Jade McLellan is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in business management, with a minor in entrepreneurship and innovation. She founded Baking By Jade, a custom cookie and cake business, and has leveraged resources like the Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and the Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator to grow her venture.
Background and Inspiration
Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Jade was inspired by her father’s entrepreneurial journey and those of other family members, which instilled a sense of courage in pursuing her passions.
MSU Experience
Her journey at MSU has been transformative. The entrepreneurial landscape she encountered, particularly during an Admitted Student Day pitch event, motivated her to expand Baking By Jade further. Through her time at MSU, Jade has participated in pitch competitions and hosted cookie decorating classes, which pushed her outside her comfort zone and enhanced her practical skills.
Leadership Development
The Dashney Women’s Leadership Accelerator has significantly impacted her personal and professional growth, empowering her to become a more effective leader alongside other motivated women.
Internship Experience
Jade’s internship at Dawn Foods Global provided her with a new perspective on the bakery industry, where she gained insights into product formulation and commercialization, helping her strategize for the future of her business.
Future Aspirations
As she prepares to graduate, Jade embraces uncertainty about her next steps, focusing instead on her passions and values. Her advice to fellow students is to pursue what they love and remain authentic, emphasizing the importance of getting hands-on experience and learning through failure.
Core Belief
For Jade, entrepreneurship is about exploration, growth, and creativity—much like baking, where experimenting is key to finding success.
