Entrepreneurship Week 2021: Pitch LIVE Finals

by
Kally Compton

On Thursday April 8, Career and Internship Services (CIS) hosted the finals for the Entrepreneurship Week “Pitch LIVE” event. This semester-long program provided an opportunity for LIM student innovators to pitch their “big idea” and win one-on-one mentoring from our industry entrepreneurs.

Pitch Live Water Bottle
Kally

A blog post by Kally Compton

Kally Compton graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Media. In addition to being on the President's List as a student, she worked on The Lexington Line, as Editorial Director. She was also a content writer for LIM's Office of Marketing and Communications.

The always positive and engaging Dennis Kenney (Fashion Stylist, TV Personality) hosted the event, and it was a blast. Industry judges were: Nick Ammaturo, Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer, Fado; Jordana Guimaraes, Co-Founder & Partner Fashinnovation; and Jackie Buffon, Vice President, North America OP Wholesale True Religion. All three are members of the LIM College Fashion Industry Advisory Board.

Guests/Hosts

The finalists for Pitch LIVE were:

  • Online Graduate student, Jenny Gutierrez
  • Junior, Sajan Dihenia
  • Freshman, Cheyenne Hines
  • Graduate student, Faye Kenajian
  • Senior, Sherlynn Dauphin
  • Freshman, Milagros Espinal

Jenny presented her idea that focused on 3D CAD technology for tech packs in the industry. Her concept prioritized sustainability and inclusivity of all body types.

Sajan wanted to expand his sustainable stainless steel water bottle brand, Simply Sajan. Sajan said, “If I can help teach someone [about sustainability], it’s that small little message that can grow inside of people.” He has already begun selling this product, and it has been a hit so far!

Cheyenne pitched her affordable and sustainable streetwear brand, Roque, which can be worn by anyone and everyone. It is made from up-cycled clothing, and she hopes to partner with local POC artists for future products.

Rogue Streetwear

Faye shared her big idea to create a subscription box based on lifestyle and wellness trends called Free to Be by Faye. Her idea focused on building connections with others and allowing everyone to feel trendy.

Free to Be

Sherlynn pitched her idea to launch a community building platform through podcasts, journals, and apparel based on the Latin saying “Ad Maiora,” which means “toward greater things.” She noted, “And to think this all started from a tattoo and a journal.”

Your story isn't done there are greater things coming, and there are people who will lead you towards those great things

Finally, Milagros pitched the expansion of her custom-made face masks that focus on not only safety and comfort but chicness. She spoke about she found comfort and confidence through fashion when she was younger.

These innovative students did amazing work to make their ideas come to life. The judges’ feedback and support helped them learn where to take their ideas next. Some notable pieces of advice from judges include: providing measurable impact of sustainability; improving margins for distribution of product; partnering with other small companies; adding missions to a brand.

The winners of 2021 Pitch LIVE were:

First place - Jenny Gutierrez

Second place - Sherlynn Dauphin

Third place - Milagros Espinal

Congratulations to all of the winners, as well as everyone who participated in the competition!

Pitch Live

It was a pleasure getting to witness such amazing ideas, and I can’t wait to see what each of these LIM student innovators do next.

Kally

A blog post by Kally Compton

Kally Compton graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Media. In addition to being on the President's List as a student, she worked on The Lexington Line, as Editorial Director. She was also a content writer for LIM's Office of Marketing and Communications.