|
You may think a young mother of three would find it difficult to fit college into her life, especially when her husband trained out of town on weekdays at a police academy. However, Chrystal Beeler of Louisville, Kentucky will tell you otherwise. She managed to earn not only an associate's degree in Business Management at Brown Mackie College - Louisville in 2007, but also membership in the National Technical Honor Society - all the while caring for her children and running two family-owned businesses.
"You've got to have a lot of determination," Chrystal said. "Brown Mackie College made it easier for me by concentrating on one class at a time each month. It makes a difference." A 2007 graduate of Brown Mackie College - Louisville, Chrystal has helped manage several family businesses since earning her degree. Today she operates the All Occasion Florist and Gifts Shop, an endeavor she shares with her sister. The shop creates floral arrangements for weddings and other special occasions, and sells specialty gift baskets. One enthusiastic client is Brown Mackie College - Louisville. Chrystal's floral creations have decorated the school's graduation ceremonies.
Chrystal teamed up with her cousin to open All Occasion Catering, which offers food service for weddings, parties, and special events in the Bullitt County Kentucky area. "I love to cook," she said. "My husband built a small structure that looks like a barn. We painted it red and offer 'Little Red Barn' concessions at community centers and events." The barn, which sits on a trailer for easy mobility, sports a large back porch to accommodate Chrystal's grill. You can find Chrystal each year at the Bullitt County Fair and July 4th Celebration, serving fried green tomatoes, funnel cakes, pork chops, and even deep fried Twinkies® from the Little Red Barn.
An entrepreneurial thread seems to run in the family. Chrystal's husband has opened a printing shop, offering silk-screened t-shirts and decals for vehicles, among other printed goods. "My educational background helped him get up and going, "said Chrystal. The print shop employs Graphic Design students from Brown Mackie College - Louisville.
Even while juggling multiple businesses and a family, Chrystal considers her role in the community. She created a "5% cash back" promotion at All Occasion Florist and Gifts, donating 5% of each purchase to local nonprofit organizations. One recipient is the Hillview Police Department, which provides money to underprivileged families during the holiday season. "We are family owned and operated," said Chrystal. "Our prices are reasonable and we felt it was important to help others."
Personal Attention, Professional Growth
www.brownmackie.edu
|