Emie has accomplished a lot for being just 18 years old. She recently graduated from Assumption High School, but at the same time started her own company, Em’s Delights, offering delicious sweet treats! Thanks to a quality out-of-school time (OST) program, she gained the resources and confidence to turn her passion into a business.

In high school, Emie knew she wanted to be a pastry chef and attend culinary school after graduation. It was her school’s counselor who encouraged her to apply for the Young Entrepreneurs’ Academy (YEA!) – a nine-month OST program where youth ages 12-18 go to the University of Louisville one day a week for four hours to learn about entrepreneurship: starting and operating their own business.

“I never dreamed of owning my own bakery prior to this program,” said Emie. “I always wanted to be a pastry chef, but the YEA! The program taught me how rewarding owning a business could be and I fell in love with the idea of being an entrepreneur!”

Throughout the program, Emie learned valuable information and wrote a business plan that ultimately led her to propose her plan to investors. After presenting her target market analysis, set-up fees and projected launch timeline, she was rewarded the full amount she proposed. With her investment, Emie decided to launch Em’s Delights in west Louisville’s Chef Space, a shared-use kitchen and incubator for entrepreneurs where she has continued to grow the company; she is on the road to success!

Metro United Way knows that quality OST programs are essential in any strategy to improve outcomes for our youth to succeed in career and life, and Emie’s experience has helped equip her to thrive in life after graduation. Recently after sharing her story with us, she baked a beautiful and delicious cake for the retirement party of our President and CEO that was enjoyed by all!