Business & Projects
Since the age of 16, I have pursued various creative and business ventures, beginning with my bakery business, Becker’s Bakery LLC, which laid the foundation for my entrepreneurial journey. From leading a multimedia team at The Collective magazine to interning at Tasty Catering and launching a recycled clothing line, these experiences have shaped my ability to adapt, problem-solve, and deliver results across diverse fields.
Becker's Bakery LLC
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Becker's Bakery LLC *
The Collective Magazine
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The Collective Magazine *
The Story of Becker’s Bakery
Becker’s Bakery began in my kitchen when my brother encouraged me to post photos of my baked goods on social media. What started as a creative outlet quickly grew into a business when I noticed real demand. My first customer, a teacher, bought 46 brownies for his homeroom, and soon after, I was known for selling cookies that outperformed the school cafeteria’s offerings.
In my second year, I obtained my food manager’s certification, secured my LLC, and began renting a professional kitchen. This foundational year set the stage for growth. By my third year, I hired three employees, adopted a "FOMO" (Fear of Missing Out) business model similar to Zara’s, and started selling through e-commerce. I created small batches of baked goods that I believed were "in style," encouraging customers to buy before they were gone forever.
I also introduced my jar creations—delicious baked goods served in jars, allowing customers to enjoy treats like banana bread with a spoon. This unique presentation appealed to many and added an element of convenience. My commitment to sustainability was evident through the jar system I implemented, where customers could return their jars for a discount on their next order. This initiative proved to be a significant success and helped me reach customers all over the northwest suburbs of Chicago.
Through pop-up shops, Becker’s Bakery served over 200 local customers and generated more than $5,000 in net profits. Even while pursuing my studies at Gies College of Business, I continued to bake during breaks and expanded my offerings to include baking classes for kids.
Becker’s Bakery has grown into a well-recognized brand in my community, showcasing my entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to sustainability, and ability to deliver results.
The Collective Magazine
During my time at The Collective magazine, I served as the multimedia head and managed our social media presence, where I was responsible for creating buzz around our initiatives. I led a team of 15 dedicated individuals focused on producing engaging multimedia content while collaborating closely with six other members of the executive board, including the creative director, writers, event planners, and treasurers. Through effective social media advertising, we generated significant excitement, resulting in over 100 people attending our info night and gaining more than 400 new followers.
My role involved organizing creative photoshoots and ensuring that each photographer was accountable for their creative projects tied to the semester's theme. They looked to me for direction, which helped create a collaborative environment and encouraged innovative ideas. It was a rewarding experience to work with such creative individuals and to see each member's work featured in our magazine. The excitement we created made it the most profitable the Registered Student Organization (RSO) had ever been.
To maintain engagement, I constantly posted updates, advertised events, and made sure to respond promptly to DMs. Organizing house shows, magazine releases, and fundraising events required strategic planning and creative problem-solving, showcasing the importance of teamwork and effective communication. It truly felt like running a business as we worked together to achieve our goals.
Overall, my experience at The Collective magazine solidified my passion for storytelling and creativity while providing invaluable insights into managing projects and connecting with diverse audiences through compelling multimedia narratives.
Personal Projects
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Personal Projects *
Personal Projects
Above all else, I have a natural passion and desire to create. Throughout college, I’ve always found myself exploring new ideas, experimenting, and trying out what works. This creativity shines through in the various projects I’ve started, mostly for fun. One of my proudest ventures was co-founding Motherlode, a recycled clothing line with a friend. We upcycled secondhand clothes and created cyanotype pieces, which we sold at local college events. It was a fulfilling project, blending sustainability with creativity.
In another initiative, I applied to iVenture, an entrepreneurship program, with an idea for a student apartment renting site. The project aimed to alleviate the housing crisis at UIUC and help students find sublets—an issue I experienced firsthand when I couldn’t find a sublet for three months while studying abroad. Although we didn’t get into the program, we gained valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and the startup process.
I’ve also had side photography gigs, where I continued to explore my creative passions. These projects, whether large or small, reflect my drive to create and innovate, fueling my curiosity and sharpening my ability to adapt in any situation.
