Future Entrepreneurs
Medgar Evers College senior Kandie Hyppolite, who is the CEO and founder of her own makeup line Kandielicious, is familiar with pitching her products to potential clients but said the College’s Pitch Night and Master Class exceeded her expectations.
“I was excited to be a part of something different and to hear other people pitch their ideas,” said Hyppolite. “This was something that allowed me to see other businesses and see where I am in the entrepreneur space.”
In addition to pitching her business, the business management major sold some of her products and provided samples for people who came by her table. Hyppolite was one of 40 Medgar Evers College students who took part in last Tuesday’s ‘Pitch Night and Master Class’. School of Business Professors Micah Crump and Ayana Kone said they wanted to create an event that gave the students the opportunity to practice what they are learning in class. Additionally, the professors said it gave them a chance to share the students’ talents with others.
“We are constantly chasing opportunities to showcase our hidden gems, our campus entrepreneurs,” said Crump.
The evening began in the lobby of AB1, where students representing existing or new businesses were given the opportunity to display a poster presentation and pitch their idea or current business to their peers, faculty, staff, and local entrepreneurs. The second part of the night was a Master Class in EOJ Auditorium led by Ron Johnson, CEO and founder of Triton Consulting LLC. Johnson began by sharing his journey on how he started as an entrepreneur and walked students through his process. He then moderated a panel discussion with local entrepreneurs: Jasmine Marie, Creative Women Build; Derrell Smith, Amazeballs; and Melissa Sutherland, sk.ArtSpace. At the end of the evening, two top poster presentation winners each received a $100 cash gift card. Four students were recognized at a second-tier level for their poster presentations. Each of those students received a $50 cash gift card.
In addition to the cash prizes and bragging rights, the students said they walked away with a renewed commitment to being an entrepreneur.
“I thoroughly enjoyed what I heard as it relates to entrepreneurship,” said student Derrick Ross. “My biggest takeaway was overcoming the fear factor and trusting the process.”
“Seeing all this great talent was awesome, and Medgar Evers College is opening more doors for students to be entrepreneurs,” said Hyppolite.
Crump and Kone said plans are underway for future events in spring 2020.
Student winners:
Top tier
Tara Warwick: her proposed business Doggie So Fresh would sell perfumed dog collars that would reduce barking and help your pooch have a better mood.
Keith Dailey: his proposed business Med Adhere would manage patient medical compliance.
Second tier
Yamilex Cruz (Cruz Inc.): her proposed product is a car sensor that alerts a driver when a young child is left in an overheating car.
Concessa Joseph-Leconte: her proposed business, #RapidCash, is an app that would enable people to send money from the US to the Caribbean.
Shakim “Shaq” Duperval: his company DUP Wine currently manufacturers and retails wine.
Tiffany Pottinger: her proposed business Majesty Pet Home Care would supply boarding and care for cats and dogs.
