By Allison Albery
Spotlight on Qualia Parker and Her Business Journey
About You and Your Business
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your business? What inspired you to start it?
Hi! My name is Qualia Parker, and I’m a junior at Grand Valley studying General Business. I’m a home-based hairstylist who also runs a mini beauty supply store from home. As a freshman, I found it challenging to get to the nearest hair store without a car, and finding nearby hairstylists was just as hard. This inspired me to make beauty products more accessible while pursuing my passion for hairstyling.
Q: What products or services do you offer, and what makes them unique?
I offer a variety of hair and beauty care products, such as styling tools, hair oil, hair extensions, and lip gloss. What makes my business unique is my focus on my customers’ needs. I provide quality products close to home and help my clients find what works best for them.
Q: How has your journey as an entrepreneur been so far?
It’s been both rewarding and challenging. I’ve learned how to balance school and business, market myself, and build great relationships with my clients. Every step of the way has taught me something new and boosted my confidence as a business owner.
Your Experience at the Last Pop-Up Sale
Q: How did you hear about CEI’s Pop-Up Sale, and what made you decide to participate?
I heard about CEI’s Pop-Up Sale through my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Javion Ward. I decided to join because it was a great opportunity to promote my business and connect with amazing people.
Q: What was your favorite part of being a vendor at the event?
My favorite part was meeting new people and interacting with customers. Seeing their excitement about my products was so rewarding! I also loved working with the event’s e-board—they’re such great people!
Q: Were there any memorable moments or interactions from the sale that stood out to you?
Absolutely! People were surprised and excited to see my table. Many said my business solved a real problem here on campus, which was so encouraging to hear.
Q: Did participating in the Pop-Up Sale bring new opportunities or connections for your business?
Yes, it did! I met new entrepreneurs, customers, and faculty members who now support my business and help spread the word about what I offer.
Impact and Growth
Q: How did the Pop-Up Sale help your business grow or gain exposure?
The event allowed me to showcase my products to a larger audience, bringing in new customers who now recommend my business to their family and friends.
Q: Did you learn any valuable lessons from the event that you’ve applied to your business since?
Definitely. Customer feedback has been invaluable. Based on their suggestions, I’m considering adding new products to my offerings.
Looking Ahead
Q: What are your goals for your business in the upcoming year?
My main goal is to expand in various ways. I plan to permanently get my products available on campus so students can access them even when I’m not around.
Q: How can communities like CEI continue to support entrepreneurs like you?
CEI can support entrepreneurs by hosting more networking events and providing funding opportunities. Resources like mentorship and guidance on scaling businesses would also be incredibly helpful.
Showcasing Your Story
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Start small and stay consistent. Things can get overwhelming, but remember, just like nature has rainy days and storms, they don’t last forever. Follow your vision, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do. Your vision is yours for a reason—it’s not for them to see!
Spotlight on Joshua Blaine and the Story Behind Felici
About Myself and My Brand
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your business? What inspired you to start it?
My name is Joshua Blaine, and I’m the founder of Felici, a luxury streetwear clothing brand dedicated to promoting happiness and self-expression through fashion. I started Felici to combine my passion for creativity and style with a deeper mission—to inspire others to master happiness and live fulfilling lives.
Q: What products or services do you offer, and what makes them unique?
Felici offers high-quality streetwear, including shirts, hoodies, and socks, all featuring unique designs and messaging that center around happiness, freedom, and self-mastery. Our products stand out because they’re not just clothing—they’re meaningful pieces that resonate with people seeking joy and positivity in their lives.
Q: How has your journey as an entrepreneur been so far?
It’s been both challenging and rewarding. My entrepreneurial journey has pushed me to grow as a leader, problem-solver, and creative thinker. Balancing creativity with strategy has been a learning experience, and I’ve been deeply inspired by the support and feedback from our growing community.
My Experience at the Last CEI Pop-Up Sale
Q: How did you hear about CEI’s Pop-Up Sale, and what made you decide to participate?
I heard about CEI’s Pop-Up Sale through social media and from Sarah Abel, the President’s Assistant. I decided to participate because it was an incredible opportunity to connect directly with customers, showcase my brand, and expand my reach.
Q: What was your favorite part of being a vendor at the event?
Interacting with customers in person was my favorite part. Hearing their reactions to my designs and sharing the story behind Felici made the experience truly rewarding.
Q: Were there any memorable moments or interactions from the sale that stood out?
One standout moment was when a customer shared how much they connected with our “Way of Bliss” design, saying it aligned perfectly with their personal journey toward happiness. Moments like this remind me why I started Felici—to inspire and connect with others.
Q: Did participating in the Pop-Up Sale bring new opportunities or connections for your business? If so, can you share an example?
Yes! It opened doors for collaborations with other vendors and local businesses. For example, I connected with Javion, the owner of the MOF brand, and we discussed partnering on a co-branded project that aligns with Felici’s mission.
Impact and Growth
Q: How did the Pop-Up Sale help your business grow or gain exposure?
The event increased Felici’s visibility within the GVSU community, introduced our brand to new people, and provided valuable product feedback. It also boosted sales and strengthened our connection with potential customers both on and off campus.
Q: Did you learn any valuable lessons from the event that you’ve applied to your business since?
I learned the importance of storytelling when selling in person. Sharing Felici’s mission helped customers connect with the brand on a deeper level. I’ve since incorporated more storytelling into my online marketing strategy.
Looking Ahead
Q: What are your goals for your business in the upcoming year?
My goals for Felici include scaling it to a five-figure business, expanding our product line, and establishing a strong presence in both local and online markets. I also plan to collaborate with influencers and participate in more events like CEI’s Pop-Up Sale.
Q: How can communities like CEI continue to support entrepreneurs like you?
CEI can support entrepreneurs by hosting more networking events, offering workshops on business growth strategies, and providing resources to help businesses market themselves effectively.
Showcasing Your Story
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, what would it be?
Stay true to your vision, but be flexible enough to adapt and learn. Challenges will come, but every obstacle is an opportunity to grow and refine your craft. Trust the process and never lose sight of your mission.
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