Alumni Accolades January
Reina Marcelle
Recent CBA graduate Reina Marcelle is unquestionably one of those rising entrepreneurs who serves as a profound inspiration to aspiring business leaders everywhere. Her unwavering positivity and boundless enthusiasm are nothing short of contagious. It is for these very reasons that she was selected as one of the student speakers at our December Graduation ceremony. “Three years ago, I started with one dessert cart, on my 1st anniversary I got my second cart, then for my 2nd year anniversary I got my traveling cart where I can set up anywhere - just like when I went to North Carolina to visit my kids. I set up shop while I was there. As I approach my third year anniversary, I'm thrilled to announce that I will be opening my very own shop this spring!" explains Reina, her entrepreneurial spirit shining brightly.
When Reina was asked about her experience as a student in our Community Business Academy, she had nothing but praise. Reina said that first and foremost, all the Sunshine instructors were fantastic and the lessons were great. “I learned about my competitors, my brand, budgeting how to breakeven, and how to pay myself,” said Reina, reflecting on her transformative journey.
For those aspiring entrepreneurs who look up to Reina as a source of inspiration, she offers this sage advice: “No matter what your weaknesses are in the area of business, there is always a solution for them - no matter how hard it is stay focused. Nothing is ever easy. Learning from those challenges is what makes us who we are and gives us the satisfaction to go forward and believe in ourself.”
A button linked to a video of Reina's heartfelt graduation speech is available below. In a truly humble manner, she reveals that she embarked on her cake business journey "with my heart full of dreams and $25 dollars in my pocket." It's a testament to her determination and unwavering spirit. Reina's incredible journey has been shaped by the unwavering love and support of the Humboldt Park community, as well as the invaluable guidance she received from community leaders and dedicated Sunshine Enterprises staff members, Sergio Anariba and Nadya Henriquez. Their inspiration led her to take the transformative step of enrolling in our Community Business Academy. Her goal is to be a staple in the community and distribute her cakes all over the city. But her ambitions don't stop there. Reina envisions herself as a mentor, nurturing and guiding the next generation of chefs and bakers, igniting in them the same entrepreneurial fire that has fueled her remarkable journey. As she passionately states, “Someday they will tell their story like me, the cake lady, of Humboldt Park” for Reina Marcelle is not just an entrepreneur; she is a living testament to the power of dreams and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to chase them.