For Champaigne Patterson, returning to school wasn’t just a step toward advancing her education—it was a leap of faith toward expanding her business and achieving her dreams. At 32, this business administration student, mother of two, and entrepreneur is charting a bold new course toward personal and professional growth.
Turning Challenges Into Opportunity
Patterson launched her business, Pink Champaigne Laundry Services (Pink CLS), amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With laundromats shutting down and families struggling to manage everyday tasks, she saw an opportunity to help her community while building a future for herself. Her business offers mobile, contactless laundry services—picking up, washing, folding with a signature “military fold,” and delivering clothes back to her clients.
What began as a neighborly favor turned into a thriving business.
“It was born out of necessity, but it’s grown into something much bigger,” she explains. While her business ran smoothly, Patterson realized she needed more knowledge and tools to take it to the next level.
Ivy Tech: The Right Fit for Growth
After years of running her business on intuition and hard work, Patterson realized she needed more formal knowledge to help her business thrive. While she had seen success with Pink Champaigne Laundry Services, she felt there was untapped potential for growth.
“I’ve been running this business for almost four years, and while I’ve made a profit, I know it’s capable of expanding even further,” she explains.
Her decision to return to school wasn’t her first time in higher education. Years earlier, Patterson attended a well-known historically black college or university to study architecture and civil engineering. However, she left before finishing her degree when life’s circumstances, including becoming a mother, shifted her focus.
Now, as an adult learner, Patterson returned to school in October with a clear vision and purpose; inspired by the memories of her mother returning to college when Patterson was in high school, her mother was an adult learner as well.
“Getting back into college as a mature adult, I know exactly what I want to do now. I’ve gone through certain situations, and I’ve gone through a little bit more of life to where I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m taking these classes for this reason.’”
For Patterson, returning to school was about better understanding management, operations, and the financial aspects of running a business.
“I didn’t have a background in business, and I realized that if I wanted to scale my company and eventually hire employees, I needed to be equipped with the right tools,” she shares.
Her choice to attend Ivy Tech Indianapolis stemmed from its flexibility and reputation for supporting adult learners. With its 100% online business administration program, Ivy Tech allowed her to balance her busy life as a mother, wife, and entrepreneur.
“Ivy Tech stood out because it fit my life. I could keep running my business, taking care of my kids, and still complete my classes from home...It was the opportunity I needed to make my dreams a reality.”
– Champaigne Patterson
Patterson has quickly discovered the value of her classes, particularly her Principles of Management course. The practical lessons and simulations have not only improved her understanding of business operations but have also influenced her approach to handling everyday challenges at home and work.
“It’s eye-opening to learn strategies for problem-solving that I can apply to real-life situations,” Patterson shared.
Balancing Family and Education
Patterson’s home life is as busy as her professional one. Recently married, she and her husband now manage a blended family of five children. Coordinating schoolwork for everyone has become a family affair.
“My kids and I sit down to do our homework together,” Patterson laughed. It’s a great way to keep each other motivated.”
The Student Success course at Ivy Tech has also been a significant resource in helping her manage her time and responsibilities.
“It’s taught me how to stay organized and plan effectively, which is invaluable when balancing so much.”
Looking Ahead
Patterson’s ultimate goal is to grow Pink Champaigne Laundry Services into a company that can provide jobs to those who face barriers to employment. She hopes to use her business administration degree to refine her management skills and eventually hire employees, expanding the reach of her services.
“This degree is more than just a credential—it’s a key to unlocking new doors for my business and community.”
Patterson’s advice to other adult learners is simple but powerful: “Do it. It’s never too late to invest in yourself and your future.”
Learn more about the Ivy Tech School of Business, Logistics & Supply Chain’s Business Administration program.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
