By: Glenn Grakov
To most Southern students, the idea of launching a business while juggling a full course load is nothing short of madness. However, a number of students on campus are not only keeping up with classes but are also running or starting their own businesses at the same time. I sat down with seven of these super-achievers to find out how they pull it off.
Sharon Duque, a senior finance and accounting major and co-founder of MyCareExperts, a startup in the assisted living industry, believes the key is effective time management.
“I’m constantly prioritizing tasks,” she said. “You have to learn how to work smarter, not harder. It’s not about putting in more hours; it’s about using your time more efficiently.”
Dana Grakov, who manages her startup while juggling coursework as a sophomore pre-med student, relies on detailed to-do lists and a strict schedule.
“It’s all about breaking down tasks into manageable chunks,” she explained. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but when you focus on one thing at a time, it all starts to come together.”
Sacrifices are inevitable. Colette Williams, a marketing student, runs a growing vegan dessert catering business called Colette’s Creations. She told me she has had to give up social events to dedicate entire Fridays and Sundays to baking for large orders. For her, passion plays a huge role in staying motivated.
“Balancing life as both an entrepreneur and a student isn’t easy,” she admitted. “However, because I love what I do, I don’t need to force myself to keep going.”
Allen Gustrowsky, a senior computer science major, provides another angle.
“I might be busier, but I’ve also gained other opportunities, like connecting with my co-founders in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Gustrowsky said.
For Heaven Robles, a biology major, her entrepreneurial journey with God’s GlowPacks has deepened her faith.
“It’s amazing to see everything unfold according to God’s will,” Robles said. “My faith has been put into action. At first, I was hesitant to start [my business], but God has opened doors, which encouraged me to keep going.”
For Walter Hernandez, a business administration major and the founder of QRM, a consulting firm specializing in intellectual property, his business has given him purpose.
“It has really improved my self-esteem and gives me focus in terms of not wasting my time,” Hernandez said. “It really made me start paying attention in class and use what I’m learning.”
For those who dream of starting their own business, these student entrepreneurs have a simple message: Start now.
“There’s no perfect plan. Just set small goals, go for it and celebrate each milestone along the way,” Williams advises.
For Lance Erickson, a senior computer science major, starting a business during college simply made sense.
“For me, college seemed like the perfect time to start a business,” Erickson said. “Even though I’m busy, I have more flexibility than I will once I graduate and start a full-time job.”
You do not need to be pursuing a business degree to make it happen, either.
“Getting something off the ground isn’t about being a business major; it is more of a mindset shift,” said Erickson.
“Learn about and use the opportunities that organizations on campus like BringIT provide for student entrepreneurs,” recommended Duque. “The support you can receive is crazy in terms of helping you reach your goals.”
“Growing up, I would read books about successful business founders, and they were portrayed as superhuman,” Grakov recalled. “Now I see it’s not about talent; it’s about doing lots of small tasks that no one else pays attention to. Success is just solving problems, one step at a time.”
Duque, Williams, Gustrowsky, Grakov, Robles and Hernandez will be squaring off in the Student Association/BringIT Shark Tank to win up to $5,000 in prize money for their businesses. Vote for your choice April 10 at 7 p.m. in Thatcher Chapel. Cultural credit available.