Rachel Bonafede was navigating the process of owning a business when she decided to learn more through Wayne Community College’s 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’s 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. “When a tragic event happens in your life, you take a step back and evaluate what is important to you,” 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 WCC’s Small Business Center, ultimately wanting to learn even more about how to be a successful business owner as she prepared for her business’s opening. She enrolled in WCC’s Business Administration and Accounting and Finance programs in the fall of 2024.
WCC’s 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’s 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.
“I’m glad I have taken classes at WCC because I was able to use a lot of the tools that I’ve learned and incorporate them into my business. Otherwise, I would’ve been so lost,” Bonafede shared. “The instructors are awesome, and the classes are great.”
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. “Don’t feel overwhelmed; you will eventually finish,” she said. “It’s a small sacrifice now for a greater outcome in the future.”
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’s community to gather and spend time together, something she loves to witness.
“There’s a lot of blood, sweat, and tears that went into this building, and I’m very proud of it,” Bonafede said. “I 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’m at today.”
Learn more about WCC’s Business and Accounting programs on our website or by contacting WCC Business and Accounting Department Chair Erin LeGrand (etlegrand@waynecc.edu or 919-739-6880).