Entrepreneurship Week started off Monday with a presentation by an Eastern student who started up her own traveling boutique.

Alexis Teichmiller, marketing major and owner of A.T. Avenue Traveling Boutique, started her own business one and a half years ago when she saw a need for unique clothing in her hometown of Dieterich, Ill.

Before entering what she calls “the world of chiffon and sequins,” Teichmiller had to learn a few steps to success.

These steps include the value of client relationships, how to encourage confidence in women and how to choose what product to buy and then sell to clients.

During her senior year of high school, Teichmiller participated in the “CEO Program.” The program offers high school students the opportunity to learn about how to start their own business.

Teichmiller said she owes a lot of her ability to succeed to what she learned in the programs, such as the need for passion and drive in the world of entrepreneurship.

The road to success has come with many choices, Teichmiller said.

“I think life is a lot about sacrifices, so for something that you want to do, you’ve got to realize what it’s going to take for you to get there, and what you’re going to have to cut out of your life to get you there,” she said.

Juggling school and owning a business has required Teichmiller to make a lot of sacrifices, such as not partying as much as the typical college student, and being extra dedicated to schoolwork.

“I have a huge day planner that I write everything down in,” she said.  “I use a lot of ambition and a lot of Starbucks.”

Teichmiller uses social media to help spread the word of her business by doing things such as paying for representation by fashion bloggers and Instagram users.

In the future, Teichmiller hopes to expand her demographic to men and more women by selling women’s plus size clothing and men’s clothing and accessories.

Though Teichmiller now runs her business by hosting trunk shows at client’s homes and businesses, she will soon also be able to make sales through her online website, which will launch Sunday.

Following her graduation in May, Teichmiller will work for A.T. Avenue full-time and open her office space in her hometown. The space will become for her photo shoots and a place to ship orders.

In June, Teichmiller will take a trip to Los Angeles to meet with buyers and sellers, as well as other business owners.

Following her business endeavors, Teichmiller has a vision of hosting conferences for women so they can learn about fashion and how to have self-confidence.

Throughout her lecture, Teichmiller made a point to encourage the audience to pursue their dreams, as she did herself.

“There’s nothing standing between me and you guys other than fear,” she said.  “You just have to take the leap.”

Samantha Middendorf can be reached at 581-2812 or semiddendorf@eiu.edu.