Starting a business is no easy feat, but for two students at Mississippi State University, it all started with a graphic arts project. Mitchell, an art major, sought help from her friend, Walker, a mechanical engineer, and that’s where the idea for their start-up began. The two had a small class project, a glowing tea-bag that lit up when put in hot water, but they were able to develop this idea into a new product called “Glo.” It is a small cube filled with flavoring that is illuminated with an electrical circuit when submerged in a liquid. The cube goes through a series of colors, which are emitted by an LED light, as long as the circuit is complete. The idea behind “Glo” is to make the customer experience at bars and restaurants more functional and entertaining.
Since its creation, the pair has developed a plastic shell that snaps into place over the cube, and they can be shaped into anything the customer wants. For example, in Starkville, Mississippi, “Glo” will be rolled out in the shape of a cowbell, the school’s mascot. The LED lights have a battery life of around eight hours, making them reusable.
But what started as a class project quickly turned into a start-up. After winning $14,000 in prize money at their university’s entrepreneurial start-up competition and finishing fourth in a similar competition held at all 14 Southeastern Conference universities, the start-up has caught the attention of investors. With $125,000 in seed money, Mitchell and Walker have been able to develop, design, and market “Glo” successfully.
The start-up will launch in August, where they have orders from around a dozen bars and restaurants and the Mississippi State Athletics Department. The product has also been featured in a video on The Tipsy Bartender, which has over 20 million followers, and is expected to receive over a million views.
Creating a start-up is a steep learning curve, but Mitchell and Walker have learned a lot about patents, licensing, building prototypes, manufacturing agreements, and more. They have also learned about themselves and each other. Walker has learned that he has a passion for problem-solving, which is essential for any entrepreneur. There have been challenges along the way, with a 35% failure rate on their first shipment. However, the pair has learned that in business, it is essential to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.
Takeaway
Starting a business is no easy feat, and doing so accidentally can seem even more daunting. However, the story of Mitchell and Walker serves as an inspiring example of what can be achieved with hard work and perseverance. Their journey shows that success can come from the most unexpected places, and that a simple idea can transform into a thriving business with dedication and a willingness to take risks.
While there are many challenges that come with starting a business accidentally, the rewards can be immense. From the satisfaction of seeing an idea come to fruition to the financial benefits of a successful venture, the possibilities are endless. But the path to success is rarely easy, and Mitchell and Walker’s story is a testament to the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity.
One of the key takeaways from their experience is the value of hard work. Starting a business requires a tremendous amount of effort, and success is rarely achieved overnight. Mitchell and Walker’s journey involved countless hours of research, networking, and trial-and-error, but their determination paid off in the end. This serves as a reminder that success in any field requires dedication and a willingness to put in the work.
In conclusion, the story of Mitchell and Walker serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work and perseverance. While starting a business accidentally can be daunting, their success proves that anything is possible with the right mindset and approach. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for inspiration, their story is a testament to the power of determination and the potential for success that lies within us all.
