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Perspective | Empowering student entrepreneurs at Central Davie Academy

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Courtesy of Karen Jarvis

Hints of cinnamon, cedar, and vanilla drift down the hallway, greeting visitors with a warm welcome and curiosity.

It’s not the typical smell in a 100-plus-year old-school building, which is fitting, as it now houses not your typical school. Central Davie Academy (CDA), is an alternative educational setting for a small number of students in Davie County Schools. Currently, 15 students — who for various reasons have struggled in conventional school environments — are now immersed in small classes, intentional mentoring, counseling, and targeted support designed to help them reengage academically, socially, and emotionally.

One of the most exciting additions this school year is a new hands-on, immersive entrepreneurial class. In it, students are gaining invaluable, real-world experience by launching and running their own business: Central Davie Academy Roadrunners Candle and Soap Makers, a student-created line of handcrafted soaps and scented candles.

“We are fortunate to have Mr. Jay Preuss, a teacher who runs his own candle-making business, who brings both expertise and a passion to our students,” said Mary Foster, Central Davie Academy principal. “This real-world business allows students to walk through every step of entrepreneurship, bringing classroom lessons to life through products and profits they can truly see and understand.”

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Start up funding for the business came from Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) funds. From day one, students have been involved in every stage of the business planning process:

  • Product development: Choosing scents, colors, and designs for the candles and soaps.
  • Supply chain: Researching suppliers, ordering raw materials, and managing inventory.
  • Production: Mastering the precise art of pouring, curing, and packaging their products.
  • Marketing and finance: Developing pricing strategies and preparing for their first customer.

“Watching these students realize they’re capable of creating something real, from an idea to a finished product, is incredibly powerful,” said Preuss. “This class isn’t just about making candles or soap. It’s about building confidence, problem-solving skills, and a sense of pride that many of them haven’t felt in a traditional classroom.”

The effort has already paid off. The student-run business recently celebrated its first sale, selling 60 candles for one holiday order, with additional sales opportunities planned for 2026. Students say they appreciate the opportunity to gain real-world business experience.

“The process was hard at first, but then it has gotten a lot easier as we’ve learned from the mistakes we’ve made,” said Alhia, a CDA student. “We had to stick with it, and it has paid off and has given me real-world experience that I couldn’t have gotten anywhere else.” 

“Candle making has given me the opportunity to explore creative processes and has equipped me with important skills that can be used in the business world,” said Travis, another CDA student. “I’ve been able to experiment with scents and aesthetics to ensure CDA’s candles are unique so we’re able to stand out and show the community the potential we have. We may be a small school, but we’ve created something special.” 

Central Davie Academy isn’t just helping students run a small business. Its staff is building a blueprint for how to empower every learner — regardless of their past challenges — with the skills and confidence to carve out their own bright future.