OHS’s entrepreneurship class has recently been in charge of running Tiger Threads, a student-led business from which students can purchase spirit wear such as crewnecks, polos and charm bracelets. Tyson Campbell, who teaches the class, also teaches many fundamentals skills about running a business.

“We initially started with small table brainstorm sessions, where we presented product ideas for our company. From these previous product ideas, we then chose two and combined them to create our Tiger Threads business,” Campbell said. “After, we came to the agreement that crewnecks and polos were a common theme, and we loved the idea of personalized Oakville bracelets. We incorporated both of these ideas to start the beginning of Tiger Threads.”

Arguably, a key part of running a business is learning to overcome obstacles and work as a team. During any project that requires teamwork and dedication, challenges may occur. It can be an important part of a collaborative effort to learn from each other and solve problems together.

“Running Tiger Threads has been difficult at times, but we have managed as a team to work collectively and make sure our customers are satisfied,” Campbell said.

Many students who are taking the class also agree that there are many important skills you can take away from the experience of running a business, and that this makes it beneficial to take the class.

“This class is very recommended because not only do you work collectively with others but you can also build friendships, meet new people, while working a business and selling. Entrepreneurship is a great semester class if you’re interested in the business field,” Maida Selimovic (11) said.

This wasn’t Tiger Threads’ first year, and certain changes and improvements have been made. Running a successful business may also include making adjustments when needed.

“This year we did all presales. In previous years, they have sold during lunches. We wanted to limit our risk so we did presales. Mr. Campbell is also new to the course for this school but has been teaching this course at other schools for six years,” Selimovic said.

Although changes have been made this year in order to optimize the business’s success, there is always room for improvement. Some students agree that there are further changes that could be made in order to ensure that Tiger Threads is more successful in the future. It could also be helpful to some to reflect on the skills they’ve learned in the class.

“In the future, I would hope to see our class’ business, Tiger Threads, in the yearbook so we can reflect on it when we’re older/all graduate,” Humza Arain (11) said.

“Our marketing team handles our advertising. Overall, they’re been doing a wonderful job and we’ve grown a mass following on Instagram. From silly videos to your regular flyers you’d see around school, definitely keeping up with the trends at most,” Arain said.

With any new experience, there may be many new things to learn and important life skills you can take away. Learning about how to run a business doesn’t only focus on the sales and marketing aspect, but the social aspect as well. Team building is also a valuable skill taught in entrepreneurship class.

“Communicating is more important as when you have a business and have many people involved, you need to communicate to work together,” Arain said. “As for taking initiative, you shouldn’t be scared to start working yourself without being told what to do. Take charge.”

Gallery • 7 Photos

Avery Hof

Students in the Entrepreneurship class create and package orders. "I would recommend taking this class if you want to get into sales, marketing products, understanding how a business works and get a sense of what it feels like," Humza Arain (11) said. "At first it's stressful, but over time, you take away big things." The students worked hard to successfully package and deliver orders.