CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – To celebrate Juneteenth, we invited you to nominate a Black-owned businesses in Champaign-Urbana. In partnership with our sister radio station, The Vibe 97.9 we will recognize five outstanding local businesses and their valuable contributions to our community this week. Today, we shine the spotlight on Dr. Mila Thomas Fuller and Nothing Bundt Cakes – Champaign.
In 2020, Dr. Mila Thomas Fuller took a bold step in her professional journey by becoming an independent owner and operator of Nothing Bundt Cakes in Champaign. This marked the 22nd store in Central Illinois, opening its doors to the public on July 30, 2020.
Dr. Fuller is a trailblazer in educational technology, with a wealth of experience spanning nearly two decades. Her expertise ranges from strategic planning to the implementation of instructional technology, impacting associations, districts, schools, and universities.
Before venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, Dr. Fuller served as the interim director and assistant director of online learning at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Education. In this role, she was instrumental in developing strategies, promoting, and coordinating the delivery of online, distance, and blended education programs for the university’s Online EdD and EdM offerings. Dr. Fuller also worked closely with the college’s online learning stakeholders to ensure the success of these programs.
Dr. Fuller’s academic contributions extend to her role as an adjunct professor at the University of Maryland Global College, where she taught in the instructional technology master’s degree program. She also developed and taught a course titled “Digital Age Technology and Instruction” for Johns Hopkins University’s education doctoral degree program.
Her leadership skills were further honed during her eight-year tenure as the deputy executive director for the National Council of Teachers of English. In this capacity, Fuller oversaw the implementation of organizational goals and supervised senior-level teams, driving the council’s mission forward.
For five years, Dr. Fuller served as the director of strategic initiatives for the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). She was responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic alliances and was a frequent national and international presenter on digital age learning, teaching, and digital equity.
Dr. Fuller’s dedication to the association community is evident through her service as President of ISTE. She remains an active member of the American Society for Association Executives, holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation, and has been recognized as a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) scholar.
Dr. Fuller’s journey from the world of education to the realm of entrepreneurship is a testament to the power of perseverance and the pursuit of one’s passions. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Dr. Fuller’s unwavering determination and her love for a certain irresistible delicacy – the lemon cake – have culminated in the successful launch of her franchise, Nothing Bundt Cakes, in Champaign.
A Natural Progression from Education to Entrepreneurship
With a rich background in education and educational technology, Dr. Fuller’s decision to venture into the culinary industry may have come as a surprise to some, but for her, it was a natural progression. Hailing from a family of educators, Dr. Fuller had long been immersed in the world of learning and teaching, but she yearned to explore her creative side and embrace the thrill of running her own business.
Dr. Fuller’s journey began with meticulous research and the development of a comprehensive business plan, an important step that she believes is key to any successful venture. Armed with a clear vision and a deep understanding of the market, Dr. Fuller set out to find the perfect location for her franchise and devised a strategic marketing plan to attract customers.
Despite the challenges, the construction team she worked with was ready to go, and they made things happen. Mila was also fortunate to donate to the Champaign Urbana Schools Foundation.
Dr. Fuller decided to start the franchise because she loved the product and was ready for a change and to run her own business. Having spent many years in education and education technology, and coming from a family of educators, she wanted to tap into her creative side and lead a new business. “It was all about that darn LEMON CAKE,” she says.
The Importance of a Strong Business Plan
She began researching how to start a business and the process of developing her business plan, which she feels is key to diving into a new venture. Her focus then shifted to finding the best location and how to market her business. Her advice to others would be to spend time developing a strong business plan, and fully understand that there is a want or a need for the business you are interested in developing.
Ongoing Community Support
The community was incredibly supportive and continues to be. Mila loves how her area always supports locally owned businesses like hers. This summer marks four years of ownership, and Mila is beginning to explore opportunities to work with more organizations to help them fundraise.
The Lemon Cake That Inspired Her and More
Lemon Cake may have been the catalyst for Dr. Fuller’s venture into becoming a franchisee, but there are flavors to suit every taste and occasion including Key Lime, White Chocolate Raspberry, Red Velvet, Snickerdoodle, Strawberries & Cream, and Classic Vanilla. She also provides gluten-free options in a variety of sizes. From Bundtinis® and Bundtlets to Bundt cakes in two sizes plus tiered, you’re sure to find something sweet – just like Dr. Fuller’s success.
