Rachel Bonafede was navigating the process of owning a business when she decided to learn more through 蘑菇APP鈥檚 Business and Accounting department. With only a few classes left to take until she earns two associate degrees, Bonafede has now learned what it takes to be an entrepreneur and run a successful business.
Originally from Ohio, Bonafede served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years. After retiring from the military, Bonafede planned to use her master鈥檚 degree in project management / information management to build another career in that field. However, when her husband passed away, Bonafede faced new challenges and had to decide what was next for her family.
With a life that looked different than she expected, Bonafede wanted to put down roots in Wayne County after a military career full of deployments that kept her away from her family. 鈥淲hen a tragic event happens in your life, you take a step back and evaluate what is important to you,鈥� Bonafede said.
Bonafede felt the need to give back to her community and the people who helped her get through a difficult time. In 2022, she signed on to open a Biggby Coffee franchise in Pikeville, aiming to create a place that brings people together.
Resources for entrepreneurs
As she entered a new career, Bonafede attended seminars offered through 蘑菇APP鈥檚 Small Business Center, ultimately wanting to learn even more about how to be a successful business owner as she prepared for her business鈥檚 opening. She enrolled in 蘑菇APP鈥檚 Business Administration and Accounting and Finance programs in the fall of 2024.
蘑菇APP鈥檚 Business Administration and Accounting and Finance programs each offer an Associate in Applied Science degree, a diploma, and certificates. The programs also provide transfer opportunities to universities for those interested in obtaining a bachelor鈥檚 degree in either field. Classes in both programs can be taken in person, online, or through a combination of both.
Bonafede, who has taken mainly online classes to fit her busy schedule, said she has learned everything from how to build a business plan and create an employee handbook to taxes and business law.
鈥淚鈥檓 glad I have taken classes at 蘑菇APP because I was able to use a lot of the tools that I鈥檝e learned and incorporate them into my business. Otherwise, I would鈥檝e been so lost,鈥� Bonafede shared. 鈥淭he instructors are awesome, and the classes are great.鈥�
Completing her degrees
Once Bonafede completes her final classes, she will earn associate degrees in both Accounting and Finance and Business Administration.
With a full schedule and many responsibilities, Bonafede knows how challenging it can be to go back to school as a working adult. She would encourage others to work at their own pace to achieve their educational goals. 鈥淒on鈥檛 feel overwhelmed; you will eventually finish,鈥� she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a small sacrifice now for a greater outcome in the future.鈥�
Struggles that led to success
Bonafede is proud of all she has learned to make her business successful. Since its grand opening in July, Biggby Coffee has provided a space for Bonafede鈥檚 community to gather and spend time together, something she loves to witness.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that went into this building, and I鈥檓 very proud of it,鈥� Bonafede said. 鈥淚 love it when I see groups of people come in to socialize and enjoy a cup of coffee. It makes it worth all the struggles I went through to get to where I鈥檓 at today.鈥�
Learn more about 蘑菇APP鈥檚 Business and Accounting programs on our website or by contacting 蘑菇APP Business and Accounting Department Chair Erin LeGrand (etlegrand@waynecc.edu or 919-739-6880).