GREENVILLE, Pa.—Thiel College business administration student Anna Kavulla ’27, of Sharpsville, Pa., was profiled Tuesday, July 15 in the Youngstown Business Journal for her entrepreneurial success. The article, “Creating a Generation of Entrepreneurs,” spotlights the venture of Anna Kavulla and her sister, Ava ’25, who is a 2025 Thiel College graduate. Their business, A Pastel Petal, is featured as an example of Gen Z innovation and leadership.
A Pastel Petal, founded in 2018, specializes in handcrafted watercolor art, calligraphy, stationery, greeting cards, stickers, tote bags, and custom designs. Originally launched as an Etsy storefront for digital downloads, the business expanded into two divisions: physical products and bespoke design services for local companies. Drawing on skills developed through The Entrepreneurship Academy (eAcademy) at LindenPointe in Hermitage, Pa., and Thiel’s Haller Enterprise Institute, Anna Kavulla grew the enterprise with a focus on marketing, business planning, and customer engagement. The year-long eAcademy program, launched in 2014, serves high school seniors in Mercer and Lawrence counties and focuses on developing leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
Thiel College previously showcased Anna and Ava’s creative talent in December 2024, when the sisters hand-painted the official College Christmas card featuring Greenville Hall. That project reached over 500 community members and alumni institutions.
Anna Kavulla, a 2023 home-school graduate, said the entrepreneurial academy was a turning point in her academic direction—from pre‑med to business—and provided “soft skills” like public speaking and teamwork, as well as “hard skills” like marketing and customer discovery.
Kavulla’s efforts reflect the broader national trend: Generation Z is launching businesses at record levels. According to a 2023 Square survey, 72 % of Gen Z entrepreneurs believe they’ve faced fewer economic opportunities and 84 % plan to own a business in five years.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.