Jamie Kern Lima’s Journey to Success
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn about Jamie Kern Lima’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding of IT Cosmetics.
- Students will identify key themes from Lima’s commencement speech, focusing on overcoming challenges and achieving success.
- Students will discuss the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.
Jamie Kern Lima is founder of IT Cosmetics: Jamie Kern Lima is the founder of IT Cosmetics, a company she started in her living room. Under her leadership, IT Cosmetics grew into a billion-dollar success story. The brand focuses on creating high-quality makeup and skincare products that cater to a diverse range of skin types and tones.
Commencement Speaker at UVU: In 2024, Jamie Kern Lima delivered an inspirational commencement speech at Utah Valley University (UVU). Her address resonated with the graduating class, and she received a historic standing ovation from over 10,000 passionate students. Lima’s journey from rejection to billion-dollar success serves as a powerful example for graduates embarking on their own paths 1.
Introduction
- Briefly introduce Jamie Kern Lima as a successful entrepreneur and founder of IT Cosmetics.
- Watch her recent inspiring commencement speech at Utah Valley University.
Main Lesson
After viewing, have students discuss:
- What were some of the key messages or themes in Lima’s speech? (Possible answers: overcoming rejection, believing in yourself, perseverance)
- How did Lima’s personal story connect with the graduating class?
Entrepreneurship and resilience:
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- Lead a class discussion about entrepreneurship and the challenges of starting a business.
- Use prompts like:
- What obstacles might a new entrepreneur face? (e.g., securing funding, overcoming competition)
- Why is resilience important in business?
- How did Jamie Kern Lima demonstrate resilience in her journey?
- Emphasize the importance of perseverance and not giving up in the face of adversity
Wrap-up
- Briefly summarize the key takeaways from the lesson.
- Encourage students to reflect on how perseverance and resilience can be applied to their own goals and aspirations.
Additional Resources:
- Jamie Kern Lima’s website: https://jamiekernlima.com/ (Consider including this after the lesson for students who want to learn more)
Additional posts about commencement speeches.
- Daniel Pink; Ignoring your way to success.
- From Obama to Steve Jobs: TEACHING THE GREATEST COMMENCEMENT SPEECHES OF ALL TIME
- “as is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters”. J.K.Rowling’s commencement speech at Harvard 2008.
- Bill Gates; The advice I wish I heard at the graduation I never had
- Ellen DeGeneres Commencement Speech at Tulane University (2009-05-16)