3 answers
Lucy
Student
Provo, Utah
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips for starting a business while being in school?
I’ve been working on starting a face painting business while but it’s been stressful also being in tough classes. As a undergrad, I want to find a way to make good money. Any helpful business or time management tips?
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3 answers
Mariana Gardea
Quality Engineer
1
Answer
Chihuahua, Mexico
Updated
Mariana’s Answer
Hello, I can definitely understand how that would feel stressful. But you’re doing some great things! There are ways to handle both, and some strategies could help make the process smoother.
1. Time Management Tips:
a. Prioritize your tasks: Start each week by listing what needs to get done for both your business and school. Break things down by urgency and importance and try to focus on one major task at a time.
b. Utilize your downtime: Whether you’re commuting, waiting for class to start, or during lunch breaks, use this time to work on things like brainstorming for your business, or handling small tasks (social media, email responses, etc.).
2. Finding Balance:
Self-care is key: Balancing school and a business can be exhausting. Don’t forget to take breaks and do things that help you recharge. Burnout won’t help you with either your business or your studies.
3. Business Growth Tips:
a. Focus on local events: Face painting is a great service for parties, festivals, and school events. Have you tried reaching out to local community centers, schools, or event planners? It could help you build a reputation quickly.
b. Social media & Word of Mouth: Building an online presence is crucial for a business like face painting. Instagram is a goldmine for artists—show off your designs, create tutorials, and engage with your community. Word of mouth is powerful too, so after every gig, encourage customers to share photos and recommend you to others.
c. Set a pricing structure: Since you’re an undergrad, consider offering discounted rates for student events or smaller gigs. This could help you get more business early on, and as you grow, you can increase your rates.
1. Time Management Tips:
a. Prioritize your tasks: Start each week by listing what needs to get done for both your business and school. Break things down by urgency and importance and try to focus on one major task at a time.
b. Utilize your downtime: Whether you’re commuting, waiting for class to start, or during lunch breaks, use this time to work on things like brainstorming for your business, or handling small tasks (social media, email responses, etc.).
2. Finding Balance:
Self-care is key: Balancing school and a business can be exhausting. Don’t forget to take breaks and do things that help you recharge. Burnout won’t help you with either your business or your studies.
3. Business Growth Tips:
a. Focus on local events: Face painting is a great service for parties, festivals, and school events. Have you tried reaching out to local community centers, schools, or event planners? It could help you build a reputation quickly.
b. Social media & Word of Mouth: Building an online presence is crucial for a business like face painting. Instagram is a goldmine for artists—show off your designs, create tutorials, and engage with your community. Word of mouth is powerful too, so after every gig, encourage customers to share photos and recommend you to others.
c. Set a pricing structure: Since you’re an undergrad, consider offering discounted rates for student events or smaller gigs. This could help you get more business early on, and as you grow, you can increase your rates.
Lisa Monahan
Enablement Program Manager
1
Answer
Pflugerville, Texas
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi there! I'd recommend looking at local makers markets or events in your area to connect with the coordinator to see if there are opportunities to host a face painting booth. This is a good way to spend some free time on your weekends while also earning money. In addition to providing the service at the event, you can market yourself to parents with children at the event as someone who can be there for birthday parties or other private events.
In addition to my corporate tech job, I run a makers market in my community and I can verify that connecting with the coordinator as well as the other vendors there will help you network and find opportunities to launch this business. Wish you the best of luck!
Research local markets or events in your area.
Reach out to the coordinator or submit an application to be a vendor.
Network while working events to drive further business.
In addition to my corporate tech job, I run a makers market in my community and I can verify that connecting with the coordinator as well as the other vendors there will help you network and find opportunities to launch this business. Wish you the best of luck!
Lisa recommends the following next steps:
Leela Adhvaryu
14
Answers
Updated
Leela’s Answer
Great initiative! It is tough working and studying. However, you have an unique opportunity to set your own time since it is your own business. 1. Complete your hardest classes first so you have time in the year to balance both your side gig and classes
2. Determine what time of the day works for you to work on your business.
3. Find opportunities that fit your time schedule. Social media is great to put yourself out there.
Farmer's market
Birthday parties
Private parties
School events
4. Build your network
Once you find your rhythm you should be able to do it!
2. Determine what time of the day works for you to work on your business.
3. Find opportunities that fit your time schedule. Social media is great to put yourself out there.
Farmer's market
Birthday parties
Private parties
School events
4. Build your network
Once you find your rhythm you should be able to do it!