Sydney Lau
Sydney Lau is a third-year Communication Major and Publishing Minor student breaking the boundaries of what you can achieve during your undergrad years!
Ever had that one goal sitting in the back of your mind that you can’t wait to accomplish after finishing your degree? Maybe it’s creating that online portfolio you’ve been thinking about, applying to a job in the Communications industry or starting your own business. Why wait until after graduation to pursue these goals? Sydney Lau, one of our own students and VP of Events with CMNSU is the perfect example of chasing after your ‘adulting dreams’ while still in school! Just last month, Sydney launched her own hand-made, sustainable jewelry brand, Lucciola & Co.
Growing up, Sydney has always had that self-determined, entrepreneur-oriented mindset. Coming into University, Sydney decided to major in Communication for the business-like aspect that many other students grow interest in when it comes to the degree, “I decided to major in Communication because in many ways, it’s business without all the math. I wanted something that focused more on the creative and marketing sides of business.” she says. Sydney’s use of social media platforms such as Lucciola & Co.’s Instagram has grown exponentially since the launch of her first collection in September with close to 1000 followers.
Pictured: The Amelia and Naomi bracelets
The Woman Behind Lucciola & Co
What prompted you to start your own business at such a young age?
S: “I’ve always had this drive in me that motivates me to venture out and seek as many opportunities as I can. Starting my own business was the perfect way to use that drive and make my own opportunity to honour what I love to do as well as make something out of my passions.”
When Sydney first began even thinking about creating her company, she was working two jobs while being a full-time student. However, she always knew if she wanted to accomplish this dream, she didn’t have to wait years after graduation to embark on it. “I really invested my time in researching everything that encompasses starting your own business. I just pushed myself out there to connect with other fellow small businesses which is just another great research resource - they’re always willing to share what they’ve learned from marketing to supplier information,” Sydney shares.
How do you manage being a student, a VP on CMNSU and running your own company?
S: “I think having that mindset that you can achieve anything as long as you really put the time and effort into whatever you wish to succeed in will only set you up for success. Sometimes ‘faking it ‘till you make it’ can work miracles. You can’t go into anything thinking that you won’t be able to do it, your actions follow after your mindset.”
What advice do you have for people interested in starting their own business?
S: “It may seem terrifying at first, but don’t let fear stop you from trying! Put the time aside for your research, and make use of your community/support circle. They are key in building that initial audience and can work wonders in terms of having your brand reach other people!
Make use of social media, and put in time for making the aesthetics of your brand professional and creative. Don’t be afraid to use social media to the best of your advantage no matter how small your followers list may be - everyone has to start somewhere.”
Sydney and her company embodies what it means to combine your passions and hopes with your career all while being a student! If you are someone that is reluctant on starting that dream project of yours, you don’t need to wait to get ahead on it! Sydney proves that drive and determination is the perfect combo to achieve anything during your undergrad!
Keep an eye out for Sydney’s next drop of her holiday collection, and keep supporting small businesses like Lucciola and Co.