes to the University of Florida, but she is from Miami, Florida. During her down time from her studies, she enjoys watching YouTube videos of beauty tutorials. Her favorite type of music is R&B, rap and EDM. During the weekends, she loves to hang out with her friends by eating out or leaving town to try new places to eat or have fun.

Rachel is a regular user of social media. Her favorite platform is Instagram because she uses it to showcase her makeup work on others. While she loves makeup, she enjoys looking at profiles that involve traveling, food, music festivals, hair or fitness. Rachel loves to get her hair dyed because she thinks it is also another way to express yourself with beauty. She enjoys wearing makeup about five days a week. She likes to give herself a day of break from makeup. She puts on makeup before her day starts because it gives her a boost of confidence to complete her tasks for the day. Her makeup routine usually includes a full face of makeup with false eyelashes.

Rachel and I share the love for makeup. I don't think it is a coincidence because most makeup enthusiasts use similar products or have the same routine. We all have the same unmet need.

Elevator Pitch No. 2

Reflection

My peers gave me good feedback to think about. One person said she liked how I demonstrated that I have false eyelashes on. One of them told me to include a hook to place the listener in the shoes of the person who has the need. Also, another one of my peers told me to make it appealing to male investors. I thought they were all useful comments. I didn't think about making it appealing to male investors until someone pointed it out that it would be useful.

What I changed

Based on the feedback, I included a hook to place the viewer in the shoes of consumers who have the unmet need. Also, I included why men should be interested in the product.

What's Your Secret Sauce?

For this assignment, I wanted to know my human capital within the beauty industry so I based my interviews off of that curiosity.

Five ways I think I have human capital that is unique:

• I am open-minded. I am always willing to listen to other people’s opinions and be open to their thoughts.
• I am willing to learn. I am always curious and I think gaining new knowledge or insight helps with businesses.
• I am passionate. I think being passionate in what I’m doing helps a lot, and it is a good driving factor.
• I am experienced. I have experience in beauty with sales and the actual work.
• I am trendy. I am know what is the current and popular look that everyone is trying to go for.

Interviews:

https://soundcloud.com/user-371857515/dakotas-interview?in=user-371857515/sets/ent3003

• Dakota is a friend who I used to live with. She said I have a "large amount of knowledge" of the beauty industry because she has seen my YouTube videos. Also, she said I come from a diverse background to help me in the beauty industry.

https://soundcloud.com/user-371857515/jenns-interview?in=user-371857515/sets/ent3003

• Jenn is one of my sorority sisters. She said I have networked with people in the industry so I am knowledgable, but if I need more information then I can reach out to those people. Also, she said I'm able to "market" products with an advertising background.

https://soundcloud.com/user-371857515/josiahs-interview?in=user-371857515/sets/ent3003

• Josiah is a friend. He said that I am able to see who does well or who doesn't do well with makeup on social media. He brought this up because I have past experiences with cosmetics and I had an internship working on social media with cosmetics.

https://soundcloud.com/user-371857515/mins-interview?in=user-371857515/sets/ent3003

• Min is one of my sorority sisters. She said that I am updated and I know about new products. Min said I have great consulting skills because I am able to give advices to people whenever they ask me questions about beauty. Also, she said I am very passionate that I'm about to "fly away with my lashes."

https://soundcloud.com/user-371857515/ts-interview?in=user-371857515/sets/ent3003

• Tiara is one of my sorority sisters. She said that I have a wide range of knowledge on beauty. She thinks that I'm familiar with the beauty industry so there would be no hesitation if I am thrown into the field.

Reflection:

Everyone in my interviews said that I have a wide range of knowledge and experience with beauty. All of them mentioned how I used to work at Sephora so it would help me a lot. Everything that my interviewees said about me matches what I thought about myself. I would not change anything from part one because I think it is accurate. 

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 2

Alternative evaluation

• All three of my interviewees said that price matters to them. Also, they think the packaging of the product has an influence on them when they make a purchase.

How/where do they buy

• My interviewees all said they rather buy their stuff online. They prefer to use their credit card because they don't like to carry cash around with them.

Post-purchase evaluation

• The interviewees all said that they think the product is good when it gets the job done. One of them added that it should get the job done and have additional benefits. Another interviewee said the product is good if she doesn't have to use a lot of effort with the product. They all said that the product is not good when it doesn't solve their needs.

