Running a business is always a foreign concept to many. Some do it, and many don't. As a senior in high school, I never knew that doing something I loved would actually turn into a profitable business. Art is a big part of my life, as my college Art & Design minor reflects.

It would soon be time to pack my bags and head off to my freshman year at college, and around April I decided to make a pair of sneakers for my school. I went out with a friend, bought some converse and fabric markers from Target, and got to work.

Looking back, they were not my best, but my friend thought of the idea to sell them, as she and her friends would be interested.

Now, of course, I was an amateur. I knew nothing about running my own business. However, over the past year and a half, through a lot of research and practice, my business is something that I take great pride in. Designing shoes and hats for tailgate seasons, sporting events and for people who just want to rep their school has been amazing.

What I didn't realize is that this small idea I had would impact my life in a major way.

From owning a business, I learned interpersonal skills that I know I wouldn't have gotten anywhere else. Speaking with customers and business owners while trying to advertise and inform about my products gave me a stronger sense of professionalism. Timeliness was another big component of running a business: if the order goes out late, it reflects poorly on everyone involved!

Through keeping track of orders and being organized with the process, I have gained a new sense of how to best manage my time. These lessons extend beyond just day-to-day things, but I found myself more confident to talk to professors; to walk into coffee shops or stores and ask for a job application.

Starting my own business was one of the best decisions I've made. I think it really made me a better person as a result, someone who is more accountable, organized and professional. I know that in my future endeavors, I will look back fondly on the small online business that slowly shaped who I am today.