Stepping Up with Soleni: Year Two of My Externship Experience

There’s something special about returning to a place where you’ve grown—and realizing there’s still so much more to learn.

This summer marked my second year working with Soleni, and once again, it was an incredibly rewarding experience. While I came in with an understanding of the business, this year gave me the chance to go deeper—learning more about the behind-the-scenes operations, creative strategies, and the heart that drives this small but mighty brand.

This externship continues to open my eyes to the world of retail and small businesses—and just how much resilience, teamwork, and organization it takes to thrive in that space. From the outside, small businesses may look simple, but there’s a complex ecosystem behind every product and post. Being part of it gave me a new level of respect for the hustle behind the scenes.

One of my main focuses this year was exploring the role of social media in small business success. I created content, designed promotional posts, and worked to understand how online presence shapes customer engagement and brand identity. It was a hands-on way to apply creative thinking and strategic planning—all within a real-world business setting.

I also had the chance to get more involved in the inventory and operations side of things. I helped organize inventory at the warehouse, filled and shipped customer orders, and saw just how important efficiency and accuracy are when it comes to delivering great service. It may not be the flashiest part of the job, but it’s the backbone of the business.

A major highlight of the summer was participating in a photoshoot to promote new shoe styles—a fun, creative experience that gave me insight into product marketing and visual branding.

This externship has reinforced something I deeply believe in: students benefit when we integrate real-world STEM and entrepreneurial activities into learning. By exposing students to problem-solving, design thinking, and collaborative projects, we can help them develop essential business skills, cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, and prepare them for success across all kinds of fields.

And maybe the most important lesson I’m walking away with?
If you have an idea—or see a way to solve a problem—go for it. The world needs more people who are willing to try, build, and improve. That’s how businesses like Soleni are born—and how they keep growing.

Grade Level and Subject Taught: 2nd Grade, All Subjects