Alumna: My Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
My name is Samantha Lydard ’17TCB, ’18MBA. I graduated from St. John’s University in 2017 from The Peter J. Tobin College of Business with a degree in Business Management and a minor in International Studies. I continued my education and graduated again in 2018 with my M.B.A. in Executive Management.
After graduation, I moved to Richmond, VA, for a job opportunity with a company called Altria. I still work there today in the Information Technology Procurement Department. Making friends as an adult in a new place was challenging, and the COVID-19 pandemic made it even more difficult.
When the community started to reopen and recover, I wanted to find a way to make finding friends easier, so I created a group called Trying to Adult RVA (RVA stands for Richmond, Virginia) in October 2021 and started creating events via Meetup.
The response was overwhelming. Within the first year, the group grew by thousands, and I planned over 100 events. The events were always fun, ranging from brewery socials to white water rafting, cooking classes, and more. I learned that many people my age have the same struggles I did and seek opportunities to make new friends.
To sustain the growth, I made what started as a hobby a formal business in September. This has allowed me to build a website, make event payments more seamless for members, and offer perks to those who regularly attend events.
Now, I continue to plan fun events within Richmond and surrounding areas and have support from a bigger team. I am excited to continue to grow Trying to Adult RVA. I believe everyone is unique and deserving of friends, and I strive to create a welcoming community where anyone can meet their new best friend.
As a St. John’s alumna and entrepreneur, I have some advice for students:
It is okay to fail—but learn from it.
It’s okay to hate a job, to not do well at something, or to put a lot of effort into a project that turns out to be a total flop. Learn from the experience. Learn about yourself, what you’re good at, and what you like, and channel that into your new endeavor.
I had internships I didn’t like and classes I was not great at, and I tried small business ideas that didn’t work out. But I have learned from all those experiences. As you continue to learn on your collegiate and career journey, you will find your best alignment. Once found, lean into it—and become your best self!
Start building your network in college.
People say, “It’s all about whom you know.” They are correct.
It can feel forced and uncomfortable, but it’s okay. Set up a time to meet with people who inspire you. Ask questions about their life if you don’t know what to discuss! People love talking about themselves. Google questions to ask a mentor. It doesn’t have to be perfect at first.
As you build relationships with mentors, advocates, and sponsors, you will grow in your career without even realizing it. You want a network of people who will talk about you and elevate you even when you aren’t in the room.
Start with St. John’s alumni, faculty, and/or people who are employed at companies where you want to work. Send them an email or LinkedIn message and ask if they have time to connect. I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if I didn’t have great people willingly serving as my advocate.
