March 6, 2023, GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. -- Elizabeth Usadel immersed herself in art at GRCC, and that passion has sparked not one, but two careers.
Start at GRCC and go anywhere. Every former student has a story to tell about how GRCC gave them the education and opportunity to be successful.
She studied Visual Arts at GRCC, earning an associate degree in 2004. She then earned a bachelor’s in K-12 art education and a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from Calvin University. She has spent the past 14 years as an art teacher, with the East Grand Rapids, Northview, Godfrey-Lee and, currently, the Grand Rapids school districts.
In 2019, she began making polymer clay earrings and realized quickly that she wanted to turn this hobby into a business. She opened a store -- The Color Forest -- at 341 S. Division Ave., where she sells her jewelry and runs workshops.
“I love getting to combine my love of color and making things with my teaching background,” she said. “Each workshop is like a little art party.”
The Color Forest is one of the more than 30 enterprises you can find on GRCC’s list of alumni-owned businesses.
“Our goal is to encourage and empower women with our bright and fun jewelry,” Usadel said. “I hope to make my business my full-time employment. I’d like to hire a small team in the next five years and eventually become a national brand.”
Usadel credits GRCC with giving her skills that have helped with both her careers.
“My path to starting my business was unconventional,” she said. “I am an art teacher who found a reignited passion for making things. The support I felt at GRCC helped give me the confidence to take a risk and try something new.”
Start your GRCC story today here.