Skip to main content
business owners in local park
business owners in local park

Niklas Dahlen and Olivia Soto, founders of Lessons Learned, LLC.

  • September 29, 2020
  • Marketing and Communications staff

Two Fredonia seniors, Olivia Soto and Niklas Dahlen, who won the Fredonia Technology Incubator’s fifth annual Student Business Competition, officially formed a new business, Lessons Learned, LLC., during the summer through the support and services provided by the incubator.

“I am pleased that we have another new business forming in Chautauqua County as a result of this competition that showcases the outstanding entrepreneurial talent of students of SUNY Fredonia,” said Chuck Cornell, incubator director.

“Olivia and Niklas are impressive entrepreneurs who I am confident will be successful in their endeavors,” Mr. Cornell noted.

Ms. Soto is a senior majoring in Dance and Musical Theatre, with a minor in Dance Studio Administration. Mr. Dahlen is a senior majoring in Music Composition, with minors in Theatre Arts and Arts Administration.

Michael Borrello, an associate from Philips Lytle, provided legal support to facilitate the new business formation. The law firm partners with the incubator to provide pro bono support for its entrepreneurs.

Lessons Learned, LLC is a startup company which provides music lesson services to allow customers to cultivate their talent and artistry in an environment designed to motivate and encourage their goals and aspirations. It provides a connection between students and professionals from SUNY Fredonia and interested students in the surrounding area, facilitating a comfortable and professional experience between the two. The startup hires individual local teachers to teach music lessons.

“I am thrilled to continue our progress and growth at the incubator,” said Soto, CEO of Lessons Learned. “With the supportive environment at the Incubator, Niklas and I are looking forward to continuing to advance our company.”

The incubator, an economic development program of SUNY Fredonia, works with external partners to promote economic growth by supporting entrepreneurship and the development of new, innovative companies into successful business ventures. The incubator provides administrative and business services, mentoring, networking, professional consulting, educational opportunities, and access to capital and work ready space.