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Student Profile -
Erica Maines |
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Click on any image to see a larger version of the image. |
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Erica Maines
delights in sending her creative expressions out into other’s lives,
through her small business known as “AmErica’s Givings.” The gift
basket business operates under the slogan “A personal touch makes
the perfect gift.” And it is through the creation of that personal
touch, that she feels she is giving.
“I love to work
with the customer’s ideas. It is fun to build a relationship with
them. Together, we personalize the basket to the purpose.”
Erica learned
to make gift baskets from her grandmother, and they continue to
combine efforts to customize baskets for Erica’s clients. Many are
made in hat boxes, and all are keepsakes, even after the contents
have been depleted. One of the most popular baskets is a hat box
that contains a picture frame, candles, and soaps. She makes and
sells about 15 baskets each month, thanks to her mom, Anita, who
keeps samples on her desk at work and promotes the business through
her network of coworkers. Baskets sell for $10 and up. Erica
prides herself on keeping them affordable, but knows what to charge
to make a reasonable profit, thanks to her entrepreneurship training
through E CITY. |
Erica selling Ben and Jerry's at
Cleveland Hopkins Airport |
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Erica and Crystal helping sell brats |
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Erica attended
the E CITY program at SuccessTech Academy last fall, and won first
place in the business plan competition. Her business plan coach,
volunteer Judy Lucas, was there to cheer her on at the competition,
and all observers could see the depth of commitment they had, and
the joy that it is to work with Erica.
Erica may be
living proof that a smile is one of the most important pieces of
business attire. Like her young aunt, E CITY alumnus Crystal Ramos,
you don’t know Erica without liking her. But they’ve got smarts,
too- the young women sometimes combine business efforts. When
Crystal receives an order for artificial flower arrangements for a
party or wedding, she refers her client to Erica for gift basket
centerpieces.
Both Erica and
Crystal took the E CITY philanthropy lesson to heart, as well, and
have served as E CITY volunteers in many capacities. They like
staying connected through the alumni program, and they share a
fondness for John Zitzner, describing him as “…a big go-getter.
Like the star of a TV series.” Upon further reflection, and
giggles, they add- “Mr. Z grew with us. He’s like another kid
in the class, just a few steps ahead of us.”
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Erica with the help of a coach working on her
business plan
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Erica is so
serious about entrepreneurship, that she sat in on the E CITY
program a second time, last summer. For two weeks, she “audited”
the E CITY BizCamp at Tri-C Metro campus, and offered encouragement
to the 20 students who were enrolled.
Erica’s wish
list: “For more people to know about me!” |
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