Pro Advice
Grads Discuss Entrepreneurial Endeavors in ‘Taking Flight: How to Start Your Own Business’
Recently, Full Sail University hosted “Taking Flight: How to Start Your Own Business” as part of its monthly, live-streamed series on relevant industry topics. Facilitated by Dr. Heather Dartez, Full Sail’s Director of Graduate Studies, the event featured a discussion with grads Jason Ross and Isabel Álvarez. They shared their experiences, challenges, and the keys that have helped contribute to their success.
With a diverse entrepreneurial journey spanning nearly three decades, Jason has worked in entertainment, marketing, real estate, technology, and manufacturing. He studied recording arts at Full Sail before launching companies like The Bottlestar and Xcell Advertising. He currently operates TSM Studio in Orlando.
Isabel has worked in communications and creative spaces. She is the Owner and Creative Director of KMZ. She recently completed Full Sail’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship master’s program.
The two successful entrepreneurs spoke about how their Full Sail education helped grow their confidence as business owners.
“I was able to [pursue] my passion through my master’s because my homework… was about what I wanted to do,” Isabel said. “I invested my time, my money, and everything… to just learning the correct steps of doing what I wanted to do.”
They also discussed the importance of time management.
"Getting to know yourself and when you're most productive is crucial," Jason explained.
Other topics included networking, finding mentors, partnership dynamics, and the need to remain innovative. In addition, Isabel said she learned a lot about finances in her master’s program – concepts that have served her well as a business owner.
“Prepare a solid business plan and know your numbers and understand your market,” she said.
At the end of the day, Jason and Isabel agreed that taking a calculated risk as an entrepreneur is a must to achieve one’s professional goals.
“My motto is, ‘There ain’t nothing to it but to do it,’” Jason said. “If you believe in yourself and you [want] to do it, just go for it. Because if you lose and you fail… a failure is a payment for more knowledge.”
"If you don't really try, you won't know what you're capable of," Isabel added. “If you do it with passion, it’s going to be rewarding, anything that you do.
” Watch the entire episode of “Taking Flight: How to Start Your Own Business” below.
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