Conclusion

The segment relies on convenience because they want something that will get the job done. Also, they prefer to use card payments and buying their products online so they want to make their purchases quickly without traveling time. Convenience also comes from the post-purchase evaluation. The segment doesn't want to use too much effort when the product is supposed to do the job. 

Halfway Reflection

• The behaviors that I have used to keep up with the requirements of this course includes being tenacious. Some other skills include creativity and being able to talk to people.

• Since I'm in my last semester, I have the bad case of "senioritis," but I fight through it because I want to end my college career on a good note. I think I have developed a tenacious attitude during the past two months. An experience that most contributed to this is my determination to do well that stems from doing work for my sorority.

• Always complete your work on time
• Plan ahead
• Enjoy the content you are learning in this class

Reading Reflection No. 1

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

1. I was surprised to learn that Steve Jobs did LSD and got a lot of his ideas from his experiences with drugs and spiritual searches. Also, I was surprised that he would verbally abuse his employees. I really admire his determination to keep on going even though he was fired from Apple. He still wanted to created things. Something that I don't admire about him is when he would verbally abuse his employees. Steve Jobs faced a failing item when he was fired from Apple, and he was battling cancer. He kept on going to work on his ideas.
2. I noticed that Steve Jobs had a strong determination and he was competitive.
3. One part of the reading that was confusing to me was how he got a lot of creative ideas from Zen Buddhism. I would think that Buddhism would make you not worry about technology. Also, Buddhism teaches you to not be greedy, but I think Steve Jobs was greedy when it came to the competition.
4. I would ask: What made you want to experiment with LSD? Why didn't you want to go through surgery? I think it would be interesting to know his thoughts on drugs and surgery.
5. I think his opinion of hard work is to put your all into the work. I share the same opinion, but I don't share the same opinion on his leadership style. I think there are better ways to encourage your employees.

Figuring Out Buyer Behavior No. 1

Segment: College students who are makeup enthusiasts

Summary of interviews: In the three interviews that I conducted, they all said that they usually have the problem at night after removing their makeup. Sometimes they use makeup remover wipes, and it doesn't completely take off all of the makeup so the eyelash glue would still be on the lash line. They usually wear the false lashes when they go out with their friends. They are really tired by the end of the night and have to clean the stubborn eyelash glue later in the morning. They all said that they don't look for a solution so they just pick at the glue until it comes off, but it concerns them because of the natural lashes' health.

Conclusions: This segment is very aware of this need. However, I think they are lazy and don't want to look for a solution to remove the eyelash glue.

Piecing It All Together

Hi, my name is Cathy Van. I have a strong interest in beauty and working with people. I have different skills in beauty such as nails and makeup. I have worked as a nail technician at a nail salon and a product consultant at Sephora. My aspirations is to work in the beauty industry. If I were to start my business with eyelash adhesive remover, I think it would help me fulfill my interest in beauty and working with other people.

I am offering a product and service, which will solve the customers' unmet need of removing stubborn eyelash glue. The product is an eyelash adhesive remover solution that will break down lash glue. It will help remove glue that is advertised to be waterproof. The service will include a procedure that includes the product and a serum to help the natural lashes' health.

Customers who need this product are makeup enthusiasts. They love wearing false eyelashes. The customers are willing to spend money on beauty products. As they are applying beauty products, they are also concerned for the health of their skin.

The customers care because eyelash glue is really stubborn. They want to remove it but also maintain the health of their lashes.

The product and service offered to customers can effectively remove the eyelash glue while maintaining the natural lashes' health. Also, we provide a service if the customer wants to feel like they're going through a nice treatment.

I believe these elements fit together because the beauty industry is all about feeling good and looking good. My business concept will help customers feel and look good.

Elevator Pitch No. 1

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 2

Who:
There are people who share very similar qualities to people who are in the opportunity. However, they don't have the need. Some of them don't wear fake lashes.

After interviewing five people who enjoys wearing makeup, they said they don't wear false lashes. They used to wear fake eyelashes, but they stopped after they noticed that constantly wearing fake eyelashes was making their natural lashes come off. So they have been using eyelash serum to help their natural lashes grow, and they only use mascara.

What:
My solution for the need will solve the removal of the glue, but some people are wary about it because they are concerned about their natural lashes. Therefore, they don't wear fake eyelashes to avoid the problem.

