Fisher Freshman Bakes Business Success
When Angelea Collins was in eighth grade, she was certain of two things: her love of baking and her dream of being a business owner. When the opportunity to participate in the Young Entrepreneur Academy (YEA) presented itself, she was all in.
“When I was little, I always said I wanted to start a business in my future. The idea of developing my own ideas into something I could call my own has always captivated me,” said Collins. “When I was introduced to the YEA program, I knew it was the perfect opportunity and it was my chance to turn my dream into a reality.”
The YEA program is designed for students in grades 6-12 who have an interest in starting their own business or have a curiosity about the business world and what it entails. The year-long program teaches them how to conduct market research, develop business plans, pitch their ideas to potential investors, and ultimately, what it takes to launch a business.
For Collins, a Corning, New York native and first-year Fisher student, that experience was the cherry on top for her baking business idea.
“It taught me so many skills and business techniques I still use to this day, whether it be while running my business or in the classroom,” she said.
Today, she is the CEO of Frosted, a cupcake business that provides homemade, all-natural cupcakes. She has been in business since 2016, and what started as one or two dozen cupcake orders a week has grown to orders for larger events including ribbon-cutting ceremonies and weddings with over 300 guests. For now, she is the only employee but says her family—who shares her love of baking—are always at the ready to assist.
“If I ever need help like folding boxes, brainstorming cupcakes flavors and decorations, or taste-testing, my family is always the first to help,” she said.
She continues to follow the business plan she developed as part of YEA, admitting that she never thought it would still be a successful business five years later. Looking ahead, she would love to continue the business, and has ideas for how it could look after earning her degree from Fisher.
“I might continue it as a side job while I work for a company, I might end up opening a storefront, or I have always said that I wanted to own a cupcake truck and travel while selling cupcakes. All of these are ideas that I would love to make a reality someday,” she said.
For now, as she studies management and communication, she plans to continue to take orders and serve customers while she also gets more involved on campus. She is a member of Delta Sigma Pi and plans to join the Entrepreneurship Club soon. In addition, she is a member of the women’s cross country and track and field teams.
“The opportunities that these clubs and programs have to offer will help my business grow which is something I am looking forward to,” she said.
Her advice to other students who are interested in starting their own business is that hard work and passion for your business will help it become successful.
“Have big dreams, be ambitious, and all things are possible,” she advised.
To learn more about Frosted and to see some of Collins’ sweet creations, follow Frosted on Instagram and Facebook @frostedcupcakes1.
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