How To Start a Business

Charles Engler, ’27, a finance major and innovation and entrepreneurship minor, worked with manufacturers to develop skin care products and founded Luminova Beauty, his third startup since age 14. Engler, who was recognized with a Pava LaPere Innovation Award and $50,000 for his startup, came to Loyola as a sophomore to learn how to grow his business at the University’s Simon Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship. Here he shares tips for starting and growing a business.

Look for something that excites you or a problem that needs attention. For me, it was seeing my sister struggle to find affordable, effective skin care products. I wanted to help not just her, but many others.

Forget waiting for the right moment. Start now and let the challenges fuel your journey. In the ups and downs of business, there are no such things as losses, only lessons. Learn from each mistake and use it to improve.

Surround yourself with like-minded people who challenge and support you. My mentors at Loyola helped me see opportunities I would have missed on my own. Test your ideas and listen to feedback. Get real opinions and be open to change.

Challenges will cloud your vision, whether you make less money than expected or receive negative feedback. Always remember why you started your business and what inspired your initial idea.

Build the community around you. Be a role model for others and invest in the community that’s supporting you and your dream.