I fell in love with the beauty of South Africa two years ago. Beautiful faces of mothers and children struggling to stay alive in a small village outside of Johannesburg. Poorer than poor, yet exuding exquisite joy and grace and generosity. I went to build playgrounds, assist with education and feed children, but these families needed jobs. And these mothers craved empowerment. I went to help orphans, but returned with a passion for social change.
This time last year, I was accepted to SMU after submitting an essay about my plans to start a business in South Africa. However, due to my financial situation, I spent the year at Richland Community College. In hindsight, my semester in community college transformed into a blessing.
Last fall,
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While I have not taken a bunch of classes, or gone to any class lectures, I still have a drive to learn and determination to achieve projects. I've attended global impact conferences, start up pitches, and read everything from "Learn Startup" to "Built to Last." I am discovering that I possess a natural drive to create my own business school …show more content…
Initially, my handbag company was designed to employ mothers in extreme poverty and pay them the $700 a month needed to rescue her family from poverty. In traditional fashion, I would lead the company as CEO and they would be employees. My business model shifted, however, during my last visit when I learned from local experts that true economic empowerment and social change for my mothers meant THEY owned their business. These mothers, who had nothing, would eventually buy their sewing machines and resources from me and sell me their best handbags, assuming they met my quality control. As a result, I changed my business model and changed my role to“sales agent”. My original business plan provided a livable wage. My new business plan provides economic