Grace Gamboa, a senior management major and entrepreneurship concentration, is the owner of Reclamation and a resident in the Samford Startup student business incubator program. A student-athlete, Gamboa founded her business as a freshman which combines her love for fashion and entrepreneurship.
Interview
What is the story of your company? How did it start?
Reclamation began the summer after my freshman year of college when I decided I wanted to take my love for clothes and fashion and combine it with my entrepreneurial spirit.
How has the Samford Startup program supported your business?
The Samford Startup program has given me a multitude of opportunities to connect with like-minded students, and the chance to network with guest speakers at our bi-weekly meetings, and it has also pushed me out of my comfort zone to compete in pitch competitions.
Why did you want to join the Samford Startup program?
I wanted to join the Startup program because it would allow me to create meaningful connections with like-minded students who would help me to create new ideas and give me feedback on pre-existing ones.
What has been the most challenging part of launching your business? How did you overcome this?
I think the most challenging part is that I am also an athlete so balancing time is very important.How has the Samford Startup program helped you grow professionally?
The program has pushed me professionally by pushing me to compete in pitch competitions. It pushed me out of my comfort zone to build confidence in my ideas.
How has the Samford Startup program helped you achieve or exceed your business goals?
The startup program has pushed me towards my goals because it has created a community of accountability. I also have been able to get feedback from people my age which gives fresh new opinions.
Looking to the future, what do you envision for your business?
My future dream is to own a storefront where I have a hand in potentially designing the clothes.
How is your business redemptive in a Christ-like manner?
Reclamation means "cultivation of the wasteland." I want this brand to create a sense of belonging and redemption by clothing women in beauty and reminding them that their story is not over.
How do you see your company having an impact on the Samford and Birmingham communities?
I think Reclamation can impact those around me because when people ask me the reason behind the name it gives me the opportunity to share my story with others and create a relationship with my customers.
Why would you encourage other student entrepreneurs to also join the program?
I would encourage others the join this program because it has allowed me to develop confidence in my business and learn that I am not alone in the hardships of owning a business in college.
