1404 Collective Internship
This post is a class syllabus and progress tracker for part of my “adult-school” curriculum. Overview here.
Subject: Entrepreneurship & Operations Management
Course Title: 1404 Collective Internship
Dates: Monday September 1st to December 22nd.
Learning Objective: Hands-on experience managing a secondhand clothing business by balancing operations, creative direction, and community engagement while refining sustainable business practices.
(This is kind of a joke because I own the business lol but I felt like it would be a fun way to view the shop through new eyes, bring big projects to fruition, follow through on necessary upgrades and grow our community).
Requirements for A+ Grade:
Attendance
Complete operational tasks every Monday
Analyze sales, bank account transfers and set aside taxes
Payout vendors for Wednesday-Sunday sales
Post the upcoming schedule on Slack
Initiatives / Projects
Conceptualize and launch “Community Content Program” to activate social media feed posts and ensure consistency
Design, order, launch and implement a “Tote Bag Challenge”
Create and distribute a “Staff Test” to ensure all vendors and employees are up to date on policies, procedures and guidelines
Lay the foundation for a “Vendor 3k Winter Contest” so it’s ready to go for January 1st, 2026
Onboard at least 2 more vendors before the end of 2025
Commission a local creative to make hanging macrame lights for the dressing rooms
Find holistic solution to fall insects coming inside
Upgrade dressing room overhead light to a chandelier
Repot overgrown plants and repaint checkout counter
$5,000 Budget:
Repaint Checkout Counter and Paint Supplies = $50
Repot Plants with New Soil + Supplies = $75
Plant-Powered Natural Insect Spray $25
Lavender and Cedar Satchels $60
Lavender Candles and Linen Sprays $40
Handmade Macrame Hanging Dressing Room Lamps (price tbd)
$200/month for Community Content Program x 4 = $800
Initial Investment of Tote Bags (price tbd)
Reward for Vendor 3k Contest is $300 each x 6 = $2,400
Chandelier for dressing room and labor (price tbd)
