As we have learned from television shows like Shark Tank, the entrepreneurial world is not for the faint of heart. Though it is a challenge for many, Simone’s stride cannot be broken. Whether it be running her blog, sorting out logistics for her business, or simply fulfilling her duties as the co-editor-in-chief at VIM, Simone proves that she is ready to take a bite at every opportunity.
KITTY QUINN: I understand that you have your own business, could you talk a bit about what you do with that?
OLIVIA SIMONE: Yes, of course! I have two LLCs at the moment. One is Liv in Style, which is my lifestyle and fashion blog. It’s my parent LLC that I am filing my new venture, Soup N’ Sip, under. It’s spoonless soup on the go. I thought of the idea because I was sick of not having a healthier fast food option around campus. Whenever I’d get Panera or McDonald’s, I’d be left using a utensil in a classroom which is not ideal. So, I thought of Soup N’ Sip, which is basically hot, portable, healthy, delicious soup in a coffee-like to-go cup that you could sip on the go, meaning that it is easily disguised in any classroom, distraction-free while driving and easy to take on the go.
QUINN: It’s very impressive that you have two business ventures at your age!
SIMONE: Thanks! The other one, Liv in Style, wasn’t meant to be a business but I used to be a journalism major so I made it in high school. Then, it kind of just became a blog and Instagram page. I don’t post on it often anymore, but I still update every now and then.
QUINN: Was starting a business something you always wanted to do?
SIMONE: Honestly, I feel like I’ve always been very entrepreneurial, but I don’t think I ever thought, “oh, I want a business”. When I was younger I used to have an invention book where I’d write all my invention ideas. I think falling into the entrepreneurial realm was kind of just natural to me, I started making these businesses without the intention. Same with Soup N’ Sip, I just had this random idea one day and decided to join this pitch competition and ended up getting first place. Then after the validation, I decided to proceed with the idea.
QUINN: Do you see yourself having Soup N’ Sip being your main venture in the future or do you have other ideas you’d like to explore?
SIMONE: I have a gazillion ideas, which is so hard. I love the idea of Soup N’ Sip. There are a lot of logistical issues with it but if one day I have enough money and resources, I think it could be great. It’s just cool that I can mess around with the idea and fail now and have no consequences. It’s nice to figure out things while I’m in college and then one day, or maybe postgrad if I pursue it, I’ll have a lot more in my toolbelt than someone starting without resources or people to help them.