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The FoundHer Panel on January 24th, 2024 discussed how entrepreneurs are “Using Creativity to Help Your Business Flourish.” The panel was hosted by Kelsey Knigin with Olivia Brasy, Marley Brownlow and Sophia Greenberg as panelists. These ladies all have their own companies. Olivia’s “Saturday Silks” is a brand of decorated scarfs, ranging from college logos to Texas themed scarfs. Marley’s company is called “One Love Beads” where she makes ocean-themed jewelry while spreading cancer awareness through her brand. Sophia’s company is “Sophy Rosy Shop,” where she makes intricate jewelry and cards with a unique artistic twist. These entrepreneurs are all part of the FounderHer Program within the Kendra Scott Women's Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (KS WELI) for Spring 2024.
The influence of creativity to start your business plays a huge role in what makes that company unique. For Saturday Silks, the goal was to make collegiate game day apparel that is comfortable and fashionable. One Love Beads wanted to create a bracelet brand that reflected Marley’s passion for the ocean. Sophy Rosy Shop’s goal was to find innovative ways to create products by testing out different mediums with her ideas.
There is a risk factor of starting a business from a financial, time, and effort standpoint. Brownlow, who is also a fulltime student, mentioned that she is constantly using the opportunities she has in her day to grow her business. Greenberg spoke about focusing on the “enjoyment and freedom” to make her products worthwhile. Brady took the risk to open Saturday Silks not only for collegiate wear, but also expanding the brand towards products following themes, which lead to one of the company’s breakthroughs.
Many of these female entrepreneurs had breakthroughs while running their respective businesses. As Brady began to expand her themes for Saturday Silks she also added to her product line, a risky move that attracted customers. For Brownlow, when her mother passed away she was inspired to add the philanthropic aspect of giving back to females going through her mother’s hardship with cancer. Following these breakthroughs, staying on track to grow their businesses became the entrepreneur’s main focus.
Brady mentioned how time management and goal setting is key for her focus in leading to the success of her business. Brownlow had an approach of taking action towards the ideas she comes up with for her business so they stay relevant. This topic also invited the question of how these ladies keep their creative juices flowing in the process of expanding their business. Two out of the three guests spoke about having a notepad at hand daily, that way when ideas strike during the day they can easily write them down. This notepad is crucial because it keeps track of their creative processes, allowing them to look back or reference their ideas.
These female entrepreneurs provided valuable insight on how to maintain creativity at different stages of their businesses.
About the Author:
Alejandra Acosta '26
Art History & Nutrition Major
Web Communications Committee