Frankenmuth

KNOWING WHAT YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT IS MORE THAN HALF THE BATTLE. IF YOU'RE ALREADY THERE, TAKE A MOMENT TO CELEBRATE THAT. EXPLORE! IF YOU'RE IN THE UNSURE-WHAT- MY-PASSION-IS REALM AND EXPERIMENTING, EXPLORING, AND SEEKING—THAT'S GREAT, TOO! KEEP GOING. TRUST YOUR CURIOSITY. GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY. PAY ATTENTION TO WHAT GIVES YOU JOY. GIVE YOURSELF TIME TO SEARCH FOR, FIND, AND CULTIVATE WHAT YOU'RE PASSIONATE ABOUT. YOU DESERVE A CREATIVE LIFE. WE ALL DO. "SUCCESS" LOOKS DIFFERENT FOR EVERYBODY, SO YOU HAVE TO DEFINE IT FOR YOURSELF. SOME MAKERS DON'T WANT TO TURN THEIR PASSION INTO A BUSINESS, OR AT LEAST NOT INTO A BIG BUSINESS, AND I RESPECT THAT. SIMPLY HAVING A PASSION IS ITS OWN REWARD. AND FOR MANY PEOPLE, IT'S ENOUGH. FOR ME, ONCE I FINALLY FOUND A SKILL I COULD CALL MY OWN—SOMETHING I COULD CREATE WITH PASSION AND SHARE WITH PRIDE—I WANTED TO MAKE IT A BIGGER PART OF MY LIFE. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS FOR YOU TO BE IN TUNE WITH WHAT SUCCESS MEANS TO YOU. GIVE YOURSELF THE ROOM TO LET THAT EVOLVE OVER TIME. YOU MIGHT SURPRISE YOURSELF. I SURE DID. – J A M I E S C H M I D T , F H S C L A S S O F 1 9 9 6 deodorant, where I saw the biggest opportunity. I was determined to make a product that was unlike anything in the deodorant aisle, with new ingredients, scents, and branding. I was hearing heartfelt testimonials from customers that fueled my motivation and served as validation for what I was doing. For the first time ever, I was finally connecting with my work on a deep level. I learned everything I needed to know as I went, building my brand Schmidt's Naturals with that business degree from MSU in my back pocket. As much as I valued the credibility that came with my education, no amount of schooling can really prepare you for running a business and for life as an entrepreneur. I hit milestones I never dreamed possible: landing shelf space at Target, Meijer, Walmart, Kroger (including the one in Frankenmuth!), and more; building a team of 150+ employees and running my own factory; securing press features, and bringing in millions of dollars. The deodorant industry was ripe for innovation, and the timing was perfect for a brand like Schmidt's. After seven years, I caught the attention of Unilever, the world's largest consumer packaged goods company, who made a generous offer to buy the company. Today, three years after selling my business, I'm focusing my efforts on supporting aspiring entrepreneurs and those looking to grow their own brands through my investment fund and other initiatives. This year, I released my first book titled Supermaker: Crafting Business on Your Own Terms. The story goes deep into my entrepreneurial journey, with the hope that readers will feel inspired to pursue their passions and understand that a life of fulfillment as an entrepreneur is within reach. My book also offers tangible, takeaway advice for those looking to grow their businesses. My greatest strength has always been an unwillingness to settle, and I know that many can relate. Perhaps you are on the path of exploring new opportunities yourself — I'll leave you with this excerpt from Chapter One of my book: 7

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