When Dana Primus walked through the halls of the College of New Caledonia (CNC) years ago, she did not imagine that one day she would return as a business owner.
A graduate of CNC’s Business Management Diploma, she explains that the program’s flexibility and real-world experience helped her inflate her confidence as an entrepreneur.
“When I completed the diploma, I was young and newly married,” she recalls. “Over the past 15 years, the business knowledge and skills I gained have given me the opportunity to create and run businesses that fit the hours I need while raising a family. Each of my ventures has served me for a season, and then I’ve moved on to the next chapter.”
One of the most defining moments in her studies came through CNC’s Business the Next Generation program, where students had the chance to select, start, and run a real business in the community.
“That hands-on experience took the fear out of starting something new,” she says. “Our instructor, George Kennedy, instilled a very positive ‘can-do’ attitude in all of us that has stuck with me to this day.”
Fast forward to today, she’s the proud owner of Bubble Balloons PG, a local business specializing in creative balloon décor that makes every occasion pop!
The idea began at home.
“As a mom, being a party planner and decorator is a built-in part of the job!” she explains. “While sourcing balloons for one of my daughter’s birthday parties, I stumbled across ‘bubble balloons’ completely clear balloons you can fill with mini balloons or other fun items. I was blown away by how unique they were, and I thought others would be too.”
After doing some market research and developing her craft, her idea took off, and her business has been expanding ever since.
Now, she’s back on campus with a different kind of project: bringing her balloons for CNC’s annual Open House.
“This will be my biggest helium order to date!” she says.
Returning to CNC as a business owner rather than a student has been a full-circle moment.
“I’m pumped to be coming back to the CNC building, this time as a business owner,” she says. “It’s made me reflect on all that I gained at CNC, and how far I’ve come since I was a new grad.”
When asked what advice she’d share with students dreaming of starting their own business, her message is clear and encouraging:
“Market research is key, and a well thought out business plan is very important, but once those are handled, just get started! Don’t let ‘analysis paralysis’ take over. If you have an idea you think will be successful, believe in yourself and take the leap!”
In true entrepreneurial spirit, she ends with a heartwarming vision that captures her spirit perfectly:
“Recently, my 9 year old daughter asked me what my dream job would be. I replied, ‘I get to be creative every day, set my own hours, and make an income doing something I love. Not only do I have my dream job, I created it!’”
Her journey is a reminder to every CNC student that with a great education, a little imagination, and a willingness to rise to the occasion, your next big idea could be the one that really takes flight.