Mehal Jivan graduated from the College of Business in 2017, just 6 months after founding Tuscany Wine, Spirits + Craft, a favorite liquor store among Colorado Springs locals. As a small business owner, Mehal has to wear many hats, fill different roles and put in extra hours. The trade-off, you ask? A thriving business and a loyal customer base.
We caught up with him to see what’s like to be an entrepreneur, how UCCS helped shape his career and how he’s been able to successfully navigate his business through the pandemic.
How did you end up in your career?
Graduating from UCCS, I double majored in Finance and Management with a minor in Economics. During my time in college, I worked various jobs in unique fields and found myself in the position I am in completely by accident. With my entrepreneurial mindset and business degree, it was simply an opportunity that I could not turn down. Each day I am reminded how fortunate I was and “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”- Richard Branson
What’s the best part of your job?
In a world where everything has gone digital, the human interaction is the most sacred. From being inspired by individuals that combined their knowledge and passion to create a product that is now our shelf to customers raving about something they finally found after searching throughout the town, the excitement of our community is the most rewarding.
What does a typical day look like?
Running a small business, I quickly learned that you have to do a little bit of everything. Being heavily involved in the day-to-day operations, an average day consists of meeting with suppliers, processing deliveries, pricing products, ensuring the product shelf set, managing a team of ten and providing customers with the best service.
What achievement are you most proud of?
Being nominated and a finalist for the 2020 Colorado Springs Young Mayor’s Leader Award was my greatest professional achievement. It was a true honor to be placed in a setting with such accomplished individuals in our community.
What was your lowest career moment, and how did you pick yourself up and move on?
The uncertainty of COVID-19 was the most stressful moment of our business. The regulation was changing hourly and we were unsure if we could operate as a brick and mortar store. We quickly launched a mobile app and an eCommerce website where customers could get products delivered to their door. While regulation didn’t force us to close, we were better able to safely serve our customers and eCommerce has had a tremendous impact on our growth.
How did your UCCS education prepare you for your career?
UCCS was able to provide me with a formal business background that complemented my entrepreneurial spirit. The university shaped my work ethic and enhanced my problem-solving abilities.
Where do you hope to be in 5 or 10 years?
In 5 years, I would like to continue to see myself at Tuscany where the business has doubled and has an unprecedented reputation around Colorado Springs. I would also like to be more involved in the community through the development of commercial real estate.
Best general career advice?
It is always thought of us to find a career in something we are passionate about. Many of us struggle to combine passion and work or even know what we are truly passionate about. If you can find passion in the work you do, that career is for you.
What advice do you have for current UCCS students?
Be flexible, patient and hungry. Be flexible in the opportunity that will arise, it may not be perfect, but it could be exactly what is meant for you. Be patient in the transition between student and employed, it’s not a competition between you and your peers. Put the work in and the right career will follow. Be hungry for knowledge, absorb everything you can in lectures and conversations with friends. Listen to interesting podcasts, read books about individuals that inspire you, work part-time jobs. The best knowledge isn’t learned, it’s experienced.
What do you like to do when you’re not at work?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, trying new foods and traveling.
Give us one fun or surprising fact about yourself.
While I was born in Colorado Springs, went to high school and college here, I was raised in Johannesburg, South Africa.