Lemons to Lemonade Scholarship

As a 20-year-old business student at Boise State, my journey to entrepreneurship has been shaped by both personal and academic experiences that drive my passion for sustainable business practices. Growing up, I was taught by my mom that mistakes are opportunities for growth, but that we must learn from them and avoid repeating them. This lesson, along with her emphasis on respect, kindness, and gratitude, has deeply influenced the way I approach my goals and my entrepreneurial aspirations. Through her own journey as a small business owner, particularly her music school, I have seen firsthand the profound impact that businesses can have on the lives of others. From a young age, I have been passionate about the environment. I despise the impact of pollution, single-use plastics, and wastefulness in our world, particularly within industries like fashion, which is one of the most polluting sectors. I am committed to ensuring that the products I bring into the world will help address these challenges, rather than contribute to them. My dream is to create a sustainable clothing business that not only produces fashion with eco-friendly materials but also empowers consumers by providing access to sustainable and trustworthy brands. I believe that creating a space where people can easily find affordable, sustainable fashion options will help change consumer behavior and, in turn, shift the industry toward more ethical practices. My entrepreneurial aspirations are also fueled by the challenges I have faced growing up. I have dealt with personal obstacles such as navigating a difficult family dynamic, financial hardship, and the impact of ADHD. These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. Juggling work, school, and family responsibilities has not been easy, but it has helped me develop a strong work ethic and a sense of perseverance. I’ve learned how to turn setbacks into valuable lessons and how to think creatively to overcome the challenges that come my way. Being an entrepreneur is about more than just starting a business; it’s about creating value for others and making a positive difference in the world. I have always believed that a successful business is one that serves a greater purpose—whether that’s through solving a problem, improving lives, or protecting our planet. I want to bring people together, helping them make sustainable choices through a platform that connects small businesses with consumers in a meaningful way. In the future, I also want to be well-traveled and well-rounded, continuously learning about different cultures, businesses, and sustainability practices from around the globe. In the next 5-10 years, I envision my company not only making an impact through sustainable clothing but also expanding to become a trusted platform for marketing, blog articles, and partnerships that amplify small businesses with eco-friendly missions. I believe that small businesses, especially those focused on sustainability, deserve a louder voice in the marketplace. By empowering these businesses with the tools they need to succeed, I can help drive a wider shift toward sustainability within the fashion industry and beyond. Through my journey so far, I have learned that entrepreneurship is about finding opportunities in adversity, staying adaptable, and persevering through challenges. I am ready to bring my ideas to life, and I believe that my passion for sustainability, combined with my experiences as a problem solver and leader, will enable me to create a meaningful business that changes the world for the better.

The kitchen gets quiet as I knead batch after batch of dough, my arms moving rhythmically, my hands beginning to ache. I’ve perfected my challah-making process: two and a half hours for the first rise, one hour for the second, 21 minutes in a 350-degree oven. Yet, I’ve always wondered why challah needs to rise twice. Why endure that first rise only to be deflated and braided again? After years of baking, I’ve come to understand: growth often requires setbacks, moments where everything feels undone, before it all comes together in a stronger, more complete form. This lesson mirrors my own journey and is at the heart of my business, Cookie’s Crumbs. Named after a childhood nickname, Cookie’s Crumbs began as a way to share a piece of my culture with my community. Baking challah was something I did to feel grounded, to connect with traditions, and to express myself. But over time, it grew into something much bigger—a vehicle for connection, fundraising, and learning about entrepreneurship. I’m passionate about Cookie’s Crumbs because it represents more than a product; it’s about the experience of sharing something meaningful. Each challah carries the story of my learning process, my family traditions, and my drive to make an impact. I’ve used my business to sponsor bake sales, raise funds for social justice, and increase awareness about hearing aid accessibility—causes that reflect my values and experiences. By bringing people together over something as simple as bread, I’ve seen firsthand how small actions can spark meaningful change. Running Cookie’s Crumbs has taught me invaluable lessons about entrepreneurship. I’ve learned to adapt, whether it’s finding high-quality ingredients that keep costs down to just $2 per challah or using creative marketing strategies to reach new customers. Managing a business means being resourceful and thinking ahead, but it also means being deeply connected to the people you serve. Through selling challah to my neighbors and school communities, I’ve discovered the power of relationships and how a business can become a thread that ties people together. This business also reflects my journey with hearing loss, which was diagnosed during my junior year of high school. At first, I resisted wearing hearing aids, feeling that they set me apart. Over time, I realized that embracing them wasn’t just a technical adjustment but a personal one. Asking for help in noisy environments and relying on others taught me the importance of vulnerability and collaboration—skills that are critical for any entrepreneur. These challenges made me more observant and attuned to the details that others might miss, qualities that have enriched both my storytelling as a screenwriter and my ability to anticipate the needs of my customers. I want to be an entrepreneur because it allows me to bring together creativity, independence, and the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the world. Through Cookie’s Crumbs, I’ve seen how something as simple as challah can foster community, raise awareness, and support causes that matter. I believe entrepreneurship is about more than profits; it’s about solving problems and creating value in ways that improve people’s lives. Looking ahead, I see Cookie’s Crumbs as a blueprint for how I want to approach business in the future. Whether expanding this concept or pursuing new ventures, I’m committed to combining creativity with purpose to make a difference. Just as challah relies on its rises and falls to develop flavor and structure, my experiences with challenges, growth, and entrepreneurship have shaped me into someone ready to take on new opportunities and build something meaningful.

