Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Whitnie Mitchell, owner of Olive Tree Boutique and a public accountant. With our class business quickly approaching and individual businesses taking shape soon, she shared invaluable insight on what it takes to start and sustain a successful business.

Whitnie emphasized the importance of branding and how it builds trust with your audience, stating, "Your brand is how customers connect with you — every decision you make should align with your target market." She also stressed that there is no perfect time to start a business, reminding us, "It doesn't matter where you start. Just start. It'll never be the perfect time."

Beyond the logistics of business foundations, legalities, and finances, Whitnie spoke on the mindset of an entrepreneur — how success is built on hard work and resilience. "Work harder... harder than everyone else," she said, encouraging us to take initiative. She also challenged us to think about our long-term goals: "How is your present self working toward who you want to be?"

After her talk, we went over to Olive Tree Boutique to check out the shop and do a little shopping. The boys had a great time playing dress-up, trying on different styles, and stepping outside their comfort zones for a few laughs!

A huge thank you to Whitnie for sharing her expertise and giving us a behind-the-scenes look at her business! And thanks for teaching Maryn how to parallel park😁