In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Walker—marketing student, entrepreneur, and founder of LYSS, the cozy hoodie brand she built from the ground up. We talk about what it really looks like to start a business in your 20s—the mindset shifts, the self-doubt, and the beauty of starting before you feel ready.

Alyssa opens up about embracing vulnerability, building community, and why passion—not perfection—is what keeps her going. We also dive into how understanding consumer behavior, staying curious, and using tools like AI can completely change the game for young entrepreneurs.

If you’ve ever felt called to build something, but worry you’re not “ready”—this one’s for you.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Alyssa Walker and Her Journey

01:52 The Inspiration Behind LYSS: A Cozy Hoodie Brand

05:51 The Importance of Passion in Business

06:52 Why Your 20s Are the Best Time to Start

09:12 Networking and Learning from Others

09:43 Embracing Vulnerability and Learning from Mistakes

13:18 Understanding Consumer Behavior and Analytics

15:55 Building Confidence Through Business Challenges

19:18 Mindset and Overcoming Overwhelm

22:47 The Role of AI in Modern Business

26:17 Evolving Mindset and Continuous Learning

27:04 Embracing Risk and Self-Doubt

30:34 Finding Balance in Chaos

36:31 Building Self-Trust and Non-Negotiables

40:20 The Role of Community and Support

44:23 Defining Success and Future Aspirations