This is the fifth installment of BOLD - A University of St. Thomas Podcast, a series that creates a dialogue and aims to inspire, encourage and aid students—current and prospective— to “Be Your Bold Self.” New episodes are published bi-weekly. If you have an idea for a potential podcast guest or topic, send them to Darnell Miller at dmiller@stthom.edu.

UST Alumnae, Luisa Banos '16 and Alexis Kuri '16 talk with Darnell Miller — in for Alex Yemeck — about their clothing company, Nour de la Garza. They talk about the challenges of starting a company, how social media has changed fashion and how their UST education comes in handy when they are trying new things. Finally, they share some tips for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to take a leap into starting their own business.

To watch a video version of this podcast click here.

Overview:

00:00:35 - Getting to know Alexis and Luisa

00:01:15 - Starting a clothing company

00:03:40 - Inspiration and designing the collection

00:05:18 - What the design process reveals

00:10:07 - What parts of your UST education have carried over into your careers

00:12:41 - Study abroad and a global approach

00:13:50 - Don’t take your classes for granted

00:16:41 - The social media influence

00:20:06 - Starting as an entrepreneur

00:22:55 - Where to find Nour de la Garza

Additionally, Banos and Kuri offered advice for students who are interested in entrepreneurship and want to realize their dreams:

1. Have a plan and go for it
   
   Have a plan, even if it is not perfect. If you have a great idea, taking that step of going for it and putting it into action is huge. Even if the plan is not perfect and doesn’t work out as plan, having the courage to try builds confidence and teaches valuable lessons. 

2. Do your research
   
   Think about your product and gain an understanding of what you need to do to make it a reality. Consider the legal aspects, the permits and the manufacturing processes you may encounter. Clearly identify your mission and the purpose of your product or company. Finally, consider what makes your product and company unique.

3. Pay attention in class
   
   Yes, you are given an overwhelming amount of information in college, and yes, there's only so much you can retain, but college is a rare moment in life when you have almost unrestricted access to people who are experts in careers you are interested in. Take advantage of that.

4. Bonus Tip! You are never too young or too old to start something meaningful!
   
   If you have an idea and a dream listen to Shia LaBouf (or Nike) and Just Do It!

Resources from this episode:

Their Website

https://www.nourdelagarza.com/

Their Instagram

@nourdelagarza

Study Abroad a UST