Rising Stars: Meet Annabel Ryan of Cambridge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Annabel Ryan

Hi Annabel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
On a personal level, I was born and raised in Cambridge, Ohio. I’m 26 years young with a January birthday. I am blessed to be 1 of 6 siblings and to have 3 great parents. I graduated Cambridge High School in 2016. The next step was figuring out the next moves toward my education and field of work. Being the book worm in school was never a forte of mine. I was an athlete year-round. When I became eligible to get my workers permit, I did just that. I was a dedicated worker and skipped out on a lot of school events because I wanted to get ahead of becoming an adult. With that being said, I didn’t want any school debt. Many of my peers have stated their opinions on that decision of mine. I stood firm and believed in myself. I found a small career center that offered courses to become a Certified Surgical Technologist CST. This occupation was something I’ve never heard of or knew existed! Classes were in the evening. As I stated before, I wanted no debt from school. so therefore, I worked as server during the day at a local restaurant and went to school in the evening. That dedication left me debt-free from school and certified as a Surgical Technologist!

After becoming an CST, I took a job at my hometown hospital in the surgery department. I assisted surgeons and patients daily. I loved being in the operating room. I was also working as a bartender in the evenings and weekends. After a short 4 years, I took a leap. I became a traveling CST and quit my bartending job. I landed in Akron, Ohio at a great orthopedic center. I took in a lot of new knowledge. This contract was a little short lived due to a NEW opportunity. The new opportunity was to become a sports medicine sales representative. I didn’t quite believe I was offered this job without a college degree but a certificate instead. I worked hard in the OR everyday and that work was being noticed by surgeons.

In 2023, I then became a Medical Sales Representative. I mainly cover sports medicine but also specialize in trauma, arthroplasty, distal extremities, ect.. This is my career and I love it.

I’ve always liked the busy lifestyle. I enjoy working. Quitting my bartending job, had opened up the weekends for me. I kept my eyes and mind peeled for something creative and fun to fill my weekends! I found just that! I was going to start a mobile cotton candy service. I had a cart built by my wonderful boyfriend and all the paperwork to go along. We decided to call it “Sugar Cloud Nine”. This small business grew into white bounce house rentals, balloon garlands, party rentals, and service to upscale parties!

I’ve worked hard to be where I’m at. I’m very proud of my accomplishments. If you’ve made it this far reading my story, thank you. One thing I would like for you to take and remember from me, is to believe in yourself. You can achieve anything you put your mind to. It’s very cliche but very TRUE.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s not always been smooth sailing. There has been a ton of learning curves. Some of the struggles of becoming a small business owner is the start up. It’s not always easy to know what documents, certificates, licenses, or even inspections are needed for different businesses. Luckily my small hometown was very helpful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a full time Sports Medicine Sales Representative in the operating room. I’m also a small business owner of Sugar Cloud Nine.

Sugar Cloud Nine LLC. is known for its cotton candy cart/service. It’s grown into party rentals including, white bounce houses, backdrops, balloon garlands, and other party supplies. The cotton candy service and aesthetics are what sets us apart from other event services.

I’m very proud of how far we’ve grown since July 2023. We run on very busy weekends. Serving surrounding parties and events all around Ohio.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for someone just starting out in the entrepreneur industry, is to do your research. Especially if you don’t have a business background and have to learn from scratch. Don’t be afraid to ask around! Check Facebook for small business groups!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugarcloudnine?igsh=MWtoOWl6enlwbmp0dw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094254843836&mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@annabel.sc9?_t=8pluPszBdN5&_r=1