MILLER Case Study: Hi Honey Custom Charm Jewelry

Starting a business is a leap of faith that takes creativity, passion, and a little help along the way. For Melissa Nieuwoudt, founder of Hi Honey Custom Charm Jewelry, Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs and The Everyday Entrepreneur Program was the partner she needed to bring her vision to life.

Originally from South Africa, Melissa’s journey creating custom jewelry began at the age of eight, when she was crafting bracelets and necklaces. Since then, her love for making jewelry has never faded. “I have always been a creative person,” Melissa shared. “Having my own business allows me to create, inspire, and share the things I love while making a living doing so.” Inspired by her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit running her own business for eighteen years, Melissa dreamed of building something meaningful for herself—a jewelry business focused on creating custom pieces that are unique and special to each customer.

Turning a Passion into a Profession

As a full-time Business Administration student at Carroll, Melissa faced financial and logistical hurdles. “The funding I needed to kickstart my dream wasn’t something I had,” she said.

Fortunately, Melissa’s Intro to Business professor—and Director of Miller: Resources for Entrepreneurs—Tom Mazerski, introduced her to The Everyday Entrepreneur Program and Fund. A collaboration between Carroll Community College, the Small Business Development Center, the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), and the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund (EEVF), the program aims to support student entrepreneurs in bringing their innovative ideas to fruition, providing not just funding but also mentorship, education, and access to a network of industry experts. In November 2024, Melissa participated in the inaugural Carroll Community College Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund Pitch Contest, where credit and non-credit Carroll students were able to pitch their innovative business ideas. Having only two days to prepare, Melissa embraced the challenge, pitching her idea of custom charm jewelry to a panel of judges.

Melissa took first place in the contest, winning a $2,500 award that will help her launch her business. “It was such a surreal moment,” she recalled. “Pitching my idea, research, and business model to people with years of experience was the ‘this will work’ input I needed. The confidence it gave me was exactly what I needed.” “This was a great event to showcase the work of students throughout our campus, as we focus on increasing entrepreneurial spirit across all disciplines at Carroll Community College,” said Amy Yingling, Regional Director of the Small Business Development Center.

Having my own business allows me to create, inspire, and share the things I love while making a living doing so.

Support Every Step of the Way

Melissa credits her success Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund Pitch Contest to the invaluable guidance of her Business Solutions mentors. “Amy Yingling was my mentor for the pitch,” Melissa said. “She explained to me what the judges will be looking for and provided me with great resources that I used to do my market research. Tom Mazerski also gave me valuable advice that often went against everything I’d learned online, but what he said made sense!”

Tom’s expertise extended well beyond the pitch. He explained to her the various demographics and how to choose the best name to market to different audiences. “One part I was really dreading was registering my business,” Melissa admitted. “Tom made it so easy! I made an appointment with him to help register my LLC and in less than thirty minutes my paperwork was completed and submitted.”

Winning the Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund Pitch Contest was just the beginning for Melissa’s entrepreneurial ambitions. She plans to continue working with Miller as she grows her business. “Soon I’ll work on taking my business online and will need help with a website,” she said. Miller will also be her go-to resource for guidance on contracts and fair pricing when she moves into small retail spaces.

Aspiration and Inspiration

Melissa’s story is a testament not only to the power of determination, but also having the right support system to help one reach their business goals. Her advice to other aspiring entrepreneurs? “Find mentors who believe in your vision and aren’t afraid to challenge your thinking. And never stop chasing what you love!”

For entrepreneurs like Melissa, Miller is more than a resource—it’s a catalyst for success. With its personalized mentorship, practical tools, and supportive community, Miller empowers enterprising students and small business owners to turn their dreams into reality.