Why did you launch your company?
Landfills across the globe are swimming in textile waste, and the problem is only getting worse.  I hate seeing how much clothing and textiles get thrown away every year, especially since most of the disposed of items are still in good condition.  We ALL need to become more responsible consumers and learn to appreciate, not exploit, the world’s resources so that we may have something valuable to give future generations. I launched Yellow Blanket to show the world that we can make do with our current resources. I believe my company can help consumers, retailers, and manufacturers stop overlooking the value and opportunity within textile “waste.”

How has your company pivoted from its initial launch?
After deep thought on how Yellow Blanket can genuinely impact the textile waste problem, I made the decision to change my business model. My primary focus is shifting from targeting individual consumers to businesses and moving from B2C to B2B. I decided to change because after doing research, I found that clothing manufacturers and retailers are the main contributors to textile waste. I believe Yellow Blanket can help businesses become more eco-conscious and sustainable.

How has Georgia State supported you in your entrepreneurial journey? (courses, faculty, LaunchGSU, scholarships, mentors)?
I have enjoyed working on my company in class. For example, I am creating a business plan for Yellow Blanket in my Product Service design class, which challenges me to figure out things like what are my financial goals and where I envision my company in the next five years. My professor for this class also helps us find entrepreneur events to attend outside of school, which has helped me gain exposure to Atlanta’s ecosystem. In my Business Model Validation course, I’m developing a business model for my company that didn’t exist before. Also, since joining, LauchGSU, I’ve connected with other entrepreneurs at Georgia State.

What is the most challenging aspect of entrepreneurship?
As a solo entrepreneur, sometimes it’s hard not having a team. Although I can ask people for help, I am the only person responsible for keeping my business afloat, which can get overwhelming. I am also challenged by my lack of knowledge in the textile management industry. There’s a lot of research to be done before launching a business, and I find myself backtracking to learn more about the industry I’m trying to enter. Also, there is no concrete rule book for entrepreneurship, which is excellent but can pose a challenge. There are many ways to play the entrepreneur game, and sometimes, it can be daunting or scary not to follow the same paths as everyone else.

What advice can you offer to entrepreneurs?
No matter how hard the journey gets, just keep going and remember your why.