How This Wharton MBA Created Her Women’s Workwear Brand

Learn how real students navigate their way through the business school admissions process and b-school itself with our What is Business School Really Like? series. Meet Melina, a recent Wharton MBA graduate and the founder of Keaton, a woman’s workwear brand dedicated to empowering women to look, feel, and perform their best. Melina, thank you for sharing your story with us! What inspired you to pursue an MBA? Melina: Prior to my MBA, I was working at a traditional (majority brick-and-mortar) retailer, PANDORA Jewelry, on the strategy team. I loved my work there, but I was excited by the direct-to-consumer trend in retail and excited to learn more about it. What has always excited me about retail is listening to the customer and solving their problems—and I felt that the direct-to-consumer business model was well-equipped for this. Wharton is well-known for incubating DTC brands like Warby Parker, Burrow, and others. Further, I did not study business in undergraduate (I was a political science major), so as I became more senior in my career, I wanted to fill some gaps related to business fundamentals (accounting, finance, etc.). What was the most challenging aspect of the business school application process? Melina: I was applying with a partner (my fiancà ©), so this made the process extra stressful—we wanted to be in the same program. Luckily, we were both accepted to Wharton, which was a top choice given our career backgrounds (retail for me, finance for him). I also found it challenging to distill my â€Å"personal story† into a pithy essay format. I must have written about 50 versions of my personal statement. I found it helpful to seek honest feedback from people who know me well and have insight into my personality. I got feedback from my boss, colleagues, and friends to create a version that was true to myself. Register for our free webinar, Get Accepted to Wharton! Did you participate in a Wharton team-based discussion? How did you prepare for this experience? Melina: I did a Team-Based Discussion in November 2016. The TBD is a live discussion of a broad â€Å"case question† with a small group of MBA candidates, so there is only so much preparation that is possible. However, I read the prompt and formulated several ideas going into the session. In these environments, everyone is nervous and eager to share their thoughts. I reminded myself to step back and listen to my teammates and to facilitate an environment of collaboration instead of competition. I really enjoyed the TBD and remain friends with candidates I met through the process. Once school began, what surprised you the most about the program? Melina: Not so much a â€Å"surprise,† but I was incredibly impressed with the caliber of the other students in the program. One of the most valuable parts of the MBA is learning from peers—at Wharton, students come from all sorts of career backgrounds and from 50+ countries. I had heard that Wharton has a flexible curriculum, but I was surprised by how true this was. There are some required classes, which are very helpful for someone with a limited business background like me. Beyond that, we can take classes across Penn. I took several classes in the law school that will be helpful as an entrepreneur. I had friends take classes about nutrition science, meditation, design, and more. I felt I had a good amount of structure in terms of coursework but also plenty of time to pursue entrepreneurship. How does Wharton encourage entrepreneurship? Melina: Penn-Wharton Entrepreneurship offers a suite of programming for founders. This ranges from funding awards that founders can apply for to an accelerator, VIP-X, to mentorship and networking opportunities. I was able to take full advantage of these resources with Keaton. I was awarded a good amount of funding for my business which helped as I bootstrapped in the early stages—the application requires founders to set milestones and track progress, which is a valuable forcing mechanism. One of the most valuable resources was the Female Founder Mentoring program. I was paired with three amazing mentors from VC, fashion/retail, and branding backgrounds. We met multiple times throughout the year and they plugged in on very tactical questions I was facing. For example, I had an issue with a manufacturer and thought that I was being taken advantage of—as someone who was new to manufacturing, I didn’t know exactly what to expect. One of my mentors who is a CEO of a fashion brand was able to advise me how to negotiate better pricing and a refund for some early samples. How has your background in public policy informed your current projects? Melina: I was motivated to study public policy because I like to understand how people make decisions. In my public policy studies, we emphasized complementary qualitative and quantitative approaches, e.g., starting with focus groups and interviews to understand what motivates a decision at a high level, and then drilling down with data to prove out hypotheses. I took this same approach when I transitioned my career to retail. The decision to buy something from a certain brand is complex and difficult for even the customer themselves to articulate. When designing my first style for Keaton, I interviewed over 300 women to talk about workwear. There was tremendous dissatisfaction with workwear—styles have not kept up with an increasingly casual workplace. Women’s work attire is often dry clean-only, wrinkles easily, and lacks versatility. I also looked at sources of data, such as a large data set on U.S. women’s measurements, to inform the style. Can you tell us more about Keaton? What inspired you to start this brand? Melina: Keaton  makes thoughtfully-designed women’s workwear created by women, for women. As a young professional, I found that having a great outfit helped me feel confident when faced with a crazy day of meetings or a big presentation. I created Keaton to be the brand that young women love to wear to work, offering office staples that can keep up with you anywhere work takes you. Keatons first product, the Perfect Pant, is a machine-washable, non-wrinkle pant with roomy front pockets. The product was designed with input from over 300 professional women. Business school is intense! How do you juggle being a student and business owner? Melina: It can be a delicate balance—but working on Keaton doesn’t really feel like work because I’m so passionate about it. So I’m happy to spend nights and weekends working on the business. Whats next for Keaton? Melina: I graduated from Wharton in May and I am working on Keaton full-time based out of New York City. I am working on hiring my first employees, growing the brand through a mix of channels, and developing new styles. We are making a big push for the back-to-school season in August since this is when many women refresh their work wardrobes. I love hearing from potential customers about what we should tackle next—please reach out to me at melina@wearkeaton.com. I’d love to hear from you! Do you have questions for Melina? Questions for us? Do you want to be featured in our next What is Business School Really Like? post? Know someone else who you’d love to see featured? Are there questions you’d like us to ask our students in this series? LET US KNOW! You can learn more about Melina by connecting with her on LinkedIn. You can find out more about Keaton on Instagram. Are you setting out on your own b-school journey? We can help you reach the finish line! Check out our MBA Admissions Consulting Services to team up with an admissions expert who will help you join the ranks of thousands of Accepted clients who get accepted to their dream schools. For 25 years, Accepted has helped business school applicants gain acceptance to top programs. Our outstanding team of MBA admissions consultants features former business school admissions directors and professional writers who have guided our clients to admission at top MBA, EMBA, and other graduate business programs worldwide including Harvard, Stanford, Wharton, Booth, INSEAD, London Business School, and many more.  Want an MBA admissions expert  to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch! Related Resources: †¢ Fitting In Standing Out: The Paradox at the Heart of Admissions, a free guide †¢ How to Ace Your Team Based Interview: 4 Tips for the Big Day †¢ Wharton MBA Class Profile: Class of 2020

