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By: Aayushi Mehta
January of 2021 during the freshman year of college, I co-founded a startup, Project Yellow, which aimed to integrate mental health curriculum into the lives of elementary schoolers. Embarking on an entrepreneurial journey as a freshman in college was a mixture of several emotions: scary, thrilling, empowering, and challenging. As the journey unfolded, I encountered numerous highs and lows, ultimately learning invaluable lessons. In this blog, I would like to talk about some of the core lessons I learned throughout the last few years:
1. Don't Give Up:
In the fast-paced world of startups, perseverance is key. The initial hurdles and setbacks can be disheartening, but it's essential to remember that success often lies just beyond the challenges. Within the first few months of Project Yellow, we faced several challenges such as schools would not accept us to volunteer due to the pandemic. 6 months into our work, we also had to make a large pivot. When this happened, it was very disheartening as we had to leave behind work we did on different ideas, however, we were able to learn so much from it and it led to us finding a more effective approach. If it wasn't for perseverance, we wouldn’t be where we are today where we truly have made an impact for thousands of kids.
2. Constantly remind yourself of the goal
Going off what I said in my first point, at times things get hard. At these moments especially, it is important to remind yourself of the mission of why you started it and the goal/impact that it can one day be made. By focusing on our passion, I truly believe that we can get through the hardest of obstacles that businesses face, even if that means a different approach, taking a break, talking to new people, etc. This is also important when a startup experiences great amounts of success.
3. Find a Strong Team:
A startup is only as strong as its team. Surround yourself with individuals who share your passion and complement your skills. When I started, I evaluated what my top skills were and what were the missing parts so that we could create the organization. Project Yellow flourished when we assembled a diverse team with a shared vision for improving mental health education. The collaboration constantly brought fresh, unique perspectives and creative solutions to the table.
4. Trust Your Instinct:
While it's crucial to seek advice and input from others, don't underestimate the power of your own instincts. Project Yellow encountered situations where gut feelings played a significant role in decision-making. Trusting our instincts helped us navigate uncertainties and make informed choices.
5. Plan Ahead - Make Short and Long-Term Goals:
Strategic planning is the backbone of any successful startup. Setting both short and long-term goals provides a roadmap for progress. Project Yellow learned the importance of balancing immediate tasks with a broader vision, ensuring that every small step contributed to the overarching mission.
6. Don't Get Caught Up in Small Details, Look at the Big Picture:
It's easy to get bogged down by minor details, but it's also important to take a step back and look at the big picture. Similar to this, don’t let small obstacles or setbacks take away from all the success and impact that you have had. Project Yellow discovered that focusing on the broader mission allowed for flexibility and adaptability, essential qualities in the ever-evolving startup landscape.
7. Be Adaptable & Try New Things
Don’t stick with one timeline, schedule, working style, communication method, etc. You may get stuck on a routine or one way of doing things, however, it is important to remind yourself to be okay with change or if things don’t go as originally planned.
8. Map Out Big Tasks/Duties and Delegate:
As the startup grows, so do responsibilities. It is vital to mapping out all tasks that need to be done and delegating them to team members. Although you may want to take several tasks on yourself, my personal approach that has worked best is delegating as much as you can but then overseeing and ensuring that you support each department and are on top of it. Project Yellow was able to streamline its operations by assigning specific duties, promoting efficiency and accountability.
9. Look for Opportunities and Apply - Don't Be Scared:
There are so many opportunities out there for young entrepreneurs, but you have to search for them! With the support of University of Texas programs such as Launchpad and Kendra Scott Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute, Project Yellow was able to grow exponentially. It’s important to seek out partnerships, grants, and opportunities to expand its reach. The lesson learned: don't be afraid to apply for that competition or reach out to potential collaborators—bold initiatives lead to remarkable outcomes.
The startup journey is an unpredictable rollercoaster filled with twists and turns. Project Yellow's experience taught me that, despite the uncertainties, a resilient mindset, a strong team, strategic planning, and a focus on the bigger picture can pave the way for success. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, embrace the challenges, learn from the setbacks, and let these lessons guide you towards building something extraordinary. Let’s change the world together, one step at a time.
About The Author:
Aayushi Mehta '24
Human Development & Family Sciences and Marketing
Entrepreneurial LeadHERship Fall 2023 Student
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