Starting a new business is challenging. It is a representation of yourself and how people in the community will know you. For Lillie, the path to turning a passion into a profession hasn't always been easy, but she has been able to do it her way.

Growing up, she was homeschooled, so during high school, she decided to enroll at CVTC in the Nail Technician program to meet people and find a new experience in an activity she enjoyed. She earned her degree and became a licensed manicurist before graduating high school.

Her time at CVTC made a significant impact, and she decided to enroll in the Business Generalist program with the hopes of opening her own business. Halfway through her certificate, Lillie credits her marketing and management classes with helping give her the foundation to start her venture, Plaza Perk coffee shop.

Combining what she learned in class with a love of coffee and help from her father, another local business owner, she has created a fresh new local space focused on quality ingredients customization. She is currently serving over 35 coffee flavors rooted in originality and a wide variety of other menu items, she has big plans for new products and growth in the future.

Lillie says that CVTC gave her exactly what she was looking for at a price she could afford and provided her with the introduction she needed to face the education and business world.