Why:
The need is different for both the outsiders and the insiders. The outsiders are more concerned with the health of their lashes. The insiders are concerned about the health too, but their biggest need is to get the glue removed.

Inside the boundary

• Who is in:
• Makeup enthusiasts who are concerned with eyelash glue
• What the need is:
• To remove stubborn eyelash glue
• Why the need exists:
• The eyelash glue is waterproof or it has other ingredients to make the fake eyelash stay in place

Outside the boundary

• Who:
• Makeup enthusiasts who don't wear false eyelashes
• What:
• To maintain the health of the natural eyelashes
• Why:
• Wearing false eyelashes can damage the natural eyelashes

Solving the Problem

Selected opportunity: The opportunity that I would like to explore is removing stubborn eyelash glue. Many makeup enthusiasts or false eyelash users have the problem of stubborn eyelash glue that stick on the lashes after removing the false lashes.

Product or service: I would want to provide a product and a service. The product that I would want to sell to customers is an eyelash adhesive remover solution. It will help break down glue build up, and it will help remove eyelash glue that is advertised to be waterproof. The service that I would want to sell is a treatment. The treatment would include a removal of the eyelash glue by using the product that I stated before and an application of a serum to help the natural lashes' health.

Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1

• Opportunity: Removing stubborn eyelash glue
• The who: Makeup enthusiasts
• The what: They are unable to remove the stubborn eyelash glue after removing their false eyelashes
• The why: The glue is made to hold the lashes well

• Testing the who: Anyone who wear false eyelashes have the need. People who wear false eyelashes will have experienced the need at least one time.
• Testing the what: Maybe some people who wear false eyelashes don't experience the need every time they wear false eyelashes. They probably know how to remove the stubborn eyelash glue very well. 
• Testing the why: There are different reasons why the eyelash glue can be hard to remove. It can range from the type of makeup remover to the type of eyelash glue or facial cleanser they are using.

• Interview 1: The girl I interviewed is a beginner with makeup. She said that she doesn't have a problem with removing eyelash glue. When I asked her what kind of eyelash glue she uses, she responded that she uses the glue that comes included with the eyelashes. She uses a cleansing balm to remove her makeup. She told me that she was surprised that people have problem with removing eyelash glue from their eyes.
• Interview 2: The girl I interviewed is a makeup enthusiast. She has done some freelance makeup work for other people. She said that she always have a problem with trying to remove eyelash glue from her eyes after removing her false eyelashes. She uses facial cleansing wipes as well as a facial cleanser to remove her makeup. She thinks that the eyelash glue is probably hard to remove because her glue is advertised to be waterproof, so it must be harder to remove just like other waterproof makeup products.
• Interview 3: The girl I interviewed is an amateur makeup user. She wears makeup about four days a week. She said she always experiences the eyelash glue sticking to her lash line. When I asked her how she tries to remove the eyelash glue, she said uses micellar water but it doesn't take off all the glue. She thinks the reason why the eyelash glue sticks to her lashes is due to the way she applies the lashes.
• Interview 4: The girl I interviewed is another makeup enthusiast. She enjoys wearing makeup about five days a week. She said that she also has problems removing stubborn eyelash glue from her eyes. Her technique to remove the eyelash glue from her eyes is by using a makeup wipe and a facial cleanser. She said that she usually pulls the eyelash glue from her lashes when it becomes soft enough to remove. When I asked her why does she think the glue will become soft, she thinks the properties from the eyelash glue breaks down the glue little by little. Also, she expressed that she notices more glue build up if she glued on her lashes, removed it and glued it back on to fix the position of the lashes.
• Interview 5: The girl I interviewed just started wearing false lashes about six months ago, but she has been wearing other makeup products for about a year. She likes to wear makeup about four days a week. She said that she does have a problem removing eyelash glue because it is stubborn and sticks to her lash line. She tries to remove it by simply using facial cleanser. When I asked her why she thinks the glue is hard to take off, she said that her glue has ingredients to help the lashes stay well on the eyes.

• After the interviews, I learned that there are different reasons why the lash glue is hard to remove. A couple of the girls said that it might be due to the way they put on their lashes so there could be a build up of glue, which makes it harder to remove.

