“I wanted to grow our community connections. These events are great opportunities to get the business community involved in Mahtomedi High School. When we get businesses involved, it helps promote their products and gets information to high school students,” Tori Jespersen, Mahtomedi High School Class of 2024 student, shared her intention behind the business pop-ups she’s organized this year at Mahtomedi High School. The business pop-up projects are part of a business independent study class. Tori conducts the event project management, including planning the menu, times, products, and collaborating with the business owner. The pop-ups include informational sessions for students with owners about becoming entrepreneurs and opportunities to purchase products.
The latest business pop-up event at Mahtomedi High School was hosted with Hello Boba, and 350 students attended the information sessions.
Vy Dam, owner of Hello Boba, held informational sessions with students about becoming an entrepreneur and owning a business. Ms. Dam immigrated from Vietnam 12 years ago and shared her story of attending the Carlson School of Management, working in corporate marketing, and eventually owning three different businesses. She mentioned a sign in her shop that says, “Do what you love,” and that her belief in having a passion for your work is a message she carried to students. “I want to inspire young entrepreneurs to start a business. I want to make a difference for future generations and be the change I want to see.”
Close to 300 students purchased Boba drinks from a special menu featuring drinks like Pink Paradise (Strawberry Green Tea), Pinky Matcha (fresh strawberry with Matcha), and Mermaid Lemonade (Butterfly Pea Tea) with the option to add original or popping bobas. Hello Boba generously donated $2 from every drink to the school’s business club, the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA).