Burgess Institute Announces Inaugural Vandervarro Scholars, Olivia Gargett and Olivia Simone

by John Hart, Aaryn Richard

The Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation proudly announces that Olivia Gargett ('24, Broad College of Business) and Olivia Simone ('23, Broad College of Business) are the inaugural Vandervarro Scholars. Gargett and Simone are founders and CEOs of startups within the Burgess Institute's Launch Program. They are recognized for their innovative mindset and drive in their entrepreneurial ventures.

Established in 2022 by Alexandra Clark (Broad College of Business ‘10) and Kyle Welch (Broad College of Business ‘09), the Vandervarro Scholarship recognizes exemplary student venturers focusing on startups within the food, agricultural, and hospitality industries at Michigan State University.

Clark and Welch are both accomplished food entrepreneurs, having launched successful companies at a relatively young age. Clark is the founder/owner at Bon Bon Bon, a world-renowned chocolate dessert business that started in Hamtramck and has since expanded to multiple other locations. Welch is the co-founder at Chicago Scoops, a franchise group that owns and operates Cold Stone Creameries. 

Olivia Gargett is the founder of OG's Bakery, a custom cake pop and cookie company with the mission to spread sweetness at large and small events alike. Gargett's treats not only taste amazing but also eye-popping, giving customers with a unique experience.

Olivia Simone is the founder of Soup N' Sip, an on-the-go, spoonless soup company offering customers a delicious, healthy, and convenient alternative to fast food.

Both women are leaders in MSU's entrepreneurship community, inspiring young venturers through their determination and early success.

Donors Clark and Welch launched the Vandervarro scholarship to celebrate student venturers.

"Entrepreneurship is not about thinking inside or outside of the box. In fact, in many cases, there is no box at all," said Clark. "Kyle and I believe celebrating entrepreneurs and letting them know they're not alone in their journey is important."

"I feel proud to be chosen for an award by fellow food entrepreneurs," said Gargett. "Being a young entrepreneur, it's easy to be hard on ourselves. These achievements make our businesses and hard work feel so special."

Simone added, "It's very motivating to know that there are people out there who believe in me and my idea."

The Burgess Institute's programs and resources allow student venturers to build their skills, hone their entrepreneurial mindset, and gain the tools necessary for reaching their goals.

"The Burgess Institute is a welcoming community that has encouraged me from the very start of my journey and continues to support me every day," said Simone.

"By finding my way to the Burgess Institute, I've discovered a strong community of like-minded people with whom I can bounce ideas off of and collaborate," said Gargett. "This program is the reason I came to MSU. I wanted a hands-on entrepreneurship program that had the opportunity to grow my business. Everyone in the program, the staff and students, have been an amazing help to me and my business."

Gargett and Simone have found success in opportunities presented by the Burgess Institute. They competed in the 2021 Burgess New Venture Challenge, Simone as a Top 15 semifinalist, and Gargett receiving first place. Moreover, Simone received first place at PitchMania 2021, hosted by the Michigan State Entrepreneurship Association, winning the competition's $1,000 top prize. Both women have worked hard to get their ventures to where they are today.

Soup N' Sip has found a home in the Burgess Institute's newly established Venture Kitchen, prompting her to begin taking her products to market. "I will use this generous scholarship to buy supplies to start selling soup in the student popup space in the Union," said Simone. "I am so excited to jump into this next phase of my journey."

Garret will use her scholarship award to hire employees and expand OG's Bakery's outreach. "I would love to have a storefront in my hometown where my business started. My biggest dream is to have a line of cake pops sold online that can be shipped nationwide," Gargett said. "My goal is to create a large brand for myself and allow it to be my full-time job."

The Vandervarro Scholarship gives back to students passionate about taking their ventures to new heights.