What started as a simple class project has now become a thriving student-led business beside CIIT College of Arts and Technology. Seoulful Sweets began as an academic requirement but quickly grew into something bigger—a brand that resonated with the CIIT community. Driven by passion, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset, this venture is proof that ideas nurtured at CIIT can turn into real opportunities.
Behind this success are five dedicated students: Valerie Michelle Aceron, Jemimah Hazel De Ocampo, Jullian Mharie Servo, and Shane Lorelie Salen from BS Entrepreneurship, along with Daphne Simone Rodriguez from BMMA Graphic Design. Together, they transformed a classroom concept into a campus favorite.
A Business Born from a School Project
The journey of Seoulful Sweets began during their Opportunity Seeking class in the second term of the 2023-2024 academic year. Their task was to identify a gap in the market and develop a business to address it.
Through surveys and research, they discovered a strong demand for affordable, high-quality, and trendy beverages among CIITzens. Inspired by the growing popularity of Korean drinks, they developed their first product: Korean Milk. However, their entrepreneurial instincts led them to explore further opportunities. They realized that no one was selling soda on campus, so they expanded their menu to include Milk, Tea, and Soda, featuring fruit-based flavors such as strawberry, mango, and blueberry—the most popular choices among their target market.
A Breakthrough at the CIIT Bazaar
Their first test came at the CIIT Bazaar, where they set up a booth to introduce their products to the community. At first, they were unsure of how people would respond.
But to their surprise, they sold out on the first day—three days’ worth of supplies gone in just a few hours. The overwhelming support from students and faculty confirmed that their business had real potential.
Following this success, they received invitations to sell at CIIT Esports Summit: Vengeance, CIIT Open House, and Coscade Halloween Events. Each event brought new lessons—from handling bulk orders to refining their branding and operations.
From Pop-Up to Permanent
Determined to take Seoulful Sweets beyond temporary events, the team set their sights on a permanent store beside the campus. With the guidance of Professor Mylyn and the support of the CIIT community, they turned their idea into reality.
Building a business, however, came with challenges. The team had to navigate scheduling delays, pricing adjustments, and packaging revisions to maintain both quality and affordability. But through every obstacle, they remained committed to their vision, continuously adapting and improving their offerings.
A Grand Opening to Remember
On February 14, 2025, Seoulful Sweets officially celebrated its grand opening, marking a new chapter in its journey. To make the event even more special, they collaborated with Mew Mew Ribbons and Hapeeyah for exclusive Valentine’s Day bundles, creating a festive and memorable experience for the CIIT community.
The support from fellow students, faculty, and staff was overwhelming. The grand opening was not just a celebration of their success but also a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit within CIIT—where students don’t just learn about business, but actually build it.
What’s Next for Seoulful Sweets?
With its permanent store now running, Seoulful Sweets is setting its sights on the future. More than just a business, it aims to be a platform for student entrepreneurs, providing opportunities for collaboration and growth. The team is already planning to expand their menu and introduce new seasonal offerings based on student feedback.
Additionally, they hope to open their space to other student-led businesses, giving fellow CIIT entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase and sell their own products. Their journey has proven that with the right mindset and a supportive environment, students can turn their ideas into reality.
A True CIIT Success Story
The journey of Seoulful Sweets is a perfect reflection of what CIIT College of Arts and Technology stands for—innovation, creativity, and hands-on learning. It’s a reminder that at CIIT, students aren’t just taught theories; they are given the tools and opportunities to make things happen.
To the entire CIIT community, Seoulful Sweets extends its heartfelt gratitude. The support, encouragement, and enthusiasm from fellow CIITzens have played a huge role in their success.
And to those dreaming of starting their own business—Seoulful Sweets proves that it’s possible. With the right mix of passion, perseverance, and the right learning environment, anything is achievable.
About CIIT College of Arts and Technology
CIIT College of Arts and Technology is the leading institution in the Philippines specializing in Multimedia Arts, Game Development, Technology, and Business Education. Focused on industry-relevant learning, CIIT equips students with practical skills, technological expertise, and real-world experience to excel in the creative and digital industries.
With 15 years of excellence, CIIT has built a strong reputation for producing top-caliber professionals in creative and tech-driven fields. 61%* graduates secure employment immediately, reflecting the school’s industry-aligned curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and hands-on learning. CIIT is also home to two cutting-edge architectural landmarks, Interweave and Glitch, in Quezon City, designed to inspire creativity and collaboration.
*Rate of graduating students from Batch 2024 (AY 2023-2024) secured employment on or before their graduation day.
Media Contacts:
CIIT College of Arts and Technology
Trunkline: (+632) 8441-1816 / 8441-0737
Kathleen Doma
kathleen.doma@ciit.edu.ph
Abbygail Jann Canono
abbygail.canono@ciit.edu.ph