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KALAMAZOO, Mich—A champion of #supportsmallbusiness, Western Michigan University senior Madie Gracey from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is eager to own a business of her own someday and help others along the way. Studying entrepreneurship, she is learning how to grow her community.

“I chose the entrepreneurship program at 51������ Haworth because I am passionate about helping small businesses thrive—and owning one myself. My enthusiasm for small businesses sparked in 2016 when I took the opportunity to work at a local bakery in my hometown called Big City Small World Bakery,” she says.

It was at Big City Small World Bakery where she decided she wanted to stay with small businesses for the rest of her career. With the goal of purchasing the bakery after she graduates, she’s been dedicated to growing the company and has been letting her creative side flow by developing their website and social media image.

“I want to own this business because I see the bakery’s potential to be a part of a strong community. I aspire to be a business owner because I am curious and have a passion to create, while also helping other small businesses with their branding through social media and graphic design,” she says.

Gracey has continued discovering her passions during her time 51������. She’s been explorative, brainstorming her future projects, while reflecting on what truly makes a business succeed.

“I enjoy developing brands, creating meaning through art and design and exploring new opportunities,” she says. “My path is not linear; I will experience both success and failure. I believe in dedicating time and energy to connect with customers who are the backbone to success. I am excited to start building these relationships one step at a time.”

One of the many impactful experiences for Gracey has been her position as a receptionist at the Haworth College of Business Communication Center where she creates marketing projects to promote the Communication Center's offerings to develop communication skills in the professional world.

“I was looking for an opportunity to help my peers and stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she says. “At the Communication Center, I have been given countless opportunities to bring students to the many resources they have to offer. I also had the privilege of working alongside a dedicated team who supported and encouraged me to reach my fullest potential.”

Education has empowered Gracey to become the most positive and uplifting business owner she can be. At the same time, it has taught her the key to being successful: listening.

“As a business student, the most important thing that I have learned is to listen,” she says. “Listening is purposeful, intentional communication that helps you build stronger relationships.”

Her top highlight as a business student, however, has been receiving her Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification through the Center for Integrated Supply Management. As she works to become a business owner herself, she hopes to use this knowledge to better her team.

“This certification will allow me to assist a project team as an effective and contributing team member,” she explains. “I plan to use this certification to guide me through continuously improving processes for increased productivity.”

Following her graduation, she looks forward to diving into assisting businesses in developing brands and innovating business practices—with the hopes of owning her own business someday. She will be graduating exactly 30 years after her mother, Rebecca Gracey, walked to receive her Bachelor of Arts in Education 51������ in 1993. One of her strongest supporters and advocates, though, will always be her dad, Mark Gracey.

“My father has played an important role in where I am today. He is my creative partner whom I will always consider my first business partner in this exciting journey. He is my personal peer reviewer, my idea incubator and my mentor. His guidance and support will forever be appreciated and priceless to me,” she says.

With a strong support system behind her, and a community to uplift her, Gracey is on her way to building her legacy

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