Blackburn College business and economics senior seminar students recently had the opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the real world of entrepreneurship during a visit with Clare Adams, owner of Hawthorn Tree Coffeehouse in Carlinville.
Clare shared an honest look at the realities of running a small business, from navigating challenges and adapting to change, to building a loyal customer base and staying true to a mission. Students learned not only about strategy and operations, but also about the mindset, professionalism, and resilience required for long-term success.
With graduation approaching in May, experiences like this help students connect their coursework to real-world applications, expand their professional networks, and gain confidence as they prepare to enter the workforce.
The visit was especially meaningful because of Hawthorn Tree’s strong ties to Blackburn College. Clare’s husband and fellow owner, August Adams, is a Blackburn alumnus, and his grandmother, Jean Sticker, was among the College’s earliest graduates. The connection made the conversation a full-circle moment and highlighted the power of community partnerships and alumni engagement.
Students enjoyed Hawthorn Tree’s coffee and asked thoughtful questions about marketing, financial decision-making, customer experience, and balancing growth with sustainability. Clare’s openness about both successes and setbacks provided valuable insight into what it truly takes to run and grow a business.
Opportunities like this reinforce the importance of experiential learning at Blackburn, where students gain practical knowledge, build relationships with local business leaders, and see firsthand how their education translates into meaningful careers.