Two ideas from BYUH students inspire them to create a business that helps people with eye problems in the comfort of their own homes
Timothy Putra Samad, a sophomore from Jakarta, Indonesia, majoring in business management with an emphasis in supply chain, operations and analytics, said the inspiration behind their business idea called “Weyes” started way before they got to BYU–Hawaii. “When we decided to team up for the Empower Your Dreams competition, we already had a lot of business ideas in mind,” he said. They took second place in one of the business categories and won prize money too in the annual Empower Your Dreams competition on campus.
Giovanni Reinaldo Boenari, a sophomore from Surabaya, Indonesia, majoring in hospitality and tourism management, said, “I called Timothy [Samad] about an idea I have in mind, and I was surprised because he was about to call me about teaming up for the competition,” he said. “When we teamed up, we made sure to weigh in on the ideas we had from the most important to the least. We made sure that we could still focus on studying while we prepared ourselves to join the competition,” he said.
Samad said it was a struggle at first to come up with a single idea because they both have early hands-on experiences with the businesses they were planning to showcase for the competition. He said after continuous research and possibilities of all our business ideas, they decided to focus on Weyes, an optical service company that provides eye check-ups and eye consulting in the comfort of people's own homes.
Where it all started
Samad said his background having a business started when COVID-19 struck around the world. He said they had no choice but to start a business because most companies in their area were reducing workers due to limited customers. He explained it was difficult in the beginning because of restrictions from the local government and the limited resources they had at home. The idea they had at home was the same idea he introduced to the Great Ideas competition. “That is the reason why I came to BYUH. Besides finishing my degree, I wanted to make connections where they will help me with my business back home,” Samad said.
With Samad’s experience as a benefit, Boenari said he did not have experience or a background in starting and running a business. “I was not raised in a business background and I had planned an entirely different path after finishing college. Upon my arrival [at BYUH], I took some business classes. … After a few classes, I immediately shifted my passions in life and encouraged myself to think of what I can contribute to the business world,” Boenari recalled.
Their preparation
“Our preparation was not easy,” Boenari said. “Ever since we decided to team up and finalize our decision with one business idea, we made ourselves busy with our own research about our product service in mind, ” he said. Boenari explained they focused their research and planning on their outlined ideas, mission vision of the business, life plan of the business and how they can make their business make a profit and be scaled around their country.
“Preparation is key,” Samad said. In addition to that, he said they had to work with a lot of business professors and mentors at school so they could figure out which part of the business to work on, he said.
PJ Rogers, assistant professor for the Faculty of Business & Government, said, “They reached out to me a month before the competition started. Both of them were eager to work and to learn from what I [was] telling them. On top of that, they were easy to work with. Every time I gave them advice on their business plan, they are very quick to change.”
Rogers said both Samad and Boenari are teachable and humble. Their willingness to be taught led them to more open discussions about the business plan and things to implement in their program, he said.
Samad said, “Teaming up for the competition has been limited to three people, so make sure that you work with someone that will help you in your preparation and plans.” He continued, “Besides having a team, make sure that everyone in the group commits to having effective meetings with everyone in the team.”
In their experience, Samad explained working the business by themselves helps them focus more on single ideas they both agreed upon. He said it also helped them a lot because their different skills complement each other and they had the same goals to begin with.
“As for us, it became easier whenever we had meetings. If you are working with someone, make sure that both of your ideas do not contradict the business. We have a small time to prepare, so make sure to have effective meetings and the right people on board, ” Samad explained.
Encouragement to all students
Rogers encouraged all students to get involved in the campus Empower Your Dreams and Great Ideas business competitions. There are mentors around campus, and they all are willing to contribute ideas and give suggestions and counsel, said Rogers.
“Whenever you meet with mentors, make sure to do what they encourage you to do because it helps us determine how interested you are and how eager you are to be taught,” he continued.
Boenari said, “Besides having the best team, the chance to work with mentors and professors is available to cater to your needs. They are the ones who will help you achieve your goals and help you determine the next possible steps toward running your business in the future.”
He said aside from the mentors and professors at school, the judges who will come can also be a big help to the business idea. “They are your main resource for furthering and scaling your business. So, grab the opportunity and join,” Boenari encouraged.