Monthly Archives: January 2021

Kayla Laird Alumni 2020

A Recent Grad’s Transition to a full-time Entrepreneur Operating Three Small Businesses: January’s aMaizeing Alumni

By Alexis Menard on January 29, 2021 4:55 pm

Alumna, Kayla Laird graduated with honors from UM-Flint’s School of Management with a BBA in Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management in 2020. Before transferring to UM-Flint, Kayla attended C.S. Mott Community College where she earned her Associates of Arts and Associates of Business Administration. 

Kayla currently owns and operates three businesses full-time;  Lord Laird’s Premium Lemonade®, Queen Netzo Jewelry, and Mobars. In November, she won the Pitch 4K competition and is currently participating in another business pitch competition to try to win an additional $11,000. 

As our featured Alumni of the month, Kayla gives insight into her experiences at UM-Flint, her proudest accomplishment of winning more than $8,000 for her businesses, why she became an entrepreneur, and advice for students that are considering being their own boss. 

Q: Degree(s) and graduation year:
A: University of Michigan-Flint – Entrepreneurship & Innovation Management, BBA 2020 – Honors

Q: Pursuing another degree?
A: Not currently, maybe in the near future I’ll go for my Masters!

Q: Where are you currently working and what is your title? How long have you been in this position or at this organization? What is your normal day to day?
A: I have finally made the switch from working as a Project Manager at 100K Ideas into becoming a full-time, self-employed, multi-passionate entrepreneur! I am a young entrepreneur with a passion for creating healthy and sustainable products.

I currently have two businesses, the first, Lord Laird’s Premium Lemonade®, specializing in all-organic health drinks, and Queen Netzo Jewelry, specializing in handmade wire-wrapped Swarovski Crystal® rings in memory of my mother Kennette Laird.

When I began to get into jewelry at the age of 7, my mother was battling breast cancer. With the help of my Aunt Myra, I started a new hobby making all sorts of jewelry. Whenever I would visit, my aunt would always be making a new necklace, bracelet, or earrings of some sort. She taught me all of the basic techniques I needed to know in order to make creations with integrity. I made jewelry for my mother to wear as well as everyone who helped around the house during that time of need. With my dad being a pillar of support of my passion, the name “Queen Netzo Jewelry” has stuck ever since 2007. I felt the need to keep the name because it reminds me that she will always be the QUEEN in my heart.

I am currently developing a new business called Mobars, specializing in creating homemade luxe energy bars made with everyday essentials for a great breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack, or even dessert!

I have been an entrepreneur since the age of eight, always having the desire to become a businesswoman, looking to market, sale, and make a profit. On a normal day to day, I usually start my morning off with an hour workout. After working out, it usually gives me all the energy I need for the day to either produce 12+ gallons of lemonade, 100+ Mobars, or create new Swarovski Crystal rings for my customers. It’s been a great transition especially being able to remain stable during a pandemic. I am so excited for what is to come! ♡

Q: Why did you choose UM-Flint for your BBA?
A: I have always known The University of Michigan to be a top-tier school! I was so glad that I could get a quality education for a fraction of the cost at the UM-Flint branch. It’s such a great school for entrepreneurship and innovation, and it’s also close to home, which I love!

Q: What is one of your favorite experiences at UM-Flint?
A: Meeting my favorite professor MRS. RITAAAAAA FIELDS has been one of the best experiences I have ever had. Going to her classes were by far the most fun I had during college.

Q: Why did you choose to go into the career path you are currently in?
A: I’ve always wanted to be my own boss, so it only made sense to be an entrepreneur!

Q: What is one of your proudest accomplishments so far?
A: Winning over $8,070 for my businesses has been one of my proudest accomplishments thus far. Currently, I am in a pitch competition to win up to $11,000 and I could not be more excited!!

Q: What advice would you give students that are thinking of pursuing a career as an entrepreneur?
A: My advice would be the following:

  • Follow your passion
  • Do your research
  • Invest in learning
  • Challenge yourself
  • Add value to other people’s lives
  • Find like-minded people to hang around
  • Take the risk!
  • Learn from mistakes
  • & Tell your story.

Q: Fun Facts!
A: I am from Maryland! I own and operate 3 businesses! andddd, I am currently ENGAGED and will be getting married later this year!

#1 Online Business Program in Michigan

By Alexis Menard on January 26, 2021, 4:15 PM

The University of Michigan-Flint’s Online Bachelor of Business (BBA) program has been named the top online business program in the state of Michigan, and one of the top programs in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report for 2021.

The UM-Flint School of Management’s Online BBA program was ranked 19th nationwide.

“We are very gratified that our Online BBA program is so highly ranked and recognized,” said School of Management Dean, Scott D. Johnson, Ph.D., “Our faculty are knowledgeable in their disciplines and are experienced in providing high-quality online instruction.”

“Our students often have jobs and families. They appreciate the flexibility to learn in a convenient online format,” said Dean Johnson. 

In 2020, the School of Management announced a lower out of state online tuition and offers seven business majors that are fully online, cutting-edge, flexible, and career-ready including; Accounting, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Finance, General Business, International Business, Marketing, and Organizational Behavior & Human Resources Management.

U.S. News is an independent global publisher of news and education rankings for various higher education institutions. The U.S. News & World Report methodology for the Best Online Bachelor’s Program rankings were determined by the quality of education, time of completion, and affordability of the program for working professionals looking to progress or change careers. Additionally, school rankings were also based on four categories: engagement, service and technologies, faculty credentials and training, and expert opinion. 

Learn more about the #1 Online BBA in MI