Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About Education: Lessons from Mimi’s Fresh Tees
- Gabriel Flores
- Feb 2, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 7, 2024
In one of my recent episodes of The Shades of Entrepreneurship, I had the pleasure of welcoming the owner of Mimi’s Fresh Tees, Kamelah Adams.
Mimi's Fresh Tees is a social justice and women empowerment apparel company, with a mission is to create bold, meaningful designs that inspire action and spark conversations.
This conversation got me reflecting on education itself and why it’s such a critical issue, not just for society but for entrepreneurs as well: Why Entrepreneurs Should Care About Education: Lessons from Mimi’s Fresh Tees.
What is Education, and Why is it Important?
When we hear the word "education," many of us immediately think of schools, universities, and formal classrooms.
The standard definition is "the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction," especially in an academic setting. But let’s go beyond that.
Education isn’t confined to classrooms; it’s broader, more powerful, and often found in unexpected places.
I prefer to think of education as an enlightening experience—something that can happen anywhere, at any time, and in many forms. It’s not just about academic achievement; it’s about learning from life, from others, and from experiences. And for entrepreneurs, this is especially true.
In this episode, I opened up about my own educational battles, which started at an early age. Like many entrepreneurs, my education wasn’t just about what I learned in the classroom. It was about what I learned from life itself—through trial and error, through networking, and through listening to the stories of others.
Formal, Informal, and Non-Formal Education: The Three Pillars
Education comes in different forms, and each one plays a crucial role in shaping who we are and how we approach the world.
1. Formal Education: This is the traditional form of learning that happens in schools, colleges, and universities, typically taught by professionals following a curriculum. Formal education gives us foundational knowledge, but it’s not the only form of learning. For example, I attended Portland Community College, Portland State University, and Syracuse University, and while I gained a lot from these institutions, my education didn’t stop there.
2. Informal Education: This is the learning that happens outside of formal institutions. It’s the lessons we learn from life, from conversations, from reading books, and yes—even from browsing the internet (though we should always be cautious about the sources we rely on). Informal education can be just as impactful as formal education, if not more so. It’s often these life lessons and personal experiences that shape us the most.
3. Non-Formal Education: According to World Vision, this is a mix of both formal and informal education. It includes educational programs like vocational training, community-based courses, or short-term programs that equip people with specific skills. For entrepreneurs, non-formal education might mean attending workshops, networking events, or learning a new trade through hands-on experience.
Why Should Entrepreneurs Care About Education?
Education, in any form, is more than just gaining knowledge—it’s about problem-solving, empowerment, self-reliance, and personal growth. Entrepreneurs, especially, should care about education because it gives us the tools to innovate, adapt, and grow our businesses.
Take this podcast, for example. I hope my listeners learn from the stories I share—stories of real entrepreneurs talking about their journeys, challenges, and successes.
In a way, this podcast serves as a case study of business, offering a real-world version of something you might read in Harvard Business Review—only more accessible and relatable. It’s education in action.
Bruce Lee once said, "Instead of buying your children all the things you never had, you should teach them all the things you were never taught. Material things wear out, but knowledge stays."
This couldn’t be more true, especially for entrepreneurs. Knowledge is something that builds over time and can be passed down to others. It stays with us, guiding us through both our failures and successes.
Education Is Key to Breaking Barriers
Education doesn’t just lift people above the poverty line; it improves quality of life. The more educated we are, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions, solve complex problems, and navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship.
According to a study by The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), if all students in low-income countries gained basic reading skills before leaving school, 171 million people could be lifted out of poverty. Think about that. The power of education isn’t just individual—it has a ripple effect that can transform communities and even entire economies.
For Entrepreneurs, Education is Ongoing
As entrepreneurs, we never stop learning. Whether it's through formal education, informal mentorship, or hands-on experiences, education is the foundation of innovation and success. I’ve personally embraced this mindset.
While I never felt like I "failed" in school, I did face challenges—challenges that motivated me to keep learning, keep growing, and keep building my foundation.
In entrepreneurship, we don’t fail—we learn, or we succeed.
And that’s why I believe education, in all its forms, is so important for entrepreneurs. It empowers us to make better decisions, to adapt when necessary, and to build something lasting.
Education is the Foundation of Entrepreneurship
Every time I release a new episode of this podcast, I hope it adds another layer to your own foundation. Whether you’re learning about marketing, branding, resilience, or community-building, each story offers a new piece of knowledge you can use in your own journey.
Entrepreneurship is not a solo venture—it’s a constant learning process. Just as education is about more than classrooms and textbooks, entrepreneurship is about more than business plans and profits. It’s about connecting with people, learning from experiences, and growing together.
Together, We Learn
In this episode with Mimi’s Fresh Tees, we talked about the importance of education and community involvement. But the bigger picture is this: education is everywhere. It’s in our interactions, our failures, our successes, and in the stories we share.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a student, or someone just trying to figure it all out, remember that education is the key to growth. It’s what empowers us to not only survive but to thrive. And when we learn together, we grow stronger—together.
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