Start:ME Spotlight:

Nakia Melecio

Organization

iDesignproject

What has been your favorite part of mentoring with Start:ME?

My experience as a mentor with Start:ME has been rewarding on many levels. It is difficult to pinpoint a single favorite part of this journey. If I were to narrow it down, it would be the dynamic collaboration with mentors and entrepreneurs. Working with mentors and entrepreneurs incites a sense of community, which I both thoroughly enjoy and appreciate. This is punctuated by the privilege of sharing in the transcendent moments of entrepreneurs, whether they start moving in a progressive direction or reach their full potential. The relationships built are powerful.

You have a lot of experience helping young ventures outside of Start:ME. What is your favorite piece of advice to provide young ventures or new entrepreneurs?

For aspiring ventures and entrepreneurs, my advice is to be very intentional and methodical with decision making, and build with the end in mind. This can be challenging for innovators, who sometimes focus too much on speed to market, skipping over crucial steps to reach their destination.

You also have a background in athletic training. What are the similarities between training athletes and entrepreneurs?

Sports and business have numerous similarities, including but not limited to exercising muscles, per se, that need strengthening and practicing moves that need improving to make a strong play or achieve a big goal. While the experience and logistics differ, the same theories apply in that it takes focus, skill, and strategy to succeed on the field, as well as in business.