Aquinnetta Mims, administrative assistant to Head of Upper School, is a self-professed sweets fanatic. Yet, after seeing many of her family members struggle with health issues, she has been influenced to prioritize healthy eating. So, she founded the snack brand, HealthyAddicts, which removes the guilt but leaves the goods.
“I asked myself, ‘What desserts do I love that I can make and others would enjoy?’,” Mims said. “That question sparked the idea.”
Mims started her business prior to the coronavirus outbreak, and it took off during the pandemic. Family members initially helped her with orders, though after the pandemic, she now handles orders on her own.
Even as her orders came in greater quantities, she continued to make each dessert with her faith, love and passion.
“Every time I bake, I pray,” Mims said. “It’s my way of putting love into each treat, so when people enjoy them, they can feel that love.”
As her business grew, Mims found that a positive mindset is her best ally when faced with challenges.
“This is a business I love, and if I want it to succeed, I have to put in the blood, sweat, and tears,” she said. “I had to shift my mindset and commit fully to making it happen.”
Mims also utilized every resource and opportunity she had. Whether she was using a lunch break to take customer orders to the post office or simply mapping out her time in advance, every moment mattered.
She said that school is the best resource for students who want to balance their passions with their studies.
“You have countless resources at your fingertips,” Mims said. “Use them. Knowledge will keep your business afloat, and the connections you make will help it grow.”
Despite the hard work required to start a business, Mims has no regrets.
“The reason I think it’s important to pursue your passions is because you don’t want to go through life wishing that you would have done that,” Mims said. “Life gets tough, and yes, different things take place in your life, career, transitions and families and things like that. But if you really have a true passion, that passion is going to always stay there. And so why not pursue it?”
Mims hasn’t stopped with HealthyAddicts. She also founded Women Are Elevating, an organization that helps guide individuals as they begin their entrepreneurial journey.
“For anybody out there that wants to get into entrepreneurship, it’s never too late,” Mims said. “It doesn’t matter when you start. Just when you start, don’t quit. No matter how tough it gets, fight through it. Fear can be scary, but at the same time, it can be your strength.”
Hooked on HealthyAddicts: your study habit your snack!
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