Johannesburg - Student Brands CEO Daryl Bartkunsky chats with IOL about where he got the idea for his concept.
1. Is Student Brands your first startup?
Student Brands was not my first company, I had many startups during my school years, I started as early as the age of 13. I seem to have kept to a specific trend in those days, focusing on technology startups and imported products.
2. What gave you the idea?
As a student on campus, with a strong interest in money, I was looking for opportunities to make some pocket change. A friend and I decided that handing out flyers for nightclubs on campus could make us this desired wealth. We decided a small database of students’ details were imperative as we could notify them when we were on campus and so on March 6, 2009 Student Brands was formed and conducted its first ever on-campus activation.
3. How is it doing?
Like all businesses its an emotional and physical rollercoaster, it has its late nights early morning as well as its ups and downs but overall we have grown into a strong and dedicated team with expert skill sets that allow us to provide value for our clients and in a small way make a difference in our country.
4. Did you always want to be an entrepreneur?
Yes, I wanted to manage a business and I still do. In my opinion, the essence of entrepreneurship isn’t about starting something from nothing it’s about the thrill for the future, the chase and the desire to want to constantly improve.
5. What made you choose this career path?
My drive to create something, my family’s support and unexpected events.
6. What's next on your list?
Hmmmm…. We would really like to expand Student Brands into Africa in the rollercoaster we call life and hopefully go international as well. We want to help students all over the world and help brands communicate to students from all over the world too. We really do care for the students as well as our client’s needs and we want to show the world we are capable of that.
7. What would you say to someone who wants to be an entrepreneur?
DO IT! You can debate doing it all you like, but you will never know until you do it.
9. Would you say you need a degree to get started?
It can’t hurt. It also allows you the opportunity to gain some of the knowledge needed to start and run a business.
IOL