Busayo Olupona '05, Founder, Busayo
What made you decide to pursue a career in entrepreneurship/venture capital/startups after NYU Law?
My journey to entrepreneurship was circuitous and came from a desire to fulfill a need and desire that I had to wear clothing that was print-driven, dynamic, and fun. I wasn't seeing that in the market and decided to create it for myself. In addressing my need, I discovered others had a similar need. And frankly, I enjoyed legal practice, but I was not fulfilled by it at the deepest level and knew I had more to do while I was on the planet.
How did NYU Law prepare you for this career?
Wow. I loved NYU Law. The study of law transformed my life and the way I thought about everything. The incredible relationships that I made at NYU continue to be a huge part of my life, and the earliest supporters of the brand were my classmates and friends from NYU and my life as an attorney.
Why do you think lawyers find success in this career path?
We are trained to be problem solvers. So we are able to anticipate and plan for any potential issues. We are truly blessed as NYU law grads as we have an immense and deep network of really bright and incredible people. Fashion is a tough industry where you need to apply wisdom to how you negotiate so many different facets of the industry. I rely on my legal training pretty much daily.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a lawyer in this career path?
Fashion is a competitive industry and you have to create your own path. That has been the biggest challenge—the process of learning and entering the right rooms.
What is the most important thing students should do while they are still in law school to prepare themselves for a career in entrepreneurship, venture capital or at a startup?
Be infinitely curious about all the possible paths. There is the largest, clearest path in front of you—the corporate law route—but if you are curious, smart, and apply the incredible research skills that we are taught in the classroom to your life and career, you can discover so many other options. Research, get to know alumni. (A little secret: alumni love talking to current students. Take advantage of that!). Lean into the alumni community who are doing work that you might want to do,
What was the most important lesson you learned in your career thus far?
That you cannot know where life will lead, but let life lead you. Your life's work and your greatest area for success has to be connected to your soul and spirit. You have to like your work to be successful at it. Listen to that small, still voice within and let it guide you.
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