Effect Of Gambling On Society - 2454 Words

Casinos and The Negative Impact They Have On Our Society The existence of casinos does produce wealth for a few, but they are detrimental to society for their connection to crime, substance abuse, the highly addictive qualities they contain, and their powerful ability to ruin the lives of many by causing poverty. There are several reasons in which in casinos should be illegal, ranging from its negative impact on the lives of individuals to the overall damaging effects on society. Gambling has been linked to many cases of addiction, poverty, crime, depression, and the destruction of relationships. Compulsive gamblers may suffer from mental disorders such as depression and anxiety, according to Medline Plus, the National Institutes of Health s Web site for patients and their families and friends. Gambling addicts may also abuse drugs or alcohol or attempt suicide. The financial strain may lead to bankruptcy, job loss and the alienation of friends and family. The article The Effect of Pathological Gambling on Families, Marriages, and Children from CNS Spectrums states that the divorce rate is significantly higher for gambling addicts and that the rate of domestic violence is higher in families with pathological gamblers. Casino gambling was banned in all but a handful of locations in the world for most of the twentieth century, but has grown exponentially in the last generation. In 1970, casino gambling existed in just 13 countries and accounted for less than $2 billionShow MoreRelatedThe Effects of Gambling on Society1594 Words   |  7 PagesAs gambling becomes more and more prevalent in todays society, one must look at the positive and negative aspects of the construction of casinos and other gambling establishments. While casinos have been shown to benefit local economies by creating jobs and generating tax revenues, they also lead to many social problems such as increased suicide, crime, accident, and high-school drop out rates. For example, in Indiana, a study shows its ten riverboat casinos are to blame for $1 million worth ofRead MoreOnline Gambling And Its Effects On Society967 Words   |  4 PagesIn modern society, technological advancements have caused casino gambling to shift to onli ne, â€Å"on-the-go†, gambling. Online gambling can be effortlessly accessible to anyone over the legal age as required by various jurisdictions. Margee Hume and Gillian Mort argue that youth misperceive the definition of â€Å"gambling†, as they believe gambling is a hobby from which one can receive rewards such as money (119). As a result, those gambling for rewards, do not generally acknowledge the possible negativeRead MoreGambling Disorder And Its Effects On Society860 Words   |  4 PagesGambling disorder involves the urge to gamble continuously despite financial and social consequences or a desire to stop. It is seen as being out of control and dominating the person’s life. It is important to note that most gambling is not associated with a mental disorder as it is often a form of recreation in many cultures around the world. â€Å"Gambling can be defined as placing something of value at risk in the hopes of gaining something of greater value† (P otenza, 2008). Pathological gambling affectsRead MoreThe States Policy On Gambling1416 Words   |  6 Pagesdiscussing what the states policy on gambling should be, one must first become familiar with the definition of gambling. Gambling is defined as â€Å"the activity or practice of playing at a game of chance for money or other stakes†. When people hear the word gambling, casinos, lotteries, and online gambling websites are what is most often thought of, however, these are not the only types of gambling. People can gamble throughout a variety of fashions, such as virtual gambling on tablets or smartphones, scratchRead MoreThe Ethical Problems of Gambling Essay example883 Words   |  4 PagesThere are times where gambling can be harmful to yourself and that harm can spread to your friends and family. Gambling can pose problems by inflicting mental and financial harm on a person endowed with the constant need to gamble. There is another way that gambling can effect a pers on in a negative manner and it includes the physical harm gambling can cause. Gambling is often associated with alcohol consumption especially alcohol consumption that is excessive in nature. Gambling is also associatedRead MoreGambling Is An Extremely Well Liked And Entertaining Activity For The Canadian Population1530 