Exploring Entrepreneurship at Vox Panel

Participants in the panel imparted wisdom and personal stories from their paths in entrepreneurship.

In a cozy setting last Thursday, Vox organized a discussion featuring small business entrepreneurs from New York City, under the banner 'Entrepreneurship, Explained,' supported by Verizon Business. Nisha Chittal, who serves as Vox's VP of development and chief of staff, led the session with notable figures such as luxury jewelry and hair accessory designer Jennifer Behr, alongside Tanner Richie and Fletcher Kasell, the creative minds behind Tanner Fletcher fashion brand. The conversation revolved around their business initiation stories, multitasking as business founders, and the counsel they would extend to budding entrepreneurs. These are some key takeaways from their exchange:

Jennifer Behr on Merging Artistic Vision with Business Acumen

Jennifer Behr considers herself fortunate for being both artistically inclined and analytically minded, a combination not every creative person possesses. She highlighted that launching a company with limited financial resources necessitates practicality from the outset. While producing intricately crafted products that might not sell is what fulfills her, she understands the importance of creating items that sustain her business financially.

Fletcher Kasell on Crafting a Diverse Brand Identity

Fletcher Kasell emphasized the importance of defying traditional advice that demands a narrowly defined target audience. Their intention was to avoid pigeonholing their brand into appealing to just one segment of consumers, realizing this could limit their potential reach. They aimed for broad inclusivity from the beginning.

Further expanding on this vision, Tanner Richie described their brand's appeal as 'Bushwick meets the Upper East Side,' reflecting its broad demographic reach from affluent women to trendy East Village residents. The same product might appeal to this diverse group, with individual styling lending unique expression to each piece.

Tanner Richie on Social Media's Role

According to Tanner Richie, authenticity on social media not only facilitates product sales but also helps establish a genuine connection with their audience. Amid growing consumer wariness of large corporations, showcasing their brand's small, dynamic operations resonates with followers who enjoy seeing the human aspect behind the facade. It also offers a rare glimpse into the less-polished, more candid side of their business operations.

Jennifer Behr Reflects on Her Most Cherished Achievements

While media appearances, such as celebrities wearing her designs, provide visibility, Jennifer Behr cherishes the deep satisfaction when individuals personally choose to wear and invest emotionally in her creations, feeling this personal connection and enthusiasm is profoundly meaningful.

Advice from Fletcher Kasell to Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Kasell advises new entrepreneurs to find and stick with their unique vision. It's often simple to doubt oneself and over-rely on external opinions. They related initially taking excess advice, which diluted their brand's core identity. Ultimately, customers gravitate towards what the creator genuinely stands behind, highlighting the importance of self-assurance in one's brand vision.