Alumni Spotlight
As seen in the spring 2025 Ivy magazine.
After completing her undergraduate studies early, Mia Nichols (’24 master of entrepreneurship) wasted no time pursuing her dream of opening a food truck. While high startup costs presented a formidable barrier to entry, she refused to be discouraged. Nichols utilized Iowa State University resources and started working with the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, which helped build the foundation for her idea and introduced her to entrepreneurial pitch competitions.
Eager to launch her business, Nichols took a creative approach and formed partnerships with local businesses to sell crêpes at their locations. Alongside the earnings from her pitch competition success, the partnerships generated additional revenue and validated the need for a crêpe food truck in the Ames area. In May 2024, Nichols successfully launched her business, C’est La Crêpe.
What sparked your passion for food?
My mom immigrated from France, so I grew up with the French culture, and crêpes were always a staple in our home. My love for food started early, and watching Cake Boss truly sparked my passion for baking. After making my first cake, I fell in love with the process of creating and sharing food. For me, food is more than just something to eat; it’s an experience, a connection, and a way to bring people together.
What made you decide to open a food truck?
A food truck felt like the perfect way to bring high-quality, handmade crêpes to my community in a fun and approachable way. It allows me to be creative with my menu, connect with people directly, and bring a taste of France to different events and locations.
How was your experience with Ivy?
I loved the flexibility of the (entrepreneurship) program. I couldchoose my classes and tailor my education to best support my business and future goals. It gave me the chance to broaden my business expertise while actively applying what I was learning to C’est La Crêpe. I also had the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people, professors, mentors, fellow students, and business owners, who have all supported and encouraged me along the way.
How has your experience been being a business owner?
Up until my graduation this past December, I was balancing school and running C’est La Crêpe. It took a lot of effort to make sure I was doing what was best for my business while also taking care of myself. While challenging at times, it’s been an amazing and rewarding experience. The community of business owners I’ve met has been very supportive, and I really enjoy meeting my customers and talking with them.
“It has been a joy to watch Mia’s business grow. She is creative, coachable, passionate, and hard working.”
— Megan Graettinger, Program Specialist, Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship
I love learning what they liked and didn’t like, and what new menu options they’d like to see. Utilizing their feedback helps improve my business and makes the food truck experience better. My team has also been nothing short of incredible. With all the help and encouragement I’ve received, my passion for the business continues to flourish.
What accomplishment in your life are you most proud of?
Professionally, I’m most proud of getting my trailer up and running for opening day. There were so many challenges with the renovation, and it felt like everything that could go wrong did, but I had already committed to events, so failure wasn’t an option. Pushing through all of that and finally opening felt like such a huge accomplishment. I couldn’t have done it without my family’s help, especially my dad right before opening weekend.
What are your plans for the future?
I was very lucky to make it into the Hinterland Music Festival food vendor lineup as a last-minute addition in my first year with the trailer. I would love to get a spot at the festival this year. I’d also love to get more into catering for things such as weddings, parties, corporate events, etc. Long-term, my goal is to live out in the country and create a homestead. I love the idea of being self-sustainable, having a garden/orchard, chickens, cows, goats, and more. It would also be fun to create a stand for all my extra farm projects and bakery items I make.
Follow Mia Nichols and C’est la Crêpe on Facebook or Instagram.
July 7, 2025
