Entrepreneur

Transcript

Coming up, we have Union student and business owner, Kamily from Elizabeth, New Jersey. She is a first generation American and college student who opened her business at 19 years old while attending classes here at Union. Union provides Kamily the flexibility she needs as a business owner who still wants to take her education to new heights. Kamily, please take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. Hey, y’all. So starting my journey, I grew up watching my parents have a successful business and it piqued interest in what I could pursue for myself. While I wanted to go to college and make my parents proud I also developed a passion for my business that I want to start at the same time. I began my college journey at a four year institution in New Jersey, but at the time the environment just wasn’t a fit for me, so I considered looking for schools more locally and a potential home for my business. I found Unions to be a very affordable and flexible option. Craft is a healthy cafe that serves protein shakes and energizing teas and varying protein options. I adopted a similar business model for my parents and my family, and I developed all the recipes from scratch and offer healthy alternatives to our community. Union’s flexible scheduling allows me not only to take classes and be able to run my shop, but provide transportation from campus to campus and near my shop. The college has highlighted myself and my business which made me feel very supported. It developed into several publications and posts on social media that not only showcase the strong connection between the school and I, but also brought new business for me. As I continue through my program at Union, I am excited to continue to network and grow. After graduating Union I plan to continue my education at a four year institution to complete my bachelor’s degree in business. Ultimately, my goal is to open up more locations and to become a stronger business owner. Back to you, Alex.

– What a story. Risk is worth the reward, and Kamily, you are proof of that. I will definitely be stopping by Craft soon to grab a protein shake, and Union is so lucky to have students like you that set an example for others. And we all can’t wait to see where you expand next. Thank you so much for sharing your story.