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University of North Georgia (¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ) senior Krista Willey was named Student Woman Entrepreneur of the Year by the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Mike Cottrell College of Business in a ceremony on Oct. 25 in the Cottrell Center for Business, Technology and Innovation at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's Dahlonega Campus.  

Taylor Merritt, '15, was recognized as the Alumna Woman Entrepreneur of the Year. Merritt is CEO of Daddy Tay Fitness, a company she founded in 2022.

Willey, who is pursuing a degree in visual arts, was nominated by senior lecturer Dr. Ana Pozzi Harris, who taught her art history course.

Willey created two businesses, KWilley Pottery and Customs by Krista as a sophomore at ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ. She was inspired by the surge of "Vampire Diaries" fans visiting her hometown of Covington, Georgia, also the show's filming location.

Willey recalled working in ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ's ceramics studio, when she learned of her achievement on Oct. 20.  

"I was so shocked and honored to be nominated," Willey said. 

To me, winning is a reflection of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation wanting to see artists succeed, and I love that.

Krista Willey

Student Woman Entrepreneur of the Year

Set to graduate in the spring, Willey is looking to pursue a master's degree in fine arts, focusing on her passion for ceramics.

"These women exemplify the creativity, determination and innovativeness that women entrepreneurs bring to the table. Krista and Taylor have not only excelled in their respective fields but also serve as role models, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams," Dr. Mariangela Vecchiarini-Piazza, assistant professor of management, said.

Merritt earned her bachelor's degree in biology from ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ in the preprofessional pathway of pre-physical therapy. The entrepreneur was also a member of the 2015 ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ national championship softball team. That team was inducted into the ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ Athletics Hall of Fame in 2021. She felt this award was an honor to receive.

"¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ taught me how to work harder, learn, lead, and achieve. ¹ú²ú×ÔÅÄ changed my life and will live in my heart forever," Merritt said. "Thank you to the entrepreneurship program and to those who are pursuing your passion with purpose."