Words   |  7 PagesGambling is an extremely well liked and entertaining activity for the Canadian population. In theory, gambling can be a sense of fun and games, yet it has always been inevitably linked to the Canadian Criminal Code. It has been noticed that, â€Å"Canadians spend more on legal, government-promoted gambling than on clothing, shoes and medicine combined† (Hutchison, 1999). In 1892 all forms of gambling were banned in Canada, with the exception of horse racing (Stevens, R., 2005). Throughout the years CanadiansRead MoreTaking a Look at Gambling669 Words   |  3 PagesGambling has been in existence for centuries, and it is gaining populari ty today more than ever. With this trend, it is difficult to avoid questioning of any possible effects associated with gambling. There are many social and economic effects associated with the widespread practice. In this paper, we address these effects of gambling and its contribution to one’s poverty status in America. We also examine the large industry of gambling and the dynamics of the business structures and revenues. Read MoreBenefits Of Gambling Among College Students1147 Words   |  5 PagesGambling Among College Students Gambling is risking money or something of value on uncertain events driven by chance. Most people see gambling as just another form of fun. Gambling often becomes a sensitive issue for the gambler and their family. This is especially important to consider, since the practice of gambling among college students is constantly growing with the rise of internet-based gambling.Though gambling is legal in many states, it does not make it right for people to engage in suchRead MoreInquiring Into The Social Assignment1586 Words   |  7 Pages Inquiring into the social – Assignment 1 Draft Summary In today’s modern society there have been numerous advances in the way we live our day to day lives. These advancements have not only changed the way we operate but have inadvertently shaped our younger generation into a more hybrid form. Gambling has always been seen as a chance to win more money at the expense of one’s wallet. Yet it is often that individuals are prone to losing more rather than gaining, which has affected many by sendingRead MoreEffects of Gambling1138 Words   |  5 PagesTHE EFFECTS OF GAMBLING Most people with gambling problems say they lost control over how much time and money they spend gambling. Meanwhile, they ignored other responsibilities. For them, gambling is an activity that are important to them. Those who gamble excessively often bring problems for the one they love. The effects of gambling can be classified into individuals, family and the society. Each of them had different aspect. With the problems that been brought by those

How to Choose Body Building Equipment for Exercise at Home Essay

Essays on How to Choose Body Building Equipment for Exercise at Home Essay The paper "How to Choose Body Building Equipment for Exercise at Home" is an outstanding example of an essay on sports and recreation. A sound body is necessary for healthy living. Staying fit is compulsory for rational thinking. Many people join the gym in order to seek advice from health trainers and do bodybuilding. It is a perfect school for physical education. Every type of bodybuilding equipment is there to facilitate the development of muscles. These days, despite having a desire to go to the gym on a regular basis, many people can not afford to do this because of lack of time. Doing exercise in the gym on a regular basis is a time-consuming task. Nonetheless, it can not be missed. In order to accommodate their exercise needs in a tight schedule, many people tend to do a workout at home. Not only does this practice save time, but also becomes quite convenient for people to exercise on a regular basis.In order to workout at home, one would need such exercise equipment that woul d not only be cheap but would also accommodate in the space available at home. Different people have different exercise needs. One should buy the machine that would address one’s area of concern. Step bench, balance balls, exercise cycle, dumbbells, and weights are common exercise equipment that can be easily accommodated in homes (Jerkins).In case someone is not able to purchase the products of health fitness, then he/she should acquire second-hand equipment. With time, more equipment can be gathered. It is not essential to purchase everything at the same time. As one’s needs grow, so should the collection of exercise equipment.

