Path of candies leading to finance books and stock charts, representing the evolution from simple childhood business to economic proficiency. Illustrative progression from colorful candies to financial books and stock graphs, depicting the journey from simple business concepts to economic mastery.

From Candy to Concepts: My Sweet Journey into Finance and Economics

December 20, 2023 by

Russell Otway

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Growing up, my siblings and I would often ponder the inner workings of finance and economics, concepts that felt worlds away from our middle-income, six-person household. Our parents, although not versed in the jargon of Wall Street, encouraged a curiosity that sparked a lifelong journey—a journey that began with a single question: “Why not sell candy?”

The Spark of Curiosity

Our family’s modest income was a numerical reminder of our frugal reality. Yet, in the questions my twin brother and I asked—about banking, finance, and the stock market—we were rich in curiosity. Our parents, unable to satisfy our growing hunger for knowledge, gave advice that would chart the course of our future: “Study economics in college.”

Early Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Before academia could answer our questions, my father, a man of practical wisdom, introduced us to the world of entrepreneurship. His teachings went beyond the hustle; they were about craftsmanship, quality, and taking pride in one’s work.

Artisan woodworking shop with an organized display of tools, including hammers, chisels, and measuring tapes, embodying the precision of craftsmanship.
In the heart of craftsmanship lies the spirit of entrepreneurship: meticulous, precise, and always striving for quality.

Candy Economics

It was with this backdrop that my siblings and I, armed with a dollar or two, began our first business venture. Buying Blow Pops for $0.10 and selling them for $0.25 wasn’t just profitable—it was a lesson in supply and demand, investment, and marketing. We were learning economics through the lens of lollipop sales, and it was sweet.

Colorful infographic depicting a child's candy sale economics with lollipops, coins, and bar charts illustrating cost versus sales and profit margins.
Turning pocket change into business sense – a playful take on the economics of a child’s candy stand.

Schoolyard to Schoolwork

Our entrepreneurial spirit was curtailed by school rules, but the flame was already lit. In high school, I gravitated towards business classes, enrolling in the accounting tech prep track, and pursuing advanced math, chemistry, and physics. I was building a foundation, not just for a career, but for understanding the complexities of the world.

Kevin and Russell Otway, twin brothers and veterans turned entrepreneurs, in their company uniforms, promoting their energy solutions business.
From Service to Startup: Meet the Otway Brothers, twin veterans who are lighting the way in the energy solutions industry.

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The Leap into Economics

College was where my passion for economics took flight. While others balked at statistics and economic theory, I thrived. Majoring in economics wasn’t just about earning a degree; it was about finding ways to translate complex concepts into something digestible for everyone.

Diverse group of students engaged in an economics lecture with a professor pointing at financial graphs on the whiteboard.
Where curiosity meets knowledge: An economics class deep in discussion, exploring the complex world of financial theories.

Now, as I prepare to share my experiences with you through this blog, I do so with a perspective that is uniquely mine—shaped by candy, craftsmanship, and curiosity. The principles of economics and finance are not just textbook theories; they are stories, experiences, and lessons that I look forward to unraveling with you.

Open notebook on a desk filled with handwritten economic models, graphs, and personal stories, teasing an insightful blog series on finance.
A glimpse into the economist’s diary: Sketches of markets and memories paving the way for a deep dive into the essence of economics.

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If you’re intrigued by the intersection of economics and real-life experiences, you won’t want to miss the stories to come. Follow my blog for a blend of narrative and knowledge, where we’ll explore the world of finance and economics together, one story at a time.

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