We spoke to two college students about balancing a social life, their studies and owning a business.
Jasmine Griffin, a student at Cal State Long Beach and owner of Bikini G Swimwear said, “I have to schedule time for school and time for my business. One main advantage is that you are your own boss so you get to choose when you want to focus on your business.”
When you own your own business, it is key to designate which days are dedicated for school work and seperate days for handling business.
Griffin said, “An advantage to having a small business is that it helps me show my creative side. Also having to be more disciplined as well as having to do everything on my own.”
When it comes to prioritizing, Griffin puts school first. She dedicates 30 hours a week for school and 10 hours a week for her small business.
Starting a business is not easy. There will be many obstacles during the process.
For Griffin, time management was a challenge and having to set priorities between school and her business.
Lara Matias, a student at CSULB and business owner of Pressure.USA said, “Being a college student comes first, so I always hold myself accountable by staying on top of my coursework and checking my dashboard daily.”
Matias said that some assignments can unexpectedly become more difficult than others at times so she tends to work on her assignments all throughout the day, allowing her to focus on her brand later on at night.
“I’ve created connections with different artists and creators that have the same interests and who have supported and inspired me to keep going. I believe that everyone can win, no matter how many other brands are out there,” said Matias.
In addition, she says that time management is as critical as time is of the essence. At the end of the day she believes that her lifestyle is dedicated to school, her business and her social life.
School takes up most of her time, although designing and creating new concepts by staying connected to her friends and family are always the base of her inspiration.
“Everyone’s process is different, and patience is needed to see progress overtime,” said Matias.