Kelly’s grandmother taught her how to sew and repair clothes, and she learned how to make her own shoes from scratch.
Childhood Influences and Early Life
Growing up in Little Rock, Arkansas, Cie Kelly was surrounded by the sounds of her family’s entrepreneurial spirit. Her grandparents and two older brothers were all involved in various business ventures, and Kelly was exposed to the world of commerce from a young age. This exposure sparked her desire to be self-sufficient and independent. Kelly’s grandmother, in particular, played a significant role in shaping her entrepreneurial mindset. She taught Kelly how to sew and repair clothes, and Kelly learned how to make her own shoes from scratch. Kelly’s grandmother was a skilled seamstress who made her own clothes and repaired those of her family members.
Sparking a passion for entrepreneurship from a young age.
This early exposure to business concepts and entrepreneurial spirit sparked her interest in starting her own business.
Early Beginnings
Kelly’s entrepreneurial journey began in second grade, where she was exposed to Junior Achievement of Arkansas. This program provided her with a comprehensive understanding of business concepts, including marketing, finance, and management. The program’s interactive and engaging approach helped her develop essential skills that would later benefit her in her business ventures. Key takeaways from Junior Achievement of Arkansas: + Understanding of business concepts + Development of essential skills + Exposure to entrepreneurial spirit
The Turning Point
At the age of 13, Kelly started her first business, a dog-walking service. This marked the beginning of her entrepreneurial journey, and she continued to learn and grow as a business owner.
The Early Days of Cie’s Sips
At 21, Kelly was determined to make a living. She started Cie’s Sips, a small business selling specialty drinks, out of necessity. The business was initially run from her home, with Kelly working tirelessly to create unique and delicious drinks. She focused on building a loyal customer base, often hosting events and promotions to attract new customers. Key features of Cie’s Sips: + Specialty drinks + Small business + Run from home + Focus on building a loyal customer base
The Rise of Sticks by Cie
As Cie’s Sips gained popularity, Kelly turned her attention to another business venture: Sticks by Cie. This business was born out of a passion for drumline and a desire to turn a traditional craft into a lucrative trade. Kelly began decorating drumsticks with custom designs, which quickly gained popularity among drumline enthusiasts. Key features of Sticks by Cie: + Decorating drumsticks with custom designs + Traditional craft turned into a lucrative trade + Gained popularity among drumline enthusiasts
The Intersection of Cie’s Sips and Sticks by Cie
As Kelly’s two businesses grew, she began to notice an intersection between the two. Many of her Cie’s Sips customers were also drumline enthusiasts, and vice versa.
She started selling her drinks at local events and festivals, and eventually landed a contract with a local restaurant to supply them with her drinks. She has also been featured in a few local publications and has received several awards for her craft.
The Rise of a Craft Beverage Entrepreneur
A Humble Beginning
It all started when Sarah was approached by a music festival organizer to be a vendor. This chance encounter sparked an idea, and Sarah decided to take the leap and start her own business. She had always been passionate about creating unique and delicious drinks, and this opportunity allowed her to turn that passion into a career.
From Festival to Brick and Mortar
Sarah’s initial foray into entrepreneurship was selling her drinks at local events and festivals. She quickly gained a loyal following and received positive feedback from customers. As her business grew, she began to explore new opportunities. She landed a contract with a local restaurant to supply them with her drinks, which marked a significant milestone in her journey.
Expansion and Recognition
As Sarah’s business continued to thrive, she started to receive recognition for her craft.
She is a member of the 2019 class of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and has been a member of the NAWBO Nashville chapter since 2015.
The Journey of a Female Entrepreneur
As a successful female entrepreneur, Sarah has traversed a path that is both challenging and rewarding. With a wealth of experience in business and leadership, she has developed a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.
Building a Strong Foundation
Sarah’s journey began with a strong foundation in business and leadership. She advises those considering starting a business to “mentally prepare but also go for it.” This advice is rooted in her own experiences, where she had to overcome numerous obstacles to achieve her goals. By mentally preparing, she was able to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of adversity. Key takeaways from Sarah’s advice: + Mentally prepare for the challenges of entrepreneurship + Stay focused and motivated + Be willing to take calculated risks
Mentoring the Next Generation
In addition to her business ventures, Sarah is also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She mentors middle school and high school students remotely for JA of Arkansas, providing guidance and support to young people who are just starting out on their entrepreneurial journey. Benefits of mentoring: + Provides young people with valuable skills and knowledge + Helps to build confidence and self-esteem + Fosters a sense of community and connection
Expanding Her Reach
Sarah’s commitment to mentoring and business development extends beyond her local community.
The program is designed to teach students the skills and knowledge needed to start and run a successful business.
The Origins of the JA Company Program
The JA Company Program was founded by a group of businessmen in 1919, with the goal of teaching students the skills and knowledge needed to start and run a successful business. The program was designed to be a hands-on, experiential learning experience that would allow students to bring an idea to life and to the marketplace.
Key Components of the Program
The JA Company Program is designed to teach students the following key components:
The 13-Week Program
The JA Company Program is a 13-week program that takes students through the process of bringing an idea to life and to the marketplace.
The program offers a unique opportunity for students to develop their skills and build their confidence.
Connecting Classroom Concepts to Real-World Experiences
The [Program Name] is a unique educational initiative that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world experiences. By connecting theoretical concepts to practical applications, the program empowers students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter and its relevance to their everyday lives.
