Risks and Rewards of Gen Z Entrepreneurship

When Ahriana Edwards was a college undergrad, she wasn’t thinking about starting a business; she was just trying to solve a problem: finding stylish dress shoes in sizes beyond the commonly available range of women’s 6 to 9. Her search ultimately resulted in the launch of Vaila Shoes, a size-inclusive, seasonal collection for both the workplace and after hours, in sizes 9 and up. Edwards, 24, joins Beyond The Hype to share the lessons she’s learned as a Gen Z entrepreneur, including how she raised funds for the idea by winning pitch competitions—before actually making a single pair of shoes.

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