Hey y’all! Chris checking back in for the first Asper Scoop of the new year. As fast as the fall semester flew by, so too has our winter break. I hope you’ve had the chance for a little R&R over the past week or so and have been able to soak in what’s left of the break! May Aurora be ever in your favour this semester.
Now that we’re truly getting back into the swing of things, we’ve compiled a checklist for the next semester with some must-attend events and opportunities coming up this semester. But first, we had the chance to chat with Tommy Bernabe, owner of Nabiva, as he walked us through his entrepreneurial journey.
Welcome to the Winter Break Scoop!
Nabiva: A Story of Elegance and Advocacy
Throughout his childhood, Tommy always wanted to own his own business. Growing his skills as a “store-owner” at his local playground, Tommy’s passion for entrepreneurship continued to grow through the years. After a series of other entrepreneurial projects, including soap-making and chocolatiering (shoutout to Wonka if they want to sponsor us), Tommy landed on jewelry; a perfect way to remind others of their individuality.
Once he made that choice, it felt like everything just clicked. Like the businesses in our entrepreneurship textbooks, Tommy ran with his idea and started to build his brand. In the end, he landed on Nabiva: a luxury jewelry brand focused on empowering elegance and inspiring individuality.
Nabiva is unique in its emphasis on advocacy, support, and mental health awareness. Starting operations during the pandemic, Tommy remembered feeling isolated during that time period and wanting to make a difference in improving mental health. With a goal of building a community of people who are there for eachother, Nabiva aims to support and connect individuals, making community members aware that there are others in their corner. Further cementing Tommy’s goal of supporting the community, Nabiva has committed to donating 1% of all revenue from online and in-person purchases to the Canadian Mental Health Association, a nationwide organization dedicated to promoting mental health.
In building his brand, Tommy has been able to utilize his Asper education in several aspects of his business. Crediting MIS 2000 for teaching him how to code his website, MKT 2210 in helping him to determine his target market, and GMGT 3300 for laying out how to recognize liabilities and work out contracts, Tommy has been able to utilize knowledge from almost every Asper course when growing his business. Tommy also credits Asper in getting him out of his comfort zone; through various student leadership positions, he’s grown the communication and people skills that are necessary to run a successful business.
In terms of advice for future entrepreneurs, Tommy urges others who want to start their own business to just go for it! When reflecting on his journey, he remembers feeling stuck in the planning phase for a long time and benefited from going all in and committing to his business plan. Finding value in meeting with the Stu Clark Centre from Entrepreneurship and networking with other business professionals, Tommy encourages fellow students to be bold in growing their ideas and to not hold back.
As Nabiva continues to grow, it’s clear that Tommy’s hard work and dedication is paying off tenfold.
Keep up with the Nabiva journey on Instagram (@NabivaCom) and check out nabiva.com to shop today!
Your Asper Checklist: Winter 2024
With a new semester just days away, there is so much to see, do, and experience at Asper this winter! From involvement opportunities to events, here is your official CSA-licensed guide to Winter 2024.
- Get some freebies at Student Appreciation Week
Running from January 8th-12th, Student Appreciation Week (SAW) is five days of fun to kick off the month at Asper! Packed with giveaways, freebies, and more, you won’t want to miss this start to the semester.
Check out @AsperCSA on Instagram for more information on SAW!
- Take a trip with Tour De Commerce
New year, new networking opportunities! Start your year off right with Tour De Commerce (TDC), a full-day of company visits, conversations, and connections. Transportation and meals included, this is a unique opportunity to meet and connect with corporate representatives in their own work environment. With the ability to tailor your experience to your desired major, there is truly something for everyone at TDC!
Click here to get your tickets today!
- Attend the upcoming EDI Panels
Parts 3 and 4 of the EDI in Action Panels are upcoming this semester! Featuring discussions on both 2SLGBTQIA+ Voices and Income Inequality in Post-Secondary Education, these panels are the perfect opportunity to hear the first-hand experiences of Asper students, staff, and Winnipeg business professionals. All are welcome to discuss, ask questions, or just sit back and listen.
Keep posted on @AsperCSA for more details.
- Compete in a Case Competition
The year of the case comp is upon us! With several internal and external case competition opportunities upcoming this semester, you’ll have plenty to choose from! Consider starting with Case 101, a low-barrier workshop hosted in late-January, covering the basics of competing in a case competition. From there, choose from several CSA and STAG-led competitions to fully immerse yourself into the world of case comps.
Keep your eye on @AsperCSA and @ACE.UManitoba on Instagram for upcoming opportunities, and email [email protected] if you have any questions about getting involved!
- Volunteer with 5 Days
The 5 Days campaign is back on the U of M campus, hosting several events and initiatives in support of Resource Assistance for Youth. With a goal of raising awareness and donations for youth experiencing homelessness, volunteering with the 5 Days campaign is the perfect opportunity to get involved, grow your skills, and make connections within Asper! Plus, I hear some pretty sweet 5 Days shirts may be up for grabs for volunteers ;).
Follow @5DaysUM on Instagram for info on upcoming opportunities.
- Get involved with the CSA Executive Council, CSA General Council, or STAGs
Thinking about taking your involvement to another level? Luckily enough, the winter semester is chalked full of student leadership opportunities! With a boatload of positions available with varying time-commitments, there’s bound to be something out there for you.
Keep your eye on @AsperCSA and the CSA website (aspercsa.com) for recruitment information, and check out this link to learn more about Asper’s Student Action Groups.
A big thank you to Tommy from Nabiva for sharing his story with us this month, and another thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading this month! See you at the next Scoop 🙂
– Chris