The View From the Top free essay sample

With horns blaring in my ear and bright lights making it only possible to look down at my feet, I take a deep breath of the semi-polluted air and start to bump my way through the crowd ahead. New York City is one of the most amazing places on the planet, or so I was told. Naturally, I had to see it for myself. However, going on a trip is no easy task because there’s hours of research, planning, calling, website visiting, and saving. But nobody likes that part. Everyone just wants to go somewhere and take a few pictures and eat a few nice meals in peace. But unluckily this usually is not the case. Most trips end up being just one long walk after another and eating at the same fast food restaurants you see down the street from your home. Most people do not ever learn the real way to make a trip memorable because they are looking in the wrong place. We will write a custom essay sample on The View From the Top or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page A trip is made memorable because of the people that you go on it with. I’ve learned that the view at the top is not what matters but that the people you climbed the mountain with do. After going on over 10 out of state vacations, I have become fairly reliable at finding the right places to see and getting the best price, but nothing is as important as the 7 people you try to jam into the back seat of 1 New York taxi cab because you do not know if you will be able to get another one to pull over. Traveling does not always have to be something big and grand. It can be simple like floating lazily down a river in a tube while your hands are in the cool water and your feet are suspended in the air. There is something new to see every day on this planet, you just have to know where the right place to look is. BYU is my next place. And I know that if I get the chance to attend that it will be the greatest start I can hope to have.

Kate Chopins The Awakening Essays (846 words) - The Awakening, Edna

Kate Chopin's The Awakening Many different symbols were utilized in Kate Chopin's The Awakening to illustrate the underlying themes and internal conflict of the characters. One constant and re-emerging symbol is the sea. The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander for a spell in abysses of solitude; to lose itself in mazes of inward contemplation. The voice of the sea speaks to the soul. The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace (25). In the novel, the ocean symbolizes Edna's awakening to a life filled with freedom and independence. On a hot summer evening Robert and Edna go bathing. Although Edna does not wish to go and initially declines his offer, something inside is compelling her to go down to the water. It is there in the seductive ocean that Edna's awakening begins. A certain light was beginning to dawn dimly within her? [she] was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her (25). That warm ocean environment is in direct contrast to the responsibilities and rules of the cold, hard city. And it is there in that relaxed and forgiving atmosphere that Edna can explore her new found freedoms. While relaxing on the beach with Mrs. Ratignolle, the sight of the endless ocean brings back memories from Edna's childhood. She suddenly recalls a summer day in Kentucky and a meadow that seemed as big as the ocean to the very little girl?and I felt as if I must walk on forever without coming to the end of it. I don't remember whether I was frightened or pleased (30). A strong connection between the Kentucky meadow, and the ocean before her, links her present experience to her childhood. This rebirth takes her back to a time of innocence and curiosity that allows her to explore life through new eyes. Edna is filled with swelling emotions and reveals Sometimes I feel this summer as if I were walking through the green meadow again. Idly, aimlessly, unthinking, and unguided (30). Edna's recollection of this event allows her to more clearly recognize her internal turmoil. The link between Edna's awakening and the ocean becomes even clearer when after several attempts she finally learns to swim. The first time she ventures out into the ocean alone is the first step toward her independence. She panics when she realizes how far she has gone alone and fears drowning. This incident represents Edna gaining control over her body and becoming more aware of her full potential. The ocean helps her recognize that her body is her own and she awakens to her physical, mental, and emotional capabilities. But that night she was like the little tottering, stumbling, clutching child, who of a sudden realizes its powers, and walks for the first time alone, boldly and with overconfidence. (47). Edna's sudden terror in the middle of the ocean signifies that she may not be able to venture out as far as she wants to and may have to turn back. She wanted to swim far out, where no woman had swum before?A quick vision of death smote her soul, and for a second of time appalled and enfeebled her senses (48). Much like her adventure in the Kentucky bluegrass meadow Edna is perplexed by her feelings. A mixture of pride, fear, and uncertainty engulfs her. Robert leaving Edna with Good-by-because I love you (185) opens Edna's eyes to the fact that she is still not entirely her own person. Mr. Pontellier and society still have control over many of Edna's decisions and much of her life. When Edna decides to claim her life she is asserting that her life is hers to have and to destroy. She wants to prove to everyone including herself that she is her own person and can choose her own fate. It is now that the ocean plays the biggest part in Edna's awakening. The voice of the sea is seductive, never ceasing, whispering, clamoring, murmuring, inviting the soul to wander in abysses of solitude (189). Edna swims out

