Elizabethtown College student Breanna Hoppes ’25 is applying her valuable in-class experiences to help run and continue to expand her family’s successful small business.
A Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing, Hoppes handles all marketing at Baked With a Twist, her family’s bakery and coffee shop located in Lebanon, Pa.
“My mission is to transform our business into a thoughtfully crafted experience that connects with customers on a deeper, more memorable level,” Hoppes said. “I want to build a brand that evokes emotion and belonging.”
Hoppes’ passion for marketing drove the decision to expand beyond their initial business practice of hosting pop-up booths at local community events, leading to the opening of their first storefront with her mother, Lindsay, in late 2024.
Today, in addition to coffee and specialty tea drinks, the shop serves up handcrafted muffins, whoopie pies, pretzels, and more.
Through applying the knowledge gained from her coursework at Etown, Hoppes has been able to develop a meaningful experience for guests that goes beyond a simple transaction. Understanding the importance of brand development, her marketing tactics focus on positioning their business as a hub for community engagement.
“At Etown, I have developed strong skills in brand development and meaningful marketing,” Hoppes said. “I have learned to create strategies that go beyond simply promoting a product, but instead truly connecting with people.”
Hoppes credits Associate Professor of Marketing, Dr. Bryan Greenberg for providing her with the skills necessary to confidently apply her coursework to real-world experiences.
“Dr. Greenberg’s unwavering support, guidance, and insight have not only shaped me into a stronger student but have also empowered me to continue growing and refining my small business,” Hoppes said.
After graduation this December, Hoppes plans to continue working at her family’s business and pursue a career in the marketing field, eager to improve upon her skills.
Baked With a Twist has ingrained itself in the Lebanon community, giving back by donating leftovers to Lebanon County Christian Ministries. The shop recently celebrated its first anniversary in a ribbon-cutting ceremony held by the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce as a thank you for their presence in the community.
