“Career Diaries" is a column from Step Up Magazine where we feature established professionals on what it’s like--and what it takes--to enter their field. Today we are excited to learn from Samantha Barrante.

Samantha Barrante is a teen entrepreneur who opened her own online women's clothing store, Nineteen Boutique , at the age of 17. She created Nineteen Boutique with the purpose of providing a variety of high-quality clothes to women of all ages. She also aims to show people that they should follow their heart whether it's about what they want to wear or what they want to do in life. Sam is a firm believer that regardless of what people tell you, you can do anything you put your mind to.

In a few sentences, please tell us what you do and what your job involves.

I run my own online women's clothing store, Nineteen Boutique, using social media to market myself throughout the US, and soon, internationally (hopefully).

What is something you wish you knew about your industry before you entered it?

It will not be easy.. being a small business is pretty tough in today's society engulfed in massive corporations. Hard work can break these barriers when you're dedicated enough.

What has surprised you about your industry?

The amount of competition and the number of stores that don't end up succeeding or remaining open!

What does an average morning look like for you?/What does an average afternoon look like for you?

For the past year, I've woken up at 5:50 and gone to school every day, like a typical high schooler, participating in lots of extracurriculars and sports. When I got home or if the opportunity for a study hall arose, I would work on orders, email, my website, etc. Now that I'm graduating (class of 2018), I'm not sure if every day will be an average morning/afternoon - I hope every day will present me with a new opportunity!

What are some of your favorite parts of your job and what are some of your not-so-favorite parts?

My favorite part would definitely be making people happy. I absolutely love seeing customer photos wearing anything from my store.

I don't have a not-so-favorite in particular, but it can become a little tedious when having to weigh and package multiple orders over and over again. It's not the most fun thing to do!

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

If you love what you do, you will never have to work a day in your life.

What is your advice to a student who is interested in entering the industry you work in?

Follow your dreams and take plenty of risks, but make sure they are educated and well-thought through. Also, you don't only learn more from education, but from your own mistakes. I started my business before finishing high school and without a college degree (although I plan to obtain one), so if you're unsure what will put you on the right path to success, it's all about trial and error for your situation.

What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?

Social media marketing and anything online. I find they're crucial platforms when trying to expand to different areas that may be hard to reach.