Think Big: Entrepreneurship Contest Winner Announcement

It takes a lot of hard work and persistence to make the switch from employee to business owner. Our Entrepreneurship contest was started in light of the interesting statistic that 7% of the recently jobless will attempt to start their own businesses. We had a great response from our members and we'd like to thank each and every one of you who participated. If you're considering a business of your own, read all of the fabulous entries for a little inspiration. Everyone thought BIG, but in the end there can only be one winner.

Congratulations to Laura Kelly (OA username: lilysunshine) of Owings Mills, MD. Laura is our winner and will receive a $25 Visa gift card as well as a free copy of Think Big: Make It Happen in Business and Life by Donald Trump.

Here's what she had to say:

"I would start a graphic design firm. Actually, I'm in the process of getting ready to do that. It's unbelievably slow-going and frustrating, but I'm getting there.

I didn't go to school for graphic design. I was a chemistry major - HUGE change, right? I had a blog that I kept as a hobby, just on the side. A few months in, I realized I could customize it, and did. I got my hands on a student copy of Photoshop and fooled around. It turned out pretty well. I changed it every few months after that.

It actually wasn't until I was working for a company that assisted small businesses with loans, business plans, marketing plans that I realized I could do something more than play around with it. I created a few brochures for the company, designed a folder, and my boss was really happy with it. He let me do a couple comp logos for some of the businesses we were working with.

That business relationship didn't end very well, but out of it came some experience and confidence that maybe, just maybe, I could do that for REAL.

To be honest, I don't think I've ever been as excited as I still am (two years later) about doing something. I want to take businesses from their beginning stages and help bring out their identity. I want to make real the image they have for themselves in their heads - put all of that into logos and business cards and websites, brochures and materials and packaging. I could go on and on about it really - and that's how I know it's what I should be doing. Someday!"

Best of luck to you Laura and thanks to everyone who participated. To review all of our entries, click here. And remember, we'll have another contest announcement tomorrow so check back soon!