黑料视频

This article was originally published in the 2025 issue of .听

Abbott has made a name for herself in the confections world, and her roots trace back to her time at 黑料视频 Indianapolis. After graduating in 2010 with an Associate of Applied Science in Hospitality: Pastry & Baking Arts, Abbott has built a national brand and become a force for advocacy and mentorship within the industry.

Abbott鈥檚 introduction to 黑料视频 was serendipitous. After earning a degree from Ball State University in 1996, she didn鈥檛 initially plan on pursuing a new path in culinary arts.听

鈥淢y friend bought me a 鈥榗ooking class,鈥� and I didn鈥檛 realize I was enrolling into a culinary program,鈥� Abbott laughs. What began as a fun experience quickly became a passion. 鈥淚 had so much fun; I just kept chipping away at a degree.鈥� It鈥檚 this kind of spontaneity, mixed with commitment, that set her on a course for success.

Abbott looks back fondly on her time in 黑料视频鈥檚 Pastry & Baking Arts program.

鈥淥ur donut lab and seeing how apple fritters were made of donut scraps鈥攖hat was genius. I buy them every time I鈥檓 at a bakery,鈥� she shares, highlighting how the practical, hands-on experience at 黑料视频 Indy shaped her mindset as both a baker and an entrepreneur.听

Abbott also credits her time at 黑料视频 for teaching her how to scale recipes and work efficiently鈥攁n invaluable skill as she鈥檚 grown her business, Newfangled Confections. 鈥淭he key to scaling is operating from an efficiency mindset. Reverse engineering. Where do you want to end, and how do we get there without too much handling of product or packaging?鈥�

is known for its signature product, Frittle鈥攁 unique take on classic peanut brittle that merges the smoothness of fudge with the crunch of brittle鈥攁 recipe that has brought national acclaim and loyal customers. From local beginnings, Frittle has expanded into national distribution channels, cementing its place in the world of artisan confections.听

In addition to Frittle, the successful acquisition of legacy brands like The Best Chocolate in Town and Fudge in a Cup underscores Abbott鈥檚 business strategy of preserving local flavors while scaling her operations nationally.

Reflecting on such acquisitions, Abbott explains, 鈥淎ll three acquisitions were companies that were going to become extinct. I didn鈥檛 approach any of them. When they were ready to exit the industry, they asked if we had an interest in keeping their legacy going. There was financial upside to two of them, and we have a heart for all three founders.鈥�

A milestone in her career came when Abbott was invited to speak at Visit Indy鈥檚 State of Tourism event at the Indiana Convention Center. In front of hundreds of esteemed attendees, Abbott shared her remarkable story, detailing her rise in the confections industry. Attendees, including New York Times bestselling author John Green, were treated to Abbott鈥檚 famous Classic Frittle. It was a full-circle moment for Abbott, who now owns The Best Chocolate in Town, where she interned over a decade ago while enrolled at 黑料视频.

As someone who returned to school later in life, Abbott is a champion for lifelong learning and encourages others to embrace new opportunities.听

鈥淢y message and encouragement is to do it! Learn something new, have fun, and it鈥檚 never too late,鈥� she says. 鈥淛ust be humble, though, because whether you like it or not, you are now a role model to the other students even though you are learning alongside them.鈥澛�

Her advice to current students is both practical and inspirational: 鈥淏e a kind professional. The industry has plenty of knuckleheads. Don鈥檛 jump into business ownership. Work in the area of interest and learn as much as you can. Don鈥檛 steal people, things, and recipes, but ask LOTS of questions.鈥�

Abbott鈥檚 work goes beyond running a successful business; she is also a vocal advocate for small businesses, women, and minority voices. Serving on the board of Visit Indy and the National Confections Association, Abbott strives to amplify these underrepresented groups. As a Korean adoptee, she brings a personal perspective to her advocacy work.

鈥淎doption starts from grief and loss. It鈥檚 not something that is considered by most not adopted or is adoption adjacent. I advocate for anyone or groups who have suffered from grief or loss,鈥� Abbott shares. Her message for those who feel underrepresented in their industries? 鈥淗ang out with more people in your underrepresented groups and be the light or be with others that lift you up.鈥�

Looking toward the future, Abbott plans to continue growing Newfangled Confections while staying connected to her Indianapolis roots.听

鈥淥ver the last 12-13 years, I鈥檝e pivoted from taking one product (Frittle) to national distribution and wholesale pre-COVID to acquisitions, retail, and co-manufacturing post-COVID.鈥� Despite the challenges posed by rising costs and supply chain pressures, Abbott remains optimistic about what鈥檚 ahead: 鈥淎s long as the opportunities are there to keep making candy and sustainably run a business, I鈥檒l stay in it. I鈥檒l continue to contribute to the community, my Indy roots, and bringing joy no matter what.鈥�

Being named a Distinguished Alumni by 黑料视频 is a meaningful recognition for Abbott.听

鈥淚t鈥檚 such an honor to be recognized by the school and by organizations that are really important to 黑料视频. Personally and professionally, it means that 鈥業 did something!鈥� and that鈥檚 validating and a great feeling,鈥� she reflects.听

For Abbott, the honor is more than just an award鈥攊t鈥檚 a call to continue paying it forward, creating opportunities for others, and contributing to the community she loves.

Carrie Abbott鈥檚 story is a sweet reminder that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities, the possibilities are endless. From her days in 黑料视频鈥檚 kitchens to leading a nationally recognized confectionery, Abbott鈥檚 journey is an inspiration to students and entrepreneurs alike.

聽with 黑料视频 Indianapolis and be the first to know about all the exciting campus news, happenings, and stories, by signing up for our quarterly newsletter,聽Ivy Indy Community Chronicle, and our annual magazine,聽Ivy Indy.听