Launching success: How a One-Year MBA transformed my entrepreneurial journey

An alumna shares how the community and resources at Kellogg gave her the support and confidence to launch her western-inspired clothing brand in less than a year’s time.
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Kellogg
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Lucy M Grierson ’24 MBA founder of Desperado, a western-inspired clothing brand
“The One-Year Program provided the perfect structure and pace while the Zell Fellows gave me the tools, network and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship with passion and purpose,” says Grierson.

By Lucy M Grierson ’24 MBA 

 
As I write this, I can proudly say that I started and launched a business in less than a year. Reflecting on my life before, during and after Kellogg, it’s clear the remarkable transformation I’ve experienced both personally and professionally.  

When I first considered attending business school, I was eager to explore the world of entrepreneurship, yet I wasn't sure I wanted to take two full years off of work. As someone with a consulting background and an undergraduate business degree, I felt that the traditional MBA format might not be the best fit for me personally.  

After graduating this past June from the school’s One-Year Program, I can confidently say Kellogg not only met but exceeded my expectations in every possible way. The tight-knit, supportive One-Year MBA community and the Zell Fellows Program’s rich mentorship and resources enabled me to launch Desperado, my own western-inspired clothing brand, which recently opened our first ever clothing sale.   

The appeal of the One-Year MBA Program 

The One-Year Program at Kellogg was a game-changer for me, making my business school choice much easier. One of the greatest advantages of the program is its small, intimate nature. With fewer classmates, I found it easy to build meaningful relationships and get to know more people on a personal level. This sense of community was invaluable providing a supportive network that I could rely on throughout the year. 

Additionally, I found the program’s pace perfect to supplement my undergraduate concentration in business and consulting experience. I was able to quickly complete the core requirements over the summer term and focus my remaining quarters on targeted coursework like the New Venture course series that aligned with my entrepreneurial aspirations. The pace was perfect for me setting a rigorous but manageable workload that kept me engaged and motivated. 

“While access to Zell Fellows alumni and my board of directors was paramount, the other classmates in my Zell cohort have become some of my closest confidants. We have leaned on each other, learned from each other and grown together.”
Lucy M Grierson ’24 MBA
One-Year MBA

 

Discovering the Zell Fellows Program 

One of the most significant and unexpected highlights of my time at Kellogg was the Zell Fellows Program, the school’s esteemed program for students interested in launching a new venture while earning their MBA. Joining it changed my life.  

Within a matter of months, I was equipped with my very own personal board of advisors. The board — made up of an industry expert, a Kellogg faculty member and a Zell Fellow alumnus — provided guidance and helped me navigate the complexities of starting my own company in the fashion and apparel space. Being a Zell Fellow changed the trajectory of Desperado, my company, ensuring I be as market-ready and as fundable as possible by graduation. 

With this accountability came discomfort. The experiential learning of the fellow program encouraged me to test, fail and learn quickly. It fostered a mindset of resilience and continuous improvement. I learned how to listen to tough feedback and when to stay rooted in my original vision. This experience was transformative, and it gave me the courage to take risks and the confidence to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. 

While access to Zell Fellows alumni and my board of directors was paramount, the other classmates in my Zell cohort have become some of my closest confidants. We have leaned on each other, learned from each other and grown together. I loved cheering on Scott Tsangeos ’24 MMM as he garnered his first sales with Olympus, a weightlifting app, and being a thought partner to Kimberley Charles ’24 MBA for her rum brand, Canopy (formerly known as Cane Cutters Rum).  

Zell beautifully integrates students from all degree programs including the MMM Program, Two-Year MBA and One-Year. Despite our different paths, the bonds I formed with my classmates and the shared experiences created a sense of belonging that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. 

Final reflections 

Reflecting on my time at Kellogg, I feel beyond fortunate to have been a part of the One-Year Program and Zell Fellows. For anyone serious about becoming an entrepreneur after graduation, I wholeheartedly recommend these programs. The One-Year Program provided the perfect structure and pace while the Zell Fellows gave me the tools, network and confidence to pursue entrepreneurship with passion and purpose.

 

Learn about entrepreneurship programming at Kellogg.