Office of Alumni Relations

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VCU Alumni is highlighting Rams in our alumni-owned business directory. Here, Salisa Nolan (B.S.’20), owner of Richmond, Virginia-based Positive Path Wellness Coaching, shares her business advice.


What tools helped you the most when you started out?  

Engagement with business organizations and networking proved invaluable in my entrepreneurial journey. Associations such as the Women’s Business Center, the Metropolitan Business League and the Jackson Ward Collective offered boot camps and workshops tailored to startup businesses, which were instrumental in my initial stages. Additionally, I benefited from the guidance of a business mentor from SCORE [a volunteer group of business professionals], free of charge.

What was the biggest challenge to maintaining your business?  

Maintaining my business’s presence and marketing remains my primary obstacle as a business owner. While I acknowledge the pivotal role of social media in marketing strategies, the task can feel overwhelming at times. Consistently maintaining an active social media presence poses a significant challenge.

What advice do you have for people considering starting a business?

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to persevere through the highs and lows of the journey. Holding onto your passion and dreams is key. As a person of faith, delving into entrepreneurship has not only strengthened my belief in God but has also empowered me to trust in myself and embrace new opportunities beyond my comfort zone. 

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