Key Components of the Program
The Benefits of Local Volunteerism
Local volunteerism has numerous benefits for both the students and the business community. By engaging with local businesses, students gain valuable life skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are essential for future success. These skills are not only beneficial in the workplace but also in personal relationships and community involvement. Students develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards their community
The Impact on the Business Community
Local volunteerism also has a positive impact on the business community. By engaging with local students, businesses can:
The Program’s Success Story
The program has seen many participants who have gone on to become volunteer mentors with the program.
The program is designed to foster a sense of community and collaboration among participants.
The Governor’s Cup Program
The Governor’s Cup program is a unique and comprehensive initiative that offers a transformative learning experience for students.
The competition is open to students from any Arkansas institution of higher education, including community colleges and universities.
The Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair
The Arkansas State Science and Engineering Fair is an annual event that brings together students from across the state to showcase their scientific and engineering projects. The competition is designed to encourage students to explore their creativity, develop problem-solving skills, and foster a love for science and engineering.
Eligibility and Participation
- High School Division
- Middle School Division
- College Division
- Graduate Division
- Provide a platform for community leaders and faculty to share knowledge and best practices in entrepreneurship education
- Offer resources and training to support the development of entrepreneurship education programs
- Foster collaboration and networking among community leaders and faculty
- Access to expert-led training and workshops on entrepreneurship education
- Opportunities to network with peers and share experiences
- Access to resources and tools to support entrepreneurship education programs
- Enhanced skills and knowledge to develop and implement effective entrepreneurship education programs
- The University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s entrepreneurship program has seen a significant increase in student engagement and retention since participating in the EDGE Summit. The Arkansas Small Business Development Center (ASBDC) has reported a 25% increase in new business creation among clients who have attended the EDGE Summit.
The program is designed to foster collaboration and creativity among participants from diverse backgrounds.
The Healthcare Innovation Sprint
The Healthcare Innovation Sprint is a four-day experience that brings together college juniors, seniors, and graduate students from various disciplines to explore the intersection of healthcare and innovation. The program is designed to foster collaboration and creativity among participants from diverse backgrounds, with the ultimate goal of developing innovative solutions to real-world healthcare challenges.
Key Objectives
- Foster collaboration and creativity among participants from diverse backgrounds
- Develop innovative solutions to real-world healthcare challenges
- Provide a platform for participants to learn from industry experts and network with peers
Program Structure
The Healthcare Innovation Sprint is a four-day experience that includes the following components:
- Day 1: Introduction to the program and the healthcare innovation landscape
- Day 2: Ideation and concept development
- Day 3: Prototyping and testing
- Day 4: Pitching and feedback
Example of a Successful Project
In 2020, a team of students from the University of South Carolina developed a mobile app to track patients’ medication adherence. The app, called “MedMinder,” used machine learning algorithms to send reminders and notifications to patients, helping them stay on track with their medication regimens.
The Problem-Solving Process
The problem-solving process begins with a series of workshops and meetings with mentors from various healthcare and leadership backgrounds. These workshops provide students with the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare organizations. During these sessions, students are encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes idea generation and problem-solving. Key takeaways from these workshops include:
- Understanding the complexities of healthcare systems and the challenges faced by organizations
- Identifying key stakeholders and their needs
- Developing a framework for addressing complex problems
The Customer Discovery Phase
After completing the workshops, students embark on a field study, visiting Conway Regional Health System to conduct “customer discovery.” This phase involves interacting with healthcare professionals, patients, and other stakeholders to validate or invalidate the problems identified during the workshops.
The Conductor has also partnered with the University of Arkansas to host a series of events focused on innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Conductor: A Catalyst for Entrepreneurship
The Conductor is a non-profit organization that aims to foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation in the region. By partnering with the college of business at the University of Arkansas in Conway, The Conductor has established itself as a key player in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the area.
The Power of Partnerships
The Conductor’s partnership with the University of Arkansas has led to a range of exciting initiatives and events. Some of the notable programs and events that have taken place include:
- A panel discussion featuring a group of successful entrepreneurs who shared their experiences and insights on starting and growing a successful business.
One notable example is a student who started a small online tutoring business while attending the Conductor’s workshops. The student was able to increase their earnings by 50% after attending the workshops.
The Power of Entrepreneurship Education
Entrepreneurship education is a rapidly growing field that offers students a unique opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the business world. The Conductor’s workshops provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the entrepreneurial mindset, essential skills, and the tools needed to turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Key Takeaways
- Develops the entrepreneurial mindset
- Essential skills for business success
- Tools for turning ideas into successful businesses
The Benefits of Entrepreneurship Education
Entrepreneurship education offers numerous benefits to students, including:
- Improved problem-solving skills: Students learn to approach problems from different angles, think creatively, and develop innovative solutions. Enhanced critical thinking: Students develop the ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make informed decisions. Increased confidence: Students gain the confidence to take calculated risks and pursue their passions. * Networking opportunities: Students connect with like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and industry experts.
Competition Structure
The competition consists of three rounds of competition, with cash prizes awarded to the winners in each division.
The summit brings together experts in the field of entrepreneurship and education to share knowledge and best practices.
The EDGE Summit: Empowering Community Leaders
The EDGE Summit is an annual event that has been a cornerstone of Arkansas Capital Corp.’s community development initiatives for over a decade. This summit is designed to provide community leaders and faculty at institutions of higher learning with the resources, training, and support they need to develop and implement effective entrepreneurship education programs.
