2 answers
Ifrah
Student
Savannah, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
1247 views
How to start a brand as international and creative person in usa from scrach in minimum budget after graduation what steps should be taken to start a successful career?
I am doing my masters in usa and what to know more about my career options here as I want to start my own brand so I need to know the details of every steps and legal formalities that should be followed to start a professional career
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2 answers
David Ludwick
Business Owner
60
Answers
Huntington Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Ifrah,
That's awesome you're pursuing your master's in the U.S. and thinking ahead about launching your own brand. Starting from scratch on a tight budget is absolutely possible with the right steps. Here’s a roadmap that blends career-building with starting a brand as an international and creative individual:
Step 1: Understand Your Visa & Work Options (Post-Graduation)
As an international student, your ability to work or start a business legally depends on your visa status.
1. **F-1 Visa Students (Post-OPT/CPT Options)**
- **OPT (Optional Practical Training)**: You can work or even start a business directly related to your field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (or up to 36 months for STEM fields).
- **CPT (Curricular Practical Training)**: While still studying, you can intern or do training that counts toward your degree.
2. **Switching to a Work/Startup-Friendly Visa**
- **H-1B Visa**: Sponsored by an employer, but some startups have sponsored founders.
- **O-1 Visa**: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in creative fields (art, music, design, etc.)
- **International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP)**: For startup founders with a scalable idea and funding.
- **Green Card (eventually)**: Through employment, investment, or family.
> You’ll want to talk to an immigration lawyer to ensure you can start and run a business legally. I can help you list some top immigration law firms if needed.
Step 2: Narrow Down Your Brand Concept
Before going all in, define:
- **What is your brand?** (Fashion, tech, art, design, beauty, wellness?)
- **Who is your audience?** (U.S. locals, international markets, niche communities?)
- **What makes you unique?** (Cultural perspective? Design aesthetic? Storytelling?)
Use your creative edge to stand out!
Step 3: Legal Setup on a Budget
1. **Choose a Business Structure**:
- **LLC (Limited Liability Company)** is the most common for solo founders.
- **Sole Proprietorship** is easy and low-cost but riskier.
- If you need co-founders or funding: consider a **C-Corp (Delaware)**.
2. **Register Your Business** (can be done online in most states):
- Pick a state (e.g., Delaware for flexibility, or your current residence).
- File Articles of Organization ($50–$300).
- Get an **EIN (Employer Identification Number)** for free from the IRS.
- Apply for a **business license** (depends on your city/state).
3. **Open a Business Bank Account** using your EIN.
Step 4: Build Your Brand Identity
1. **Name & Logo**: Use Canva or free tools to design.
2. **Website**: Use platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace.
3. **Social Media**: Build your presence on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.
4. **Create Content**: Tell your story, showcase products/services, and build community.
Step 5: Learn & Network Like Crazy
- **Join startup communities** (check Meetup, Eventbrite, and your school’s entrepreneur groups).
- **Attend pitch competitions, hackathons, or brand bootcamps**.
- **Follow industry blogs**, YouTubers, and influencers in your niche.
You can also apply to startup accelerators like:
- **Y Combinator**
- **Techstars**
- **500 Startups**
- **Antler (for global founders)**
Step 6: Sell & Scale on a Budget
- Use **free or low-cost marketing tools**: email (Mailchimp), analytics (Google), and SEO tools.
- Start with **direct sales** on Instagram, Etsy, or local pop-ups.
- Gather **testimonials**, customer feedback, and iterate.
Bonus: Side Hustles to Sustain You
While your brand grows, consider freelancing or part-time work in:
- Graphic design, content creation, social media management.
- Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, or Toptal.
That's awesome you're pursuing your master's in the U.S. and thinking ahead about launching your own brand. Starting from scratch on a tight budget is absolutely possible with the right steps. Here’s a roadmap that blends career-building with starting a brand as an international and creative individual:
Step 1: Understand Your Visa & Work Options (Post-Graduation)
As an international student, your ability to work or start a business legally depends on your visa status.
1. **F-1 Visa Students (Post-OPT/CPT Options)**
- **OPT (Optional Practical Training)**: You can work or even start a business directly related to your field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (or up to 36 months for STEM fields).
- **CPT (Curricular Practical Training)**: While still studying, you can intern or do training that counts toward your degree.
2. **Switching to a Work/Startup-Friendly Visa**
- **H-1B Visa**: Sponsored by an employer, but some startups have sponsored founders.
- **O-1 Visa**: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in creative fields (art, music, design, etc.)
- **International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP)**: For startup founders with a scalable idea and funding.
- **Green Card (eventually)**: Through employment, investment, or family.
> You’ll want to talk to an immigration lawyer to ensure you can start and run a business legally. I can help you list some top immigration law firms if needed.
Step 2: Narrow Down Your Brand Concept
Before going all in, define:
- **What is your brand?** (Fashion, tech, art, design, beauty, wellness?)
- **Who is your audience?** (U.S. locals, international markets, niche communities?)
- **What makes you unique?** (Cultural perspective? Design aesthetic? Storytelling?)
Use your creative edge to stand out!
Step 3: Legal Setup on a Budget
1. **Choose a Business Structure**:
- **LLC (Limited Liability Company)** is the most common for solo founders.
- **Sole Proprietorship** is easy and low-cost but riskier.
- If you need co-founders or funding: consider a **C-Corp (Delaware)**.
2. **Register Your Business** (can be done online in most states):
- Pick a state (e.g., Delaware for flexibility, or your current residence).
- File Articles of Organization ($50–$300).
- Get an **EIN (Employer Identification Number)** for free from the IRS.
- Apply for a **business license** (depends on your city/state).
3. **Open a Business Bank Account** using your EIN.
Step 4: Build Your Brand Identity
1. **Name & Logo**: Use Canva or free tools to design.
2. **Website**: Use platforms like Shopify, Wix, or Squarespace.
3. **Social Media**: Build your presence on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, etc.
4. **Create Content**: Tell your story, showcase products/services, and build community.
Step 5: Learn & Network Like Crazy
- **Join startup communities** (check Meetup, Eventbrite, and your school’s entrepreneur groups).
- **Attend pitch competitions, hackathons, or brand bootcamps**.
- **Follow industry blogs**, YouTubers, and influencers in your niche.
You can also apply to startup accelerators like:
- **Y Combinator**
- **Techstars**
- **500 Startups**
- **Antler (for global founders)**
Step 6: Sell & Scale on a Budget
- Use **free or low-cost marketing tools**: email (Mailchimp), analytics (Google), and SEO tools.
- Start with **direct sales** on Instagram, Etsy, or local pop-ups.
- Gather **testimonials**, customer feedback, and iterate.
Bonus: Side Hustles to Sustain You
While your brand grows, consider freelancing or part-time work in:
- Graphic design, content creation, social media management.
- Use platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Contra, or Toptal.
Dr. Kelly Desso
Protective Services
262
Answers
Somers, Connecticut
Updated
Dr. Kelly’s Answer
Hi Ifrah,
What field were you planning on producing a product in? We might be able to better guide you on legalities and the path to success with some information on your intended field or link you up with subject-matter experts.
Investigate a problem that needs fixing
What makes your solution unique when compared to others on the market
What field were you planning on producing a product in? We might be able to better guide you on legalities and the path to success with some information on your intended field or link you up with subject-matter experts.
Dr. Kelly recommends the following next steps: