From tacos to t-shirts
Stuffing tacos and burritos at Taco Bell is not exactly the best way to spend your spare time, but when you’re in high school there isn’t really a plethora of job opportunities available, especially for those under 18. I was thankful to be employed, but deep down inside I wanted more.
Two years ago, I worked as a cashier at Taco Bell and attended school at Hickman Mills. While in high school, I participated in many different activities: class president, drum major, and the debate team among other things: but perhaps my involvement in the SCORE Entrepreneurship Program affected my life the most. Sponsored by the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, this program required rigorous training in the field of business and beyond. It propelled me to become an effective entrepreneur.
As a SCORE student, I learned how to effectively run a business, but more importantly, how to be a leader. When I graduated from SCORE, I spent an ample amount of my time trying to figure out what I really wanted to do in life. My success in school allowed me to graduate early, and suddenly I found myself spending more and more time stuffing tacos and burritos. Around that time, talk about things such as the economy and social security started to pick up. One day I found myself working on the line at Taco Bell and everything just began to click. I didn't want to find myself in the same position as many other Americans found themselves in, so I decided to do something about it. That day I walked out of Taco Bell and never looked back. I spent the next month or so trying to find a niche that I was passionate about.
At this point I was beginning my first year at Longview. I was cleaning up my room and getting rid of some things from high school. As I went through some papers, I found something that I had drawn when I was nine. It was a design of a shirt, some socks, and a belt. The paper read ARMOR, and at that moment I put it all together. Growing up, I listened to my mother rant on and on about how there was really no stylish Christian clothing on the market. She doesn't care for the skulls, tattoo designs, and many other things that might be "in style" right now, but she does like to look nice.
From then on, I threw myself into building what I hope will one day be an empire. Armor Lyfestyle is a custom Christian shirt printing company that caters to everyone. Today I go to school and run a business, both full time. I want to encourage anyone who has a dream to go for it. If you are a teenager, the time is now. Tacos, burritos, and burgers don't have to be the end of the road. There is so much help out there that will walk you through each and every step if necessary. The one I would suggest is the one right here at your Central Library. The H&R Block Business and Career Center is a tool that I know I will be utilizing. Join me in building businesses for the future.
Lannie Smith is a student at Longview Community College. She is studying business and hopes to transfer to Drake University and major in International Business. Lannie enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as attending Glory Bible Fellowship International Church. For more information on Armor Lyfestyle go to www.armorlyfestyle.com.
