This blog series offers a glimpse of reSET’s summer internship program in entrepreneurship. The series captures interns’ experiences, both with reSET’s curriculum and the startups that they are working alongside. Our seventh blogger, Hayley Brant, comes to us from UConn.

I’ve had an incredible summer interning for reSET. Everyday has been an opportunity to learn something new and to then apply those skills towards a range of projects I am genuinely passionate about.

When I started college, I was overwhelmed by choosing a career path. With an interest in food and wellness, I began studying nutrition. However, after taking a floral design class, I realized that I could also pursue a career that would allow me to use my creativity. The class was taught in a green house on campus, where I soon developed an interest in all of the greenery that I was surrounded by. I found myself wondering how it grew and enrolled in more classes within the plant science department as a result. After these exposures, I realized that studying the way food is grown is what I am most passion about. And it is for that reason that I’m now pursuing a degree in Sustainable Plant and Soil Systems. I’ve often envisioned opening my own combined cut-flower farm and florist studio after graduating. But when I was given the chance to remain a member of the UConn Women’s Rowing Team for a fifth year, I decided to pursue an additional degree in Resource Economics, and to take more business-focused classes and see where that led me.

If was around then that I first learned about reSET. I not only read about how they provide resources for startups, but how they help grow businesses that will run as social enterprises and positively impact the community and environment. So I applied to their summer internship program and was thrilled when I was offered a spot.

On our first day, we were told we’d be working in groups to come up with our own business idea to pitch to investors at the end of the summer for the Innovation Challenge, using skills we would learn from professional development lectures throughout the summer. That morning, knowing from my interview that I was interested in growing flowers, our supervisor, Jeremy, approached me with the idea to grow flowers through aquaponics. When we created our groups for the project, I brought up the idea to the other members and we decided to pursue. Our business model is to bring fresh, locally grown cut flowers to communities all year round. Through aquaponics, unique blooms can be grown anywhere, regardless of the outdoor growing conditions. Each team member brings different skills and interests to the group, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with my peers Urmi and Lacey. We are excited to present the idea at the Challenge next week.

Another part of the internship program is that each intern is matched with a few startups based on their interests. reSET paired me perfectly and I’ve been able to further explore all of my passions and to use my skills outside the classroom.

One company I’ve been working with is Trifecta Ecosystems. Using primarily aquaponics systems, Trifecta provides communities with the tools to grow food in a new, sustainable way. Through them, I’ve learned all about how aquaponics works and even got to visit and see their indoor farm in action in Meriden, CT earlier this month. Also, I’ve been able to use my creative skills to help them with a logo design and website graphics for a branch of their business called “Weekly Harvest,” a CSA they coordinate. Additionally, Trifecta has been a huge help to our group with our previously mentioned business idea that we‘ll soon be pitching. There is a small aquaponics system in the reSET office space and since our group is interested in growing flowers through aquaponics, Trifecta has brought a handful of various flowers for us to grow in the system throughout the summer. I’ve learned how to take care of the system and watch the plants grow each week. They’re a wonderful resource for us and are eager to help us in this business endeavor.

Another company I’ve been working for is Bare Life, a food startup that makes delicious, allergen-friendly desserts and recipes. I have sourced allergen-friendly, organic ingredients from all over the world to help strengthen the supply chain for their first product, a coconut hot cocoa mix. I’ve also helped with editing recipes for their upcoming cookbook. As an athlete, I’ve learned the importance of eating the right foods to fuel my body and I love when I find brands that support my lifestyle. Bare Life is working to create foods that I and others can indulge in without compromise, and it’s been very meaningful to be able to help them with their work.

Over the past few weeks. I’ve seen the work that goes on behind the scenes for a startup to survive and both companies have been wonderful mentors. I just can’t believe how much I’ve learned. In addition to working with the startups and on our own business idea, I’ve learned how to use Adobe Illustrator and how to start a website (thank you, Jeremy!), both invaluable skills I’ll continue to use.

Before coming here, I had a constant stream of ideas and a dream, but felt lost as to where to start. Every week, I’ve been excited to work on all the different projects I’m involved in. And I’ve been inspired at the reSET space surrounded by entrepreneurs. I’ve enjoyed getting to know my fellow cohorts and look forward to staying in touch.