Information Technology on Financial Losses essays

Information Technology on Financial Losses essays If figures must be believed, the virtual world is not exactly a safe venue for business or private affairs. In its sixth annual Computer Crime and Security Survey in 2001, the Computer Security Institute of San Francisco reported on mounting financial losses to computer crimes and other information security breaches, 85% of which were incurred primarily by respondent large corporations and government agencies (Business Journal 2001). A third of these respondents said that they lost almost $400 million to cyber criminals in 2001 alone, an increase from a yearly average of $120 million in the three years before 2000 and $265 in 2000, according to the The most common forms of losses have been theft of proprietary information at an aggregate of $151 million and financial fraud at $93 million. Almost all of these occurred through their internet connection in combination with their internal systems as points of attack (Business Journal). Despite the rise of the said crimes, only one of three reported The US Department of Justice released a list of prosecuted crimes committed through the internet from 1998 to the present (2004). These crimes include the disabling of the control tower of a government facility, hacking, banditry or web banditry, theft of proprietary company information by an employee or outsider, computer sabotage, embezzlement by un- authorized sales of items or services, un-authorized access into credit card accounts, creation of destructive viruses or worms. The National Information Infrastructure Protection Act of 1996 amended the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, codified as 18 USC 1030, the law against fraud and related activities in connection with computers (Department of Justice). It punishes anyone who knowingly accesses a computer internet connection without authorization or in excess of authorized access and acquires information prot...

Chanakya On Military Mobilization History Essay

Chanakya On Military Mobilization History Essay Ancient India produced many philosophers and strategists, whose works contribute immensely to understand the great civilization and its religions even today. Of all the great thinkers and strategists who left their mark in Indian history, Chanakya is perhaps the most important, because it was his strategy that led to the realization of the idea of a unified India. It was his student Chandra Gupta Maurya who followed his strategy to unify India in 321 BC. Unlike many other contemporary Indian thinkers who focused on religion and thought of heavenly realms, Chanakya had his feet firmly planted on the ground and thought about the ways to make a country rich and powerful. His book on statecraft, Arthashastra, is one of the first books by any Indian author to highlight the importance of the military in the smooth functioning of the state. In other words, he was a realist who understood the power a strong standing military in sending out a clear signal to other countries and its contribut ion to bolstering national pride. It was his emphasis on military, diplomacy and covert operations and his ruthless practicality that earned him his nickname, Kautilya, the shrewd one who employed all means possible to keep the national pride intact. Although there are a lot of controversies about the identity of Chanakya, a master strategist and kingmaker, it is beyond the scope of this article. The article will only deal with his views-or what is now regarded as his view by many scholars-on military mobilization. Chanakya comes out as one of the first strategists who not only wrote on how to mobilize the military, but also how to organize it. As someone who grew up witnessing wars among the various kingdoms and republics that existed in India then, and also having witnessed Alexander’s invasion of India, he clearly saw the need for a strong unified India that would be peaceful and deal with others on its own terms. And he clearly realized that to turn his dream of a strong India, a strong military was a must. Without a strong military to back the ruler in conducting his domestic and foreign policy, he realized, the country would perish. Thus, in his book he highlights the importance of military, how to organize and mobilize it when needed. His chapters on military reads like chapters from any modern book on military science. It is hard to imagine that more than 2,000 years ago, he thought of sending a medical unit to campaigns to take care of the wounded. In Arthashastra, he clearly highlights the need to divide the military in units and battalions, with their respective flags and commanders. He also writes on the chain of command and how to maintain it. And like any modern book on military science, also mentions the importance of covert operations and psychological warfare to subdue the enemy. More than that, he clearly writes the criteria for choosing the commanders of each unit. For example, the one who heads the infantry has to have battle experie nce, know about the weapons necessary for his troops. Similarly, the one heading the cavalry should be able to choose the best horses for his unit, and know how all things about the horses. Similarly the officers heading the chariot and elephant units too should have knowledge and experience in choosing the right equipments and animals for their units.