Kamily Flores ’21

Entrepreneur, Owner, Craft Protein Bar, Cranford, N.J.

“As a 19-year-old, first generation, American woman of color, I often get underestimated. However, during my time at St. Benedict's I learned not only how to think on my feet, but also how to have fun on the journey.

Even if there is a problem, have fun. Even if times are tough, be a nicer and more compassionate person. Resilience is getting back up after you get knocked down, but it’s also keeping your beliefs at your core no matter what.

It’s keeping going and maintaining even if people around you aren’t supportive. When Benedictine Academy closed, we went over to St. Benedict’s for senior year. It was actually a blessing in disguise for me. Prior to that I didn’t really challenge myself, but when I got to St. Benedict’s, I felt it was really time to step up. We had to be an example for the younger girls and in doing so we challenged and inspired each other — and now, in addition to going to school full-time, I own my own business.

My cafe, Craft Protein Bar, is in Cranford — a neighborhood very different from the one I grew up in in Elizabeth — and it’s been an amazing experience to learn how to push myself and work through challenges. Even though I can be introverted, as a business owner I need to be social. Now I love interacting with my customers, asking how their day is, and recommending my favorite menu items (the Reese’s Pieces Shake!).

I have always been inspired by my parents. They have always been supportive and worked so hard for me and my siblings, and now I want to make them proud by doing the best I can with my business. Maybe I’ll expand, maybe I’ll go national. Who knows what’s next, but I do know that you have to get out of your comfort zone and why not do it now.”