Student Success Story: Rheanna Atkinson

Rheanna Atkinson, and already graduated Business Administration and Business Management student, is wrapping up her third year at Klamath Community College, already with an active business she plans to bring to a retail store in Klamath Falls soon.

A Klamath Falls resident since 2014, Rheanna established Dragon Tailz Creations, now known as The Dragon’s Roost – a business comprised of handmade art, collectibles, 3D-printed items and more. She has become a regular at regional Comic-Con’s and similar events selling her wares, but she came to KCC to gain the skills needed for Rheanna’s planned next step – an official store front.

“I am at KCC to give myself the tools to be a successful business owner and make the right decisions for my business,” Rheanna said. “Right now I am at events and selling online, but In the next year I would like to move to in-person sales. I am working on securing a business loan to find a retail space in town to open my own store.”

Once active, Rheanna plans for The Dragon’s Roost to sell stuffed animals she has designed, 3D printed models, toys such as anime figures, and videogames among other collectibles.

Rheanna credits her path towards being a successful business owner to the connections she has made with instructors that have guided her towards career goals.

“They are very interpersonal and strive to help me achieve my goals and be successful,” Rheanna added. “Here it feels like I am not just taking classes to get a credit, I am taking classes to actually learn something useful. They have made sure that I am in classes that I will gain something from - be it a tool or resource – and check in to make sure my business is doing well.”

With plans to wrap up her final credits in the fall term, Rheanna has sights set on adding the latest stop in Klamath Falls for proud fans of Comic-Cons and nerd culture. Thanks to the close support of faculty and coursework offered, Rheanna is well on her way towards achieving her goals.

“Put in as much effort as you want to get out of it,” Rheanna said when asked for advice for prospective students. “If you are serious about your education and getting further in life, put in the effort.”