Class 13

In my last journal entry, I expressed my excitement to see how we would further our business ventures and to no surprise it was a fun class. It is always a great experience to see ideas take shape, evolve, and come to life in real-time. This session, in particular, was packed with valuable takeaways- we refined our elevator pitches, crafted a compelling slogan, developed our value proposition, and even engaged in a friendly competition to determine which ideas stood out the most. But beyond the structured activities, what really made the class enjoyable was the opportunity to learn- not just about entrepreneurship but about myself. Each task pushed me to think creatively, work collaboratively, and embrace leadership in new ways.

Crafting Our Elevator Pitch

To kick things off, my group and I worked on developing our elevator pitch for Bash Box, our venture idea that simplifies party planning with curated, eco-friendly supply boxes. Interestingly, I had just worked on an elevator pitch for a different business idea in another class, so I felt more comfortable with the process this time around. In that other class, we watched an example of a strong elevator pitch that resonated with me because it incorporated humor and personality, making it engaging rather than just a robotic information dump. That stuck with me—I love the idea of making a pitch exciting, relatable, and memorable rather than overwhelming people with too many details.

With that in mind, we structured our elevator pitch around a clear and compelling problem-solution framework:

Problem We Solve / Need We Cover

• Party planning is time-consuming, stressful, and often wasteful. Finding themed, high-quality, and sustainable party supplies requires multiple store visits and excessive packaging waste.

What Do We Offer?

• Curated, eco-friendly party supply boxes that include stylish, customizable, and sustainable decorations, tableware, and accessories—delivered straight to your door.

To Who?

• Busy individuals, parents, event planners, and eco-conscious consumers who want beautifully themed, hassle-free celebrations without harming the environment.

What Benefit Do They Get?

• A stress-free, convenient, and stylish party experience with high-quality, ready-to-go supplies that reduce waste and support sustainable living.

Why Us?

• Bash Box stands out by combining convenience, customization, and sustainability in a single solution. We make celebrations effortless, environmentally responsible, and aesthetically pleasing—unlike traditional party supply options.

Link to video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrIfes1L7NI

Developing Our Value Proposition

After finalizing our pitch, we shifted our focus to the value proposition- arguably one of the most crucial aspects of any business. This is where we communicate why our product matters and how it stands apart from the competition.

We knew convenience, customization, and sustainability were our strongest differentiators, so we ensured our value proposition reflected that. The final result?

"Bash Box delivers stylish, eco-friendly party supply boxes, making celebrations effortless, customizable, and sustainable. We eliminate the stress of party planning with curated, ready-to-go kits designed for modern, waste-conscious hosts."

It was rewarding to see how our vision translated into a concise, impactful statement that truly captured what we wanted to offer.

Creating the Perfect Slogan

Lastly, we wrote our slogan. I knew that our slogan needed to show the efficiency and sustainability factor of our venture as I feel they are the biggest differentiators and most important to note. This helped us come to: "Celebrate sustainably. Party effortlessly".

Engaging with the Class & Learning from Others

One of my favorite parts of the session was the pitching and voting segment. We had the opportunity to act as both presenters and investors, asking each other questions and providing feedback. It was refreshing to see the variety of creative ideas within the class—each group had a unique take on their venture, and it was inspiring to hear their thought processes.

I found myself genuinely engaged, not just in presenting but also in listening and learning from my peers. The class felt collaborative, creative, and focused, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

Personal Growth & Key Takeaways

Beyond the structured activities, this class helped me learn a lot about myself. Here are my three biggest takeaways:

1. Confidence in My CreativityI was the one who came up with the idea for Bash Box, and I’m really proud of that. Sometimes, I question whether I’m truly creative, but this process reassured me that creativity comes naturally when I allow myself to explore ideas freely. This exercise reinforced my entrepreneurial spirit and my ability to generate practical yet innovative solutions.

2. Leadership DevelopmentAs the group leader, I had to step up—delegating tasks, guiding discussions, and making decisions. Leadership isn’t always easy, but I realized that being decisive and trusting my instincts is an essential skill in entrepreneurship. It was a great exercise in learning how to balance control with collaboration.

3. The Power of Teamwork & Open-MindednessI can be a bit of a perfectionist, often sticking to my original ideas without considering others' perspectives. But working with my team challenged me to be more open-minded. My group members contributed ideas that actually improved our concept, making me realize that great ideas come from collaboration, not just individual effort.

Final Thoughts

This class session was more than just a set of exercises—it was a real-world simulation of entrepreneurship in action. From refining our business idea to presenting our pitch, I gained confidence in my creativity, leadership, and ability to collaborate.

I walked away feeling more inspired and motivated to continue developing ideas like Bash Box. Whether or not this particular venture takes off, the skills I honed today—creative thinking, persuasive communication, and adaptability—will stick with me in my journey as an entrepreneur.