Hello, dreamers and entrepreneurs! My name is Kariya Barton. I am a senior majoring in Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the John Chambers College of Business and Economics.
As I near the launch of my own business, Burton's Bakery, after graduating this May, I would like to share some of the valuable lessons and insights I gained during my time at WVU.
Building relationships: the secret to success
In the world of entrepreneurship, relationships are the secret ingredient that adds flavor to a venture. I discovered the immense value of building connections with customers and turning transactions into conversations and check-ins. Building genuine relationships not only creates loyal customers, but also fosters a community of supporters. Some of my clients have become longtime friends and support me as I embark on my entrepreneurial journey.
Find your target audience
WVU taught me an important lesson. You can't meet everyone's needs, and that's perfectly fine. Identifying and understanding your target audience is essential. Many business classes emphasize this principle as the basis for success. Specialization allows you to customize your products and services to the specific needs and preferences of your target audience.
do what you like
Following your passion isn't just a cliché, it's powerful advice. At WVU, the importance of pursuing what you love is instilled in all students. For me, Burton's Bakery has been a dream of mine since I was 12 years old. The unwavering support of her WVU teachers and her friends helped her make that dream a reality.
seize every opportunity
My mentors at WVU, Dr. Frank DeMarco and Dr. Ajay Alluri, taught me the importance of seizing every opportunity, no matter how small it may seem. From school trips to networking nights to career fairs, these experiences are a key ingredient to success. I had the wonderful opportunity to join Nemacolin's pastry department through the Hardy Family Hospitality and Tourism Program. If I hadn't followed this advice, this opportunity would not have been possible.
Learn Sales: Life's Constant Pitch
Dr. Emily Tanner's words resonate with me – “We are always selling something.” This applies to every aspect of our lives. Whether you're selling a product, an idea, or yourself, the art of selling goes beyond business and is a valuable life skill.
Making the Most of WVU's Resources: Opportunities Abundant
WVU is more than just a place to learn. It is a treasure trove of resources waiting to be explored. From industry experts to state-of-the-art facilities, the university provides a nurturing environment for aspiring entrepreneurs. Take advantage of everything WVU has to offer, including mentorship, networking events, professional programs, and more. University is a powerful ally on your entrepreneurial journey. One of the places that helped me on this journey was the Morris L. Hayhurst LaunchLab. The staff there encouraged me to start pitching at Barton's Bakery during my freshman year. Since then, I have never looked back.
A large part of my life and passion is due to my family and friends who have supported me on this journey. That's one of the many reasons I love running Burton's Bakery. Bringing cake to advisors and professors often made their day so much better. That's why I chose this job. You won't know who you can change someone's day or what kind of smile you will get until you try it.
If I could give you one piece of advice, it would be to make the most of your time here at WVU.
Calgia Barton
chambers university student
Entrepreneurship and Innovation Major
Owner of Barton's Bakery
“Let's Talk Business” is a series of guest blogs written by members of the Chambers College community. All views expressed in this post are the author's own.
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