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Rena is an entrepreneurial leader in many ways. Her business Boutiq first started with an idea and a few people but grew into a full-fledged service. Her creativity and enthusiasm for the idea helped her see the vision and develop it into reality. Her values drove her actions and she takes on a lot of responsibilities because of it. She has also developed a sense of risk-taking by taking calculated risks and coping with failure. She believes that everyone can be an entrepreneur because everyone has the qualities needed within them.
Entrepreneurial advice and experiences from Rena:
What is advice you would give to someone starting their own business?
Evaluate the need for the business and understand the difference between your perception of the need and what the market demands
Be a disciplined entrepreneur (a nod to her business school professor Bill Aulet’s book “Disciplined Entrepreneurship”)
Will the dog eat the dog food? Will people do/buy the thing you’re building
Accepting results of that test
Validating the demand
Ask questions in inquiry mode, not sales mode
Your product doesn't have to be something people need, but can be something they desire and are willing to pay for
How do you deal with fear and doubt?
Be persistent, hardworking, creative and flexible
Stay true to yourself and you can build something great
Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster, so it is important to come to peace with things that don't go the way you want
Making the effort is half the battle
How does your business look different now vs how it looked originally?
Boutiq started with herself, her husband, and an idea
Rena has gone from her original vision to an actual company with employees, distinct functional teams, and a real impact with homes in 15 markets and growing
What qualities in Rena come out in full force through entrepreneurship?
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Being open minded, restless, and having a desire to create
As CEO, Rena learned that she can't be passive because there are too many tasks to get done to be successful
She doesn't compromise her values; she always does what she says and doesn't let people down
Rena believes these qualities have always been there, but now they can shine
How does Rena take that leap despite risk?
Rena was able to build security and a foundation while taking calculated risk
She is on a quest for impact and making the most of her abilities and talent
How has Rena grown personally from being an entrepreneur?
Has much more confidence in her abilities and knowing what is possible
Once you start working, you realize it is doable
Learned that anyone deserves a place, and if you put your mind to it, you can do it
Figured out how to work around barriers
About The Authors:
Samantha Ramirez '26
Business
Daphne Sahaya '24
Biology
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