Fourteen female Tyrone High School students attended the 2018 Blair County United Sisterhood Outstanding Luncheon Speaker Series on November 5 at the Casino in Altoona to hear “Shark Tank” Entrepreneur Lani Lazzari shared how she started a business at age 11 and built it into a multi-million dollar company.

Lazzari’s brand, Simple Sugars, was founded in her parent’s basement in 2005 when she was just 11 years old. With an inspiration to give homemade gifts, Lazzari decided to create an all-natural skin care product. Suffering from sensitive skin herself, Lazzari was determined to make her product effective for the most delicate of flowers.

In 2012, Lazzari pitched her brand to Shark Tank. Ownership of Simple Sugars was officially in Lazzari’s name, but her young age and lack of credit score prevented the bank from giving necessary capital in order to expand. Money from Shark Tank would be just what her business needed to grow.

Shark Mark Cuban exchanged $100,000 for 33 percent stake of Simple Sugars. Today, Lani Lazzari is a millionaire. One might ask why is her success so special- her method is the answer. Lazzari created her empire without a college degree.

“If you were to look at schools 10 years ago, including us, you would find college being pressed really hard. Everywhere you looked were promotions for different schools. It’s not like that today. You look out in the hallway and see signs for Penn Tech, GACTC, and so many other alternative programs,” said Tyrone Area School District social worker Molly Stroup.

The idea that success is attainable without going to college hit home to many in the audience. In the job force, trades have proven to supply an instant and dependable income. Instead of going to college for four or more years, a trade job can be started after minimal training.

“Even though I want to go to college for sports, it was interesting to hear about all of the different career avenues. For the people that aren’t sure what they want to do after school, it was a really inspiring talk,” said freshman Emma Getz.

Tyrone students will continue to attend future events in the Outstanding Luncheon Series.  Future topics and dates are as follows:

• February  21 — Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Duncan will speak on “Push Yourself Beyond Your Limits.”
• April 4 — “The Voice” and “Biggest Loser” contestant Erin Willett will speak on “Let Your Life Be An Anthem of Hope.”

All luncheons are from noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Casino at Lakemont Park.

Students who are interested in going should stop by the guidance office to learn more about getting involved.