As an Eagle Scout and a student at Penn State University majoring in Agribusiness and Environmental Sustainability, my journey has been influenced by my commitment to service, leadership, and respect for the environment. These experiences have shaped my passion for creating a business that not only thrives economically but also contributes to society and planet Earth. Growing up, the values instilled in me through Scouting such as responsibility, perseverance, and a love for nature led me to pursue a career in agribusiness and environmental sustainability. My business idea revolves around developing an innovative agricultural platform that connects small and medium-sized farms with sustainable farming practices, resources, and markets. The goal is to authorize farmers to adopt eco-friendly methods that increase productivity while reducing their environmental footprint. I am inspired by this idea because I have seen firsthand the challenges that small farmers face in trying to balance financial growth with environmental control. Many want to transition to sustainable practices but lack the resources or knowledge to do so effectively. By providing farmers with the tools and support they need, my business can help bridge this gap ensuring that sustainability becomes a standard, and not a luxury, in agriculture. The likely impact of this business on the world is substantial. Agriculture is a critical industry that feeds billions of people but also is one of the largest contributors to environmental shame including greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water pollution. By promoting sustainable practices, my business can help diminish these negative impacts. By supporting small and medium-sized farms, we can contribute to local economies, preserve biodiversity, and guarantee food security for future generations. Moreover, this business will enable a community of environmentally conscious farmers who are committed to protecting the planet while providing high-quality products. As this community grows, it will create a ripple effect, encouraging more farmers to adopt tolerable practices and educating consumers about the importance of supporting sustainable agriculture. The desire to be an entrepreneur stems from my passion for innovation and problem-solving. I am driven by the idea of creating something meaningful that can address real-world challenges and make a positive impact. Entrepreneurship offers the freedom to think creatively, take risks, and turn ideas into concrete solutions that can benefit others. I believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for change. I can directly influence the direction and values of my business, ensuring that it aligns with my commitment to sustainability and moral practices. This level of control and responsibility is both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to constantly learn and grow. Throughout my journey so far, I have learned that being an entrepreneur requires resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to learn from failures. While gaining valuable insights into the importance of market research, customer feedback, and building a strong network of mentors and peers I have also realized that passion alone is not enough; it must be associated with a solid business plan, a deep understanding of the industry, and the ability to execute effectively. These lessons have reinforced my commitment to my business idea and my belief that entrepreneurship is the right path for me. By combining the knowledge of agribusiness and environmental sustainability with the skills gained as an Eagle Scout and a student, I am confident in my ability to build a successful and impactful business.

