Meet Caroline Petru | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Caroline Petru and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Caroline, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk is also taking a chance. A chance on an opportunity to fail or succeed. At 20 years old, my junior year at Texas A&M, I started Sweet Caroline Collective out of my college house. What began as a fun side hobby, turned out to be one of the biggest blessings just a few short years later. During my time in College Station, I spent hours in the classroom learning about job opportunities and how to succeed in those positions. Being surrounded by numerous friends, majoring on different subjects, the topic of jobs and internships was popular. The pressure about finding a job from professors, adults, and other kids my age not only stressed me out, but lead me to worrying about where I would end up and who I would be at graduation. As SCC continued to grow, so did my faith and passion to turn my side hobby into a full blown business. As senior year approached, job applications opened, and friends were becoming officially employed. Although this seemed to be the secure route for financial stability, it wasn’t the route that I wanted to take. By taking this route, peers criticized me for taking a risk and it made me question if I was doing the right thing. Through prayer, thought, and numerous conversations with friends and family, I decided to take SCC on as my full time job. Coming out of college with an unknown path and unguaranteed salary was a risk I was willing to take and it was a risk i have not looked back on to regret. Since graduation, I have moved back to Houston, attended 5 wholesale markets, gained numerous connections, been granted multiple collegiate license, and have met some of the BEST friends, mentors, and clients.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am most proud of my personal growth, and proving to the people that doubted me that I can do it. I want other young college kids to be inspired to chase their dreams and take a risk of becoming an entrepreneur. Running a solo business takes dedication and discipline, Using your network is important to find buyers, bad months aren’t the end of the world (there will be good months and bad months), patience and perseverance leads to success.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Favorite spots:
Tiny Boxwoods
Hillstone
Goode Company Cantina

Highland Village Shops

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout out to: My family, Jennifer Sadler, my fiance, friends, and my amazing customers who have helped me get to where I am today.

Website: https://sweetcarolinecollective.com

Instagram: sweetcarolinecollective

Facebook: sweetcarolinecollective

Image Credits
@cpetru.photography (i am also a senior and wedding photographer) and like 2 pics from this were from emma umana photography