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A Moment with our EDTP Graduate - Meet Portia Simmons

Posted on 7/5/2017 by EDTP Coordinator in LAEDA News
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Portia Simmons is the owner and operator of Garden Party! She is also a graduate of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program. We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA's training program.

LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?

I have always been fascinated with the fact that most people in the world work for themselves. I have often wondered why more people in the U.S. and more importantly in my community don't do the same. Now that I am nearing retirement (in about a decade), I felt now was a great time to take a look at what I would do in my "golden years". I decided to start my own business!

LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?

I like to watch what is trending; what things people enjoy doing just for fun. I have watched the hobbies of painting and crafting industries booming so I thought about how I could tap into that industry. I have always enjoyed plants and gardening so, "Garden Party!" was born

LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?

Taking part in the program was a great jumpstart for my business. I was able to get the tools I am going to need to be successful. I learned the importance of keeping records on everything, marketing strategies and My Ah-ha moment happened when I was learning how to explain my business in 30 seconds. It forced me to pull out the most attractive parts of my product to get people interested in having a Garden Party!

LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?

Garden Party! is less than a year old. So far the biggest challenge for me has been getting the word out and getting a momentum going for parties. I have had some minor successes by selling some of my garden models to individuals. But, I really want this business to "grow" to the point where I have bookings months in advance. Getting my business on social media will be crucial in increasing bookings.

LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?

I pass my cards out at flea markets, in supermarkets and  stores whenever I can. I have approached a few restaurants to have parties in the summer.

LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?

Once you have a vision for your business stay focused on YOUR vision. People will make suggestions and give well-intended advice but don't let that change your point of view. No one has to understand it in the beginning. In time, your vision will become a reality and then people will see what you saw all along. DON'T GIVE UP! And if you can get support from LAEDA--do it! Register for the upcoming Fall class; you will be glad you did.

 

Congratulations to Portia Simmons for completing EDTP and recommitting to her journey on the path of entrepreneurship. Garden Party! is a company specializing in desiging terrarium and indoor gardens. The company organizes parties and get-togethers to have a session showing you and letting you to create your own terrarium. You just call Garden Party! and they will bring all the materials for you to learn and have fun making your own miniature garden masterpiece. For more information, check out the website at www.Gardenpartynow.com  or email Portia atyourgardenparty@gmail.com

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP) is a free, nine-week business skills training course offered in Camden, NJ in the Winter Spring and Fall each year. Qualified entrepreneurs receive 72+ hours of training from industry professionals, business planning, and one year of technical assistance. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com

  


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