College student opens business in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND)- A new business is in town, and it's owned by a college student.

Vidhi Chavda is a full-time student at the University of Urbana-Champaign that is double majoring in Engineering and ILEE (Engineering, leadership, and Engineering Entrepreneurship) who is also the owner of Elite, a healthy food option for students on and off campus.

Vidhi says that Elite used to have a location back in Bartlett, but when she moved here for school, she realized the food options for a vegetarian were limited.

"And I realized that as a vegetarian, I would struggle with finding healthy food options on campus. And I was like no, let's bring that to campus. I think it's necessary, especially with college student. Nutrition is a really important aspect, and here we are," said Vidhi.

By making this business a student-run operation, she hopes it empowers her employees.

"When I come back, it's a day of, you know, helping the girls out when I need to, but also giving them the responsibility and creating that leadership because I want them to be able to walk away for me and say I was a leader," said Vidhi.

She also says that she couldn't have done all of this without the support from her parents.

"I think all students should learn from these two, they would be inspired...My daughter will be there for them, said Chirag Chavda, her father.

The business is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekends.