Turning a vision into a venture with the power of community

From the moment Valery-Elvis Shafack set foot on Creighton’s campus, his journey has been marked by ambition, resilience and a vision for the future. Now, as he approaches graduation in 2025 with a marketing degree from the Heider College of Business, his impact is already being felt far beyond campus. His time at Creighton has not only solidified his entrepreneurial drive but has also provided him with the mentorship, education and community needed to refine his leadership and expand his business ventures.

Finding his path at Creighton

Growing up in Omaha, Shafack had an entrepreneurial mindset from an early age. His ventures began with a juice stand at 10, evolved into a sneaker restoration business at 13 and later expanded to a production company in high school. Business was never just an interest—it was a calling. However, the specifics of how his entrepreneurial ambitions would take shape remained uncertain until he immersed himself in Creighton’s business curriculum.

At first, Shafack wasn’t sure what to expect from Creighton, but he quickly realized it was exactly where he needed to be. The strong sense of community, mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities helped him refine his ideas and turn them into actionable business strategies. A pivotal moment came when he enrolled in an entrepreneurship class that required students to build a startup from concept to pitch within eight weeks. “That class changed my life and was worth all my tuition,” Shafack says, reflecting on how the hands-on experience pushed him to navigate the complexities of launching a business in a short timeframe. Through this, he successfully collaborated with athletes and businesses, reinforcing his belief that he was on the right path.

Building a business and overcoming challenges

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One of Shafack’s biggest milestones at Creighton was the founding of NIYOU, a company designed to help athletes navigate Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) partnerships. The business quickly gained traction, but building it from the ground up was far from easy. As a college student managing a startup in a relatively new industry, he faced skepticism and pushback from those who didn’t fully understand NIL’s complexities. Securing partnerships required persistence, strategic planning and the ability to communicate the value of NIYOU effectively.

Despite initial obstacles, he forged meaningful partnerships with organizations like Dayspring Bank, Cobalt Credit Union and Invisalign. These collaborations opened doors for NIYOU to expand beyond Creighton, serving athletes at UNO and UNL, with a broader national reach on the horizon.

Alongside business expansion, Shafack learned valuable leadership lessons. “I’ve learned that not everything is in my control,” he shares. “I’ve had to embrace humility, remain calm under pressure and become more intentional about communication.” Leading a company required more than just vision—it demanded the ability to inspire a team, manage expectations and navigate setbacks with resilience.

The power of community

Beyond academics and entrepreneurship, Creighton’s community played a fundamental role in Shafack’s development. From faculty members who provided guidance to alumni who offered mentorship, he found himself surrounded by individuals eager to help him succeed. Having access to industry professionals and business leaders through Creighton’s network allowed him to refine his strategies and gain insights he otherwise wouldn’t have had. The collaborative environment encouraged innovation, and the willingness of others to share knowledge reinforced the importance of building strong relationships.

His involvement in campus organizations further deepened his connection to Creighton. Being active in Creighton University African American Student Association (CUASA), African Students Association (AFSA) and the Entrepreneurship Club allowed him to engage with like-minded individuals, exchange ideas and strengthen his leadership skills. The sense of belonging he developed through these experiences further cemented his commitment to making an impact—not only within the Creighton community but beyond it as well.

Looking Ahead

While NIYOU remains his primary focus, he has other entrepreneurial ventures on the horizon. “Honestly, I just want Omaha to become a hub for sports, media, and entertainment,” he says. “We have so much talent here that leaves because they feel like they don’t have the resources to excel. I want to change that—I want to be a bridge builder, an opportunity provider and an innovator in this city.”

His ambition extends beyond a single business—he envisions a career filled with innovation, leadership and opportunities to uplift others. The skills, experiences and relationships he has built at Creighton will undoubtedly serve as a foundation for the next phase of his journey.

Advice for Future Entrepreneurs

For students considering entrepreneurship, Shafack emphasizes the importance of taking the first step. Waiting for the perfect moment or ideal conditions can lead to stagnation. Progress begins with action. He also highlights the value of networking, explaining that the connections students make during college can shape the trajectory of their careers.

“Your network is your net worth,” he says. “Being at Creighton, you have access to resources that you wouldn’t have anywhere else, meaning you are one or two degrees of separation from anyone you want to know. Utilize that advantage while you’re in college so that you’re able to keep those resources through the rest of your life.”

At the same time, he stresses the importance of balance. “Take good care of yourself. It's easy to get caught up in hustle-and-grind culture and start to neglect your well-being,” he says. “You cannot take care of your business or others if you're not able to take care of yourself. Consistency compounds, and over time, if you're neglecting your health and wellness while putting that energy into your business, at some point you will burn out—and at that point, you will struggle in your business. Health truly is wealth in all areas.”

Shafack’s journey is a testament to what is possible when passion meets opportunity. Through persistence and an unwavering belief in his vision, he has transformed ideas into reality, turning challenges into stepping stones. His story is not just about business success—it’s about leadership, resilience and the impact of a strong community. As he moves forward, his goal remains clear: to innovate, empower others and leave a lasting mark on the world of sports, media and entrepreneurship.