Student
Business Management Student and Navy Vet Carolyne Morton Quoted in Forbes
Currently in the Bachelor’s of Business Management Program, U.S. Navy Veteran Carolyne Morton works at Portofino, a spa in Beverly Hills. One of her clients interviewed her for a piece in Forbes.com about MBA programs. Carolyne, who has her A.A. in Beauty Marketing & Product Development, served in the U.S. Navy for four years, stationed at the Joint Intelligence Operations Center (JIOC) in Honolulu, Hawaii, doing IT with Intel Command Orders. We caught up with her to find out more about this aspiring wellness industry entrepreneur.
Tell us a little about yourself: I was born and raised in Colorado, but also grew up in Tucson, Arizona. I am 26 years old and I served in the military for four years and loved every minute of it! I worked with some amazing people and learned more than I could have imagined. However, I wanted to follow my passion in the beauty industry and as an entrepreneur. I was lucky enough to be able to travel, enjoy Hawaii (quite a beautiful island) and serve my country. I now work in an industry that has introduced me to a variety of clients from all industries, and allows me to still remain a full time student at FIDM. I attended Hawaii Pacific University while I was in the Navy.
How did you choose your major? I want to be an entrepreneur, own my own business in the spa/health and wellness industry, and grow from there.
What are your career goals and how is FIDM helping you get there? I would love to open a lifestyle spa that caters to many needs through a variety of services directed at maintaining a beautiful and healthy lifestyle. FIDM is helping me to learn so much about business, the beauty industry, and through the variety of workshops they host, the connections they offer, and most importantly the fact that the instructors have experience in the fields/classes that they teach.
Tell us about your coverage in Forbes: A client of mine, NJ Goldston, writes for Forbes Magazine and also co-owns Athletic Propulsion Labs (a shoe company that now retails in LuluLemon stores). We were talking about my interest in a Master’s Degree in business, and she was curious about my thoughts on whether or not that was still a viable resource to an entrepreneur. Read the article on forbes.com.
Any advice for someone from the military considering going to FIDM? Yes, make sure you talk to Patricia Martinez often, she is the absolute best and has the your (our) best interest at heart. She introduced me to so many other veterans and services that were available to me. She is what made my transition so easy and has had my back every step of the way. If not her, then one of the school officials, they are extremely helpful and know so many different services and people to talk to for any needs you have.
What is your biggest goal right now? Graduate with my Masters! Also, travel with my clients and start working on my own business plan.
Anything else you’d like to share? Yes, a lot of people were shocked that I had such a career change. But I always say, follow your passion and success comes from that. So even if it's something completely that you are not “trained” on but your passion is what you know you love, then do that. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable, it’s the best way to break barriers and take the road less traveled.
Follow FIDM Student Veterans of America on Instagram @fidmsva.
Categories: Beauty Marketing & Product Development Business Management Military Veteran Student
