From School to Startup. The Entrepreneurial Spirit of St. Margaret's Alumnae

From School to Startup. The Entrepreneurial Spirit of St. Margaret's Alumnae

Entrepreneurship isn't just about starting a business- it's about a mindset. It's about problem-solving, resilience, and turning an idea into a reality. This was the clear message from our final Lunchtime Career Bytes featuring two inspiring alumnae from St. Margaret's College, Charli Matravers (Class of 2017) and Caetana Langston (Class of 2015).

These young women are proving that the skills of entrepreneurship are not just for those who call themselves founders. They are valuable for everyone, in every career path. This mindset developed from experiences at St Margaret’s, where both Charli and Caetana were encouraged to be innovative and resourceful.

Charli Matravers: The Power of the Pivot

Charli Matravers' journey is a testament to the value of trying, learning, and adapting. Her entrepreneurial journey began while she was still a student at St. Margaret's, where a business studies project successfully continued after graduating from St Margaret's. This initial venture sparked a passion and she moved into a high-end pet clothing line, alongside her mother.

While the business was a success, Charli's story highlights a critical entrepreneurial lesson: knowing when to pivot. Recognizing that this wasn't her ultimate calling, she shifted gears. After starting university in Australia, she returned to New Zealand, enrolling in a BComm with majors in Marketing and Strategy & Entrepreneurship at the University of Canterbury. Now, she's in the development phase of a new venture in the skincare industry, proving that the skills gained from one business can be applied to a completely new one. Charli's story shows that entrepreneurship is a continuous journey of learning and discovery, and that the courage to pivot is a strength, not a failure.

Caetana Langston: Innovating with a Global Mindset

Currently a student at Lincoln University studying BCom with a major in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Caetana is also channeling her entrepreneurial skills into a new venture, an app with global potential. Her focus is on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist the e-commerce world, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach and an understanding of emerging technologies.

Caetana's insights also shed light on the unique advantages for women founders in New Zealand. She highlighted the significant support and funding available in the country for women founders, noting that while women founders only make up 2% of founders globally, New Zealand offers a supportive ecosystem to help them thrive. Her message is a powerful one: the world needs more female entrepreneurs, and the resources are available to help them succeed.

The presentations from Charli and Caetana underscored a vital truth: the entrepreneurial mindset is for everyone. It is nurtured at school where students are given the opportunity to develop real-world business skills and creative thinking. Whether you go on to launch a startup, join a corporate team, or enter a creative field, the skills of innovation, problem-solving, and resilience are invaluable.

Their journeys from St. Margaret's to the world of startups serve as a powerful reminder. The ability to identify a need/problem, create a solution, and navigate challenges is a skill set that will benefit any path you choose. Charli and Caetana are proof that  the foundations for a dynamic and innovative future can be laid right here, in the classroom.