For many students, participating in an internship program plays a pivotal role in shaping their future career. That was certainly the case for 22-year-old Detroit native Hunter Phelps. In 2015 while a junior at Cass Tech High School, Hunter worked as a summer intern with Detroit Tigers in the Accounting department. She thrived in the role and was invited back for a second internship the following summer as part of the Olympia Development Communications team.
Hunter credits her experience as an intern with sparking her passion for entrepreneurship.
“I wasn’t interested in entrepreneurship until I entered the Ilitch Companies, as I wasn’t sure what being an entrepreneur meant,” she said. “To see how much they’ve grown their companies over so many years inspired me to go after my dreams and find my passion.”
Following graduation from Cass Tech, Hunter went on to the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business where she majored in business administration and minored in entrepreneurship.
Today, Hunter embodies entrepreneurship as the founder and owner of three businesses. In 2018, before graduating college, Hunter founded Terry Lu Naturals, a natural hair and skin care company that creates dual-use products for men and women. More recently, Hunter added to her business portfolio by founding Phelps Room Designs, a new and upcoming romantic room decorating service.
Hear more about Hunter’s experience in this video:
Additionally, Hunter works full-time as a merchandising and marketing analyst for Walgreens, while still leading her companies. In her spare time, she loves to paint and sells her paintings through her third business, Hunter’s Palette. Hunter’s career goal is to obtain a leadership position in brand management and marketing, while developing her ventures into multimillion-dollar businesses.
The Ilitch companies have proudly partnered with Cass Tech High School and other Detroit Public Schools on internship programs for years, with the program expected to continue. The organization has also participated innovative, hands-on educational programs such as Project Destined, which offered a real estate internship for underserved youth in the city of Detroit.