My name is Jerry Zavala, a senior at South Gate Senior High School, and my entrepreneurial journey has been profoundly shaped by my work with El Dicho Birreria, a food truck owned by my aunt. This experience has not only instilled in me a deep passion for growing businesses but has also guided me toward my broader goal of merging sustainability with entrepreneurship. El Dicho Birreria is more than just a food truck; it represents a family legacy and a thriving business that brings joy to our community through its authentic tacos. Working alongside my aunt, I have been deeply involved in various aspects of the business, from managing daily operations to engaging with our loyal customers. This hands-on experience has taught me the intricacies of running a successful enterprise and has sparked my ambition to drive growth and innovation within our business. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role at El Dicho Birreria has been helping to expand our reach and enhance our service. From refining our menu to optimizing our supply chain (finding lower prices) and exploring new marketing strategies, I’ve been deeply invested in every facet of the business. Seeing the tangible impact of our efforts—whether it's a positive customer review or a bustling day of sales—has reinforced my passion for entrepreneurship and my commitment to the growth of our family business. My experiences with El Dicho Birreria have also inspired me to think about how we can further improve and innovate. I’ve observed the challenges associated with managing a small food truck, particularly in terms of efficiency, sustainability and financials. These insights have led me to propose and implement new practices, such as transitioning to eco-friendly packaging and minimizing food waste, these not only comply with future city regulation but also make a impact in combating waste. These initiatives not only align with my personal values but also respond to growing consumer demand for sustainable practices. The growth of El Dicho Birreria is closely tied to my vision for expanding our impact. I am passionate about leveraging this experience to explore new business opportunities and potential partnerships. For instance, I am actively researching ways to introduce locally sourced ingredients and streamline our operations to enhance both our environmental footprint and our community engagement. My goal is to elevate El Dicho Birreria from a beloved local food truck to a model of sustainable and community-focused business practices and use local produce such as purchasing from local meat vendors. The entrepreneurial skills I’ve developed through my work with El Dicho Birreria are invaluable. I’ve learned the importance of adaptability, customer focus, Multitasking and strategic thinking. More importantly, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges and rewards of growing a business from the ground up. These lessons have fueled my desire to continue supporting and expanding my aunt’s business, while also exploring new ventures that align with my values and aspirations. This scholarship will provide essential support for my continued growth and development as an entrepreneur. It will enable me to invest in further training, explore innovative business practices, and implement sustainable solutions that will benefit both El Dicho Birreria and the broader community. My journey with El Dicho Birreria has been a profound learning experience and a source of great personal fulfillment. It has solidified my passion for entrepreneurship and my commitment to fostering growth and sustainability in every venture I undertake. Thank you for considering my application and supporting my vision for a thriving, sustainable future.

To introduce myself, I am Brandy, and I’m 17 years old. In general, I’m a very joyful and kindhearted person. My identity consists of respectfulness, responsibility, organization, friendliness, patience, caring, and hard work. I am an optimistic and cheerful person, even in the worst of times. I also make sure to put in consistent effort in everything I do. I love putting effort into my work because I know I gave it all I've got and left nothing behind. One thing I put all my effort into is running. That’s why I’m in cross country and do long-distance track. Another example is in school. I strive for the best in my work, especially in projects, because it demonstrates the attention and care I put into my work. My business idea revolves around crafts, specifically creating rubber band and paracord bracelets. Since I was 11, I have enjoyed making jewelry for friends on special occasions. In high school, I decided to turn my passion into a money-making venture because I saw there was an interest in my products. In my sophomore year, I expanded my product line to include rubber band figurine keychains, known as loomigurumi, which is like crochet but with rubber bands. I crafted various figures like whales, cupcakes, and axolotls. I also focused on seasonal items, especially around Christmas, because that’s when sales peaked as gifts. I am very passionate about my business because I get to do something I love while gaining something from it. For me, it isn’t just about the money I am earning, but also about the happiness of my customers and making their day better. Additionally, I value the learning experience I am gaining from running a business. I've learned how to maintain a steady flow of products and to always have something available to sell. I have also learned about time management because I have to keep track of my custom orders and the money I am earning. Moreover, opening a small business has helped me see more opportunities and realize that it's not easy. I want to be an entrepreneur because it allows for more opportunities. To elaborate, I want to go to university and eventually become a pediatric doctor as well. By being an entrepreneur, I can help ensure that I can pay for college, as well as medical school. Another reason is that when I make my products, I can give them to my patients to make the little kids happy and brighten their day. By doing this, I hope to help remove the stigma that going to the doctor isn’t very scary! To be cautious, I will gift these items to older kids, as it will be safer. Lastly, my business will impact the world because I can bring a little joy to many people’s days, which many may need in this modern era. It’s also a great present for any occasion. Jewelry is very common, and by offering these products, others may discover their identity or even find out what they like. Ultimately, my business is for everyone and has good intentions. Thank you for reading!