Monday, 22 July 2013

Student Entrepreneur

After nearly a year of not blogging anything, here's an article I wrote about yours truly regarding my entrepreneurial journey:

Student entrepreneur, Shanice Harrison, expands jewellery brand
How the growth of 'SugaSweet Designs' has developed student Shanice Harrison

Peter Jones Enterprise Academy student Shanice Harrison has been building her reputation in the jewellery and business industries with her rising handmade jewellery store 'SugaSweet Designs'. All products are unique, authentic and high-quality, not to mention the fact it's all affordable.

"Since opening my business in October, I've become a lot more confident in both my abilities and myself. My course requires me to be confident in order to pitch my business to people and network with industry professionals, but my business has helped me discover my talents are highly rated. I used to be extremely shy and only ever dreamt of starting a business; I feared how people would react to my jewellery."

Shanice began making jewellery whilst she was studying her AS's at SFH6 (Sydenham and Forest Hill 6th form). She made special pieces for family and friends and sold some on a small stall at a Christmas fair. After receiving good reviews about her jewellery, she decided to open an Etsy shop. "I didn't advertise it or do any marketing. I was so scared of what people would think." This led to her closing her store shortly after.

"I made the rational decision to switch colleges for my second year where I signed up for a business enterprise course. I was told I had to run a micro-business to pass the course, which led me to starting my business. I opened another Etsy store and actually advertised it. I never did a better thing than switch colleges."

It's no secret to those who know Shanice that she used to be very shy, but whilst studying business she has come out of her shell a lot and "developed a lot as a person". She's confident in front of a group of people now and presentations aren't daunting (gasps!). She also loves meeting new people and talking about her business.


"I am very proud of my jewellery and I am proud of what I have achieved. Everyone can achieve their dreams and aspirations if they put their mind to it. I came from thinking it was near impossible to knowing I've done it. I would love to help people reach their targets because sometimes all you need is a helping hand."

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