Alumni Spotlight Paola Huffmon

August 26, 2020 - Crystle Collier

Paola HuffmanPaola Huffmon graduated from the UNM Anderson School of Management with a BBA in 2009. Paola seized the opportunity to start a business with three other women in her family when the first Old Barrel Tea Company opened in 2015.

Since then, they have opened seven retail locations, an online store, and a manufacturing facility. "It has taken a lot of hard work and so much learning to get to this point, but working for your own company is the most rewarding job you can have," Paola said. "It doesn't always feel like work when you love what you do."

Anderson Highlight:

"I met some amazing professors while at Anderson. I would say what I remember the most is classes with Doug Thomas. He was funny and was great at getting students to learn through his welcoming, casual, and comical teaching style."

Advice for Current Anderson Students:

"Don't wait to work until you graduate school. Working while going to school was the best decision I made. Find a job in a field that interests you, work hard, be humble, learn, and be nice to everyone, even the people at your level or below you. Everyone matters, and you will learn from everyone!"