Opportunities in Economic and Regulatory Trends

Economic Trends:

1. Source of opportunity: The Balance
2. Information suggesting an opportunity: Baby Boomers aren't retiring because of the recession. They are spending less and making more money. It is causing Millennials to find different outlets to have an income. They are turning to technology and their hobbies to create jobs that didn't exist before, or some of them go on to earning higher degrees. Some of them have temporary jobs to fund their lifestyle like traveling.
3. Prototypical customer: Millennials, who are looking for something to do
4. Relatively easy or relatively difficult: I think the opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because Millennials are going to spend money on what they like, and they are easily influenced by others like influencers. So there is an opportunity pertaining to their lifestyle and interests.
5. Why did you see the opportunity?: I see the opportunity because I see a lot of Millennials spend a big amount of money on technology or travels. 

1. Source of opportunity: The Balance
2. Information suggesting an opportunity: Climate change is affecting the economy. Food prices are increasing due to more extremely hot days. Climate change is creating more disastrous storms, floods, droughts and wildfires.
3. Prototypical customer: Homeowners
4. Relatively easy or relatively difficult: I think the opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because homeowners are willing to protect their homes and properties from the storms.
5. Why did you see the opportunity?: I see the opportunity because I have lived in Florida for most of my life, and we face the storms and floods almost once every year.

Regulatory Changes:

1. Source of opportunity: Pritchard Communications
2. Information suggesting an opportunity: In San Francisco, there was a convention that was organized by the Communications Network, the association for social change communicators. There was a strike at the event hotel, so the association changed its location to support the hotel workers that were on strike. As a result, they got kudos for moving the convention, and the hotel workers got an increase in pay and benefits.
3. Prototypical customer: Tourists
4. Relatively easy or relatively difficult: I think the opportunity is relatively easy to exploit because there are always tourists that need a place to stay.
5. Why did you see the opportunity?: I see the opportunity because the hotel probably had some bad publicity, so the tourists would want to go somewhere else.

1. Source of opportunity: Pritchard Communications
2. Information suggesting an opportunity: The Fairness Project and other local organizers are running campaigns to approve the expansion of Medicaid by going straight to the voters instead of Congress in D.C.
3. Prototypical customer: Doctors
4. Relatively easy or relatively difficult: I think it is relatively difficult to exploit because doctors don't like to accept Medicaid because of the low payment rates.
5. Why did you see the opportunity?: I see the opportunity because doctors would want to make more money.

Identifying Local Opportunities

Title: City Commission repeals plastic ban, raises GRU rates

Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/city-commission-repeals-plastic-ban-raises-gru-rates/article_cbb76770-d5e3-11e9-9a5e-2fe54a48b3cd.html
Description of story: The city commission repealed plastic and styrofoam ban in Gainesville, and there is an increase in GRU bills. Citizens spoke on the issues.
Description of problem: The city commission repealed the ban because there are Florida statues that prevent it. There is a 2.3 percent increase to monthly bills from GRU starting Oct 1.
Description of who has the problem: The environment has the problem with the ban, and Gainesville residents have the problem with the GRU bill.

Title: Biker caught stealing plants from Satchel’s Pizza

Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/biker-caught-stealing-plants-from-satchel-s-pizza/article_f8110938-d5c1-11e9-b240-63c79cc54825.html
Description of story: There is someone who is stealing plants from Satchel's Pizza.
Description of problem: The owners want to stop the plant theft because it is part of their restaurant and passions. It is making their garden look depleted.
Description of who has the problem: The owners have the problem.

Title: No more mango? Trump administration to propose ban of e-cigarette flavors

Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/no-more-mango-trump-administration-to-propose-ban-of-e/article_0a061ac4-d4dd-11e9-bcd5-87d4340fabf1.html
Description of story: The Trump administration is trying to ban fruity e-cigarette flavors that are popular. They are trying to prevent new users and underage use.
Description of problem: Vape shop business owners will see a decrease in business because the fruity flavors are the most popular flavors.
Description of who has the problem: The vape shop owners have the problem.

Title: Students and activists make posters ahead of blue light protest on Fraternity Row

Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/students-and-activists-make-posters-ahead-of-blue-light-protest/article_6c882e9c-d4e9-11e9-a8c9-83afa3c1f69c.html
Description of story: There is an organization that is fighting to put blue lights on Fraternity Row on campus.
Description of problem: There is a lack of blue lights on Fraternity Row, where a lot of sexual assault happens.
Description of who has the problem: College students who feel unsafe in that area have the problem

Title: UF Preview prices broke state law. How are they fixing it?

