Paulia Ard could only laugh when she learned last fall about Iola’s newest coffee shop, Fillmore Coffee House and Plant Cafe.
That’s because Ard, a Moran native in her freshman year at Allen Community College, had kicked around a hybrid coffee shop/plant store for years.
“When I heard about the one in Iola, I just laughed,” she said.
Ard has become a big fan of Fillmore, by the way, but is still a bit bashful about telling the owners of the happy coincidence.
That didn’t slow her down, however, as Ard and fellow ACC students Lungelo Masisi and Bernice Erasmus each were named finalists at an entrepreneurship challenge April 20 at Kansas State University.
Because all three were named finalists in the challenge, each brought home $1,500 for their efforts.
More importantly, “it really helped me learn about myself,” Masisi said. “It was gratifying.”
ALL THREE touted business ideas that carried a personal touch.
Ard’s coffee shop was one she’d dreamt about for quite a while.
Erasmus, who comes to Allen from her native South Africa, promoted her business idea, “The Hangout,” a gathering spot for college students in rural America.
The venue would have an assortment of attractions, including a pool table. Of course, alcohol would be off limits, Erasmus promised, because few Allen students are old enough to drink.
While Erasmus, a sophomore, has enjoyed her time in Iola, she also realizes entertainment opportunities for international students her age are relatively scarce.
“The people here have been great,” she said. “But there’s just not much to do.”
Masisi, meanwhile, created a hypothetical cell phone app to help students make better choices with their clothing.
“I used to be bad at dressing,” he laughed. “I’m still not great.”
