In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship, education is often the catalyst for
turning ideas and visions into reality. Such was the case for business owner Kussy
Mackenzie.
Through her educational journey at UC San Diego Extended Studies, she not only advanced
her existing career in public health but also cultivated an entrepreneurial side gig
that she was able to launch as a business startup. Her inspiring story demonstrates
the value of education in exploring and activating new directions for personal and
professional growth.
A Quest for Knowledge
Mackenzie’s journey into entrepreneurship was anchored by a deep-seated appreciation
for education as a way to attain personal and professional growth. No stranger to
lifelong learning, she had been cultivating her public health career for some time
through dedicated professional coursework.
She completed her certificate program in
Spanish for Healthcare Professionals, as well as Spanish communication courses, to complete the Spanish Language certificate.
“I also work in public health,” shared Mackenzie, “and I've taken courses that really
supported that work, for example,
healthcare finance courses.”
When she started thinking about launching a business beyond mere ideas, she turned
her sights in the direction of Extended Studies as a place to bridge the gaps in her
knowledge. Enrolling in
Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Innovation was a deliberate choice aligned with her aspirations and previous experiences.
“I chose UC San Diego Extended Studies over other institutions, because I've been
a student since 2015 and have always been happy with the caliber of the instruction
and instructors,” said Mackenzie. “When I heard about the entrepreneurship program,
it seemed tailor-made for my business aspirations."
Nurturing Ideas into Reality
The educational takeaways she received in the course weren't theoretical for Mackenzie—they
were the blueprint for her entrepreneurial endeavors.
"My objective for enrolling in the entrepreneurship program was personal. The course
definitely helped me achieve my goals,” she noted. "I was able to execute the creative
thinking process and learn how to create a lean business plan and pitch deck."
These practical learnings seamlessly translated into action, propelling her startup
and amplifying momentum. The clarity offered by a concise business vision paved the
way for lessons learned in the classroom to make a difference in the real world.
“What was really significant is that I was actually able to apply that to my current
startup, which is my sustainable fabric business,” she stated.
Learning Environment and Key Insights
Mackenzie emphasized the enriching structure of the course, praising the instructors
for creating a dynamic learning environment that upheld the theme, “Learn how to think,
not what to think.”
"The varied perspectives and expertise shared by the guest speakers added immense value
to the course," she remarked. “The instructors did a good job of bringing in guest
speakers that were very informative. They were experts in their fields, and it just
brought a different flavor to each course.”
Furthermore, the diversity among her classmates served as a wellspring of insights,
offering unique vantage points for overcoming entrepreneurial challenges. The shared
experiences, networking, and camaraderie were distinct benefits of the course.
“I also really enjoyed my classmates' focus on different areas of their entrepreneurship
journey," she noted. "It was very beneficial to be able to hear others how they're
getting through their barriers.”
Paving the Path Forward
The most striking outcome of the course for Mackenzie was how it propelled her sustainable
fabric business forward by helping her develop practical assets that could communicate
her dream. Creating a business plan that could concisely define and share her vision
allowed others to support it.
“One main example is that I got a referral to join the [San Diego] Mesa College Small
Business virtual incubator and was selected for that. I am very sure that having my
lean business plan, in addition to things like my financial projections, really supported
my candidacy for the program,” shared Mackenzie. “Things are really coming to fruition.
I want to credit what I learned in the course.”
With her business venture gathering steam, Mackenzie has been able to start thinking
about what comes next. With plans to attract subscribers and secure institutional
contracts, she’s also keen to continue her learning journey. She’s contemplated more
courses to strengthen her business acumen.
Encouragement and Insight
Mackenzie has become a champion for Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
and encourages prospective students to leave their apprehensions at the door. Though
the scope and title of the course may seem daunting, it’s a haven for anyone who wants
to explore problems and business challenges in a new way.
“Just know you can walk in there with nothing but an idea,” she advised. “It's a very
supportive space to get you to whatever goal you’re trying to do with your business.
So, don’t be intimidated and just go for it.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Power of Education
Kussy Mackenzie’s story stands as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing
how education can empower individuals to breathe life into their business visions.
In her words,
“I would highly recommend the Essentials of Entrepreneurship and Innovation course—especially
if you need that push to get your idea into action."