Link: https://www.alligator.org/news/uf-preview-prices-broke-state-law-how-are-they-fixing/article_2daeae4c-d2b6-11e9-9c0c-9fca1017f082.html
Description of story: Parents and students have been spending a lot of money to attend Preview. There is an investigation to find out if students have been overcharged. There is going to be revisions to the Preview registration process.
Description of problem: Students didn't know that there was a cheaper option for Preview.
Description of who has the problem: Parents and students have the problem because they spend a lot of money to attend Preview.

An Opportunity

Beginning Point
There is an opportunity that exists in removing eyelash glue.

Belief
The unmet need is to remove stubborn eyelash glue that still remains on the eyelashes. The people who have the need are makeup users like college students at UF, makeup influencers on YouTube, models removing their makeup at the end of the night, or makeup artists when they work with clients. The problem has always existed, but eyelash glue manufacturers are making the eyelash glue more long-lasting so it is harder to remove. People with this need are using eye makeup remover, eyelash adhesive remover solutions , facial cleanser or makeup wipes to remove their makeup along with the eyelash glue. However, it is not enough to remove the remaining of the adhesive. I am 80% sure that this opportunity exists.

Iteration No. 1
The customer is a 20 year old college student who wears very minimal makeup most days, but she wears a full face of makeup once to three times a month. She started wearing makeup when she was 16.

Interview
What problems do you have when you use eyelash glue?
-"It always get stuck on my lashes after I remove my makeup"

Do you have problems with removing stubborn eyelash glue?
-"Yes"

How often do you experience it?
-"Every time I put on lashes"

How long has this been a problem for you?
-"Past five years so every since I began wearing false lashes"

Why do you think it is a problem?

-"It doesn't remove well with most commercial makeup removers or wipes. Often times, a clump will get caught at the base of my lash line which makes it difficult to remove without also losing some of my natural eyelashes."

What do you do to remove the eyelash glue now?
-"I use my makeup remover, take a hot shower, wash my face, and sometimes only time helps to remove it completely."

Are you satisfied with that method?

"No"

Iteration No. 2

The customer is a 21 year old college student at UF. She loves wearing makeup with bold colors. She believes she's an amateur and uses makeup four days a week.

Interview
What problems do you have when you use eyelash glue?
-"It gets everywhere, kind of messy, hard to remove, leaves sticky sensation on eyelids if I have trouble applying my eyelashes"

Do you have problems with removing stubborn eyelash glue?
-"I do have problems with removing eyelash glue like even two days after wearing lashes I'll find some still on my lash line"

How often do you experience it?
-"Almost every time"

How long has this been a problem for you?
-"Every since I started using glue"

Why do you think it is a problem?

-"I think it's a problem because of how I apply lashes. I don't really think there's a way around it."

What do you do to remove the eyelash glue now?
-"I wait for it to dry and then use a Q-tip with micellar water to remove it and sometimes it's annoying because it means I take off some of the eyeshadow I put on."

Are you satisfied with that method?

"No"

Iteration No. 3

The customer is a 21 year old college student at UF. She wear makeup about twice a week. 

Interview
What problems do you have when you use eyelash glue?
-"Eye irritation because the chemicals cause eye redness"

Do you have problems with removing stubborn eyelash glue?
-"Yes because of the residue, it’s hard to take off with some makeup removers "

How often do you experience it?
-"Whenever I use fake lashes at least once a week"

How long has this been a problem for you?
-"it’s been a problem since I started using a different brand that has stronger adhesive properties."

Why do you think it is a problem?

-"it is a problem because it has stronger chemicals which makes my eyes more irritated."

What do you do to remove the eyelash glue now?
-"Using nail polish remover with a tip"

Are you satisfied with that method?

"No because it makes my eyes more irritated because it’s more chemicals."

Reflection

I found out that this opportunity is a lot more common than I thought. Everyone has problems with how it is hard to remove. The lash glue holds the false lashes well, but it is hard to remove. It will stay on the lashes for some time after trying to remove it. I was really surprised that one of the customers uses nail polish remover to remove the lash glue.

