Veteran Aiye Akhigbe realized her dream when she opened Sticky Spoons Jam on July 21 in Niles, Michigan.
The grand opening celebration continues through July 23 with samples and giveaways.
“This ribbon cutting punctuates years of preparation to share my passion for homemade jams with the community,” Akhigbe said in a press release.
Jams will be made in a new, licensed commercial kitchen behind the retail store, which also will feature Michigan maple syrup and products made by veterans from Michigan.
Akhigbe is a Navy veteran who served aboard the USS Tortuga based in Sasebo, Japan. She was an enlisted surface warfare specialist engineman third class petty officer and was honorably discharged in 2011.
Cornerstone Alliance’s Women’s Business Center helped the new business owner start her store.
“I know how to make delicious jams,” Akhigbe said, “but the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance coached me with business tips to get to this point. The WBC team was with me all the way providing startup assistance and guidance to make my dreams a reality.”
The nonprofit helps women, people of color, veterans and disadvantaged people start and grow businesses in Southwest Michigan.
“We were honored to work with Aiye Akhigbe to build her concept of what Sticky Spoons Jam could be,” said Kristen Patzer, director of the Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance during the ribbon cutting. “Her passion, skill and commitment blended well with WBC resources and the guidance we could provide. As always, collaboration results in a stronger impact.”
The Women’s Business Center at Cornerstone Alliance was founded in 2004 and serves small businesses owners in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties in Michigan.
