Member Spotlight: Carissabhowell

Meet Carissa of Edible Dreams!

Carissa has a wonderful selection of mouth-watering baked goods, oils and herbs, bar mixes, candies, and more.

1. What school do you attend?

I go to the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Tampa, in Florida. I used to attend USF for Music Education and Business, though.

2. What are you currently studying?
I am a Culinary Arts Student--I study Asian, Latin, world, Classical European, American Regional, Baking and Pastry.

3. What types of classes do you get to take? Which one is your favorite, and why?

Oh, boy I have loved most of my classes. I really liked American Regional Cuisine and Classical European. I also have to take lots of business courses and math that I really don't like, but it will help me out in the long run.

4. What do you want to do when you get out of school?

I hope to someday have my own catering business. I think it represents my interests in party planning, cake making, and cooking.

5. What are some of your interests and hobbies?

I absolutely love crafts, and this comes into my packaging. You will notice I hand make a lot of my cards (thank-yous) that I send out with my product! I love cooking, obviously, and being with my friends. I am a bartender, so I love thinking up new mixology. I am just really creative.

6. What is your favorite thing about college so far?

I would have to say that the people that I have met have made new connections, and the friends that I have made.

7. How do you manage your school work and Etsy shop?

I actually have school, work, and my etsy shop. I have to be really organized, and this causes me to be able to manage my time. I don't get that many orders (I want that to change obviously) so I have plenty of time to work and do homework.

8. What is the best advice you can offer to a fellow college student crafter?

Be persistent. It is hard to develop a client base, but I think that making connections, and actually word of mouth is the best way to get your name out there. Send a few discount cards out with each order and tell people to give them to their friends. They will love it.

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