Summary

All of my original opportunity is still there. People do have problems with removing lash glue. I do think that my new opportunity is more accurate than when I first started, but there is some room to adapt based on the last interview I conducted. I think entrepreneurs should adapt their opportunities based on customer feedback. They should listen to what the customers have to say because it provides new insights that the entrepreneur probably didn't think about.

My Entrepreneurship Story

My entrepreneurship story started when I recorded a video doing my makeup and uploaded it on YouTube. Then, I was contacted by someone who was in a committee for a statewide pageant. She asked me to do makeup for the pageant contestants in 2017. I was able to provide my services for two of the contestants, and one of them won fan favorite and the other won the winning title! In the following year, I was asked to come back to be a makeup artist. In the picture above, she is a client I had for the pageant in 2018. She won third place! I charged to do the makeup services, and I still charged people $50 in between my time with the pageant.

The reason I enrolled in ENT3003 is to learn how to improve my entrepreneurship skills. I would like to develop my skills more to develop a business in the future.

Bug List

Bug List

The following are 20 bugs that I have observed along with why the bug exists:

1. When the toothpaste falls off the toothbrush, it stays in the sink if it isn't removed right away.
1. The toothpaste is a thick cream so it won't completely wash away with just water.
2. When I fry something, I hate it when the oil starts popping everywhere.
1. The oil is most likely reacting with water or the oil could be too hot.
3. I hate walking out in public when it is dark.
1. It is an uncomfortable setting for women.
4. It bothers me when people don't put the toilet seat cover down when done with the bathroom.
1. People don't think about the toilet cover, but some people are taught to put the toilet seat down.
5. It bothers me when people are talking loudly in the library on the quiet floors, so it is harder for me to focus.
1. This bug exists because they are probably studying with their friends and end up socializing.
6. It bugs me when my peanut butter to jelly ratio for a sandwich is off, so there is usually more jelly than peanut butter.
1. There is no measurement tool that is used.
7. It bugs me when my eyeliner gets underneath my eyes, so it is hard to rub off without rubbing off my concealer.
1. The eyeliner is a gel, so it is harder to remove.
8. Sometimes one of the adjustable straps on my backpack ends up longer than the other, so one side is tighter than the other.
1. The straps are easy to adjust by simply pulling on it. So the straps could end up being pulled on by something else.
9. It bugs me when my room starts smelling like the food that is cooking in the kitchen because my room is right next to the kitchen.
1. There is an opening underneath my door so the smell of the food is strong or the vent is not being used.
10. It bothers me when my eyebrows don't look similar when they are supposed to look like "sisters."
1. My natural brow shape on both sides are not exactly the same.
11. It bothers me when my eyelash glue doesn't come off of my eyelashes even when I use a facial cleanser.
1. The eyelash glue is advertised to be waterproof, and my facial cleanser doesn't advertise as a cleanser for waterproof makeup.
12. Sometimes when I'm walking in sandals, I scrape the top of my shoes so it leaves a white mark.
1. The sandals can be a little too big.
13. Sometime when I wear matte liquid lipstick, it gets onto my teeth or something else and it's supposed to be transfer-proof.
1. The liquid lipstick was probably not dried yet or there was more than one layer.
14. It bugs me when leaves get into the hood of my car, so it makes it harder to clean my car after wards.
1. The leaves are small, so it takes a longer time to remove the leaves.
15. When I'm the passenger of a car, the driver doesn't slow down when going over speed bumps.
1. The driver is in a hurry or they don't know the effects of going fast over speed bumps.
16. It bugs me when the bathroom stalls in women's bathrooms have the little cracks in between the doors.
1. The cracks are probably to help people see motion or an object in the stalls.
17. During hurricane season, the lines for gas stations are long so there is no control or direction.
1. There is a need for gas so people can drive out of the storm.
18. It bothers me when drivers slow down when there is an accident on the side of the road, so it causes traffic.
1. Drivers want to know what's going on and see how bad the accident is.
19. It bugs me when I have fallout from my eyeshadow, so it causes a mess underneath my eyes.
1. The eyeshadow is probably really pigmented or I use a lot to pack on the color.
20. It bugs me when the shower is clogged, so the water is backed up in the tub.
1. There is probably hair or an object in the drain.

Reflection

This assignment was challenging because I try to not let things bother me, but I realized that there are little things that still do bother me. It's part of human nature. It's cool to look at the bugs in a different way because I am able to see that there is a solution to the problem. 

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