Hocking College alum turns design skills into a hometown boutique.

After graduating from Hocking College in 2024, Emma Bambauer looked around her hometown and saw a gap. There weren’t many boutiques in New Bremen. She wanted to change that.

“I recognized a lack of boutiques in New Bremen and wanted to fill that gap by bringing something special to our small town in Northwest Ohio,” Bambauer said.

That idea became Sprouting Positivity. She first ran the boutique online from home. About a year after graduation, she opened a storefront. It was a simple goal with a lot of work behind it.

Bambauer studied Fashion Design and Retail Merchandising at Hocking College. She calls her time here both rewarding and transformative. “I developed collaboration skills and learned the importance of building connections with individuals I may not have otherwise approached,” she said. “Those insights will continue to shape my professional journey.”

What she remembers most is a feeling. “One of my fondest memories in the program was the sense of being welcomed and noticed,” she said. “Not only during class, but also in the time we spent together outside of structured lessons while in the classroom.” 

That sense of belonging pushed her to work harder, aim for awards, and leap into opening a shop.

Faculty support mattered. “My professors consistently pushed me to better myself both inside and outside the classroom,” Bambauer said. “They took the time to support me when I struggled, patiently helping me strengthen my skills while also offering guidance in my personal life.” She credits that encouragement as a lasting influence.

Her path after Hocking was not a straight line, but it was steady. Right after graduation, she enrolled at Edison State Community College to sharpen her design and social media skills. “I began my studies at Edison State in June 2024 and completed my Graphic Design degree in July 2025,” she said. She balanced those classes while running her online boutique. She also recovered from her third hip surgery in June 2024. “None of this would have been possible without the drive and motivation I gained after leaving Hocking College, which pushed me to stay focused and keep moving forward.”

Today, Bambauer is self-employed as the owner of Sprouting Positivity. She laughs a little at the long list of things she does in a single day, then says she would not trade it. “I love being self-employed because it gives me the flexibility to pursue what I’m passionate about,” she said. “Running my boutique is especially rewarding because of the meaningful interactions I have with customers and the joy and positivity it brings them, whether they’re shopping for themselves or finding the perfect gift.”

There are challenges. “One of the most challenging aspects of my job is wearing many hats,” she said. “I manage everything from social media and accounting to day-to-day operations, all while ensuring the business is fully prepared to serve customers every day.” The workload is real, but she sees the upside. “I enjoy doing it all myself, because it allows me to stay fully involved in every part of my business.”

That hands-on habit shows up in small details. “I’ve gained practical skills, such as quickly repairing clothing, whether it’s fixing a small hole or addressing issues inside a pocket, so that every item meets the quality standards my customers deserve,” she said.

The skill that keeps paying off is one she practiced at Hocking. “One of the most important skills I’ve developed through this journey is the ability to network and collaborate with other small businesses,” she said. Pop-ups, shared promotions, and simple peer advice help her boutique grow and keep her energized.

For current and future students in Fashion Design and Retail Merchandising, she keeps her advice simple and direct. “Stay open to trying new things and embrace networking,” she said. “It may feel challenging at first, but it’s an incredibly valuable skill. Remember that you are wanted and welcomed in the classroom, and being present and engaged in your classes will serve you far better than staying on the sidelines.”

She also wants students to know the program is a community. “It was a wonderful experience being part of the program, and I sincerely wish all the best and much success to the future classes ahead.”

Sprouting Positivity carries the same welcoming energy that Bambauer felt at Hocking. The shop is personal. She curates pieces with her customers in mind. She still writes her own posts and answers messages. She still steams new arrivals before opening. She likes the small stuff because it is the work that makes the experience feel right when someone walks through the door.

“I wanted to bring something special and positive to New Bremen,” she said. “Every conversation with a customer reminds me why I started.”

If you are a student who wants to create something for your own community, Bambauer’s story is a reminder that the work starts now. Show up. Build connections. Learn the unglamorous parts. Keep going. The storefront comes later. The feeling of belonging starts here. For more information about Hocking’s Fashion Design and Retail Merchandising program, visit https://www.hocking.edu/fashion-design-and-retail-merchandising.