STCC grad turns classroom lessons into blossoming business

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – When Rachel Begley ‘22 walks through the flowerbeds at her East Longmeadow home, she sees more than a garden – she sees a future she’s been steadily building.

The Springfield Technical Community College alumna, who earned her associate degree in Urban Studies, is now studying Sustainable Landscape Practices at UMass Amherst while running her own business, American Dream Landscape Design, with her sister, Abby.

It’s a path shaped by determination, resilience and a deep connection to the land.

Begley, who grew up on a tree farm in Palmer, took a nontraditional route into higher education. At 23, she prepared for her HiSET (high school equivalency test) through New England Farm Workers Council. Passing that test set her on course for STCC.

“Immediately after, I knew that was going to be the next step forward,” she said. “STCC is very well respected in the area. I had a professor who encouraged me, helped me with support of my academics that first semester, and that was the bridge to get me into a program here.”

At STCC, Begley studied under Professor Joshua Carreiro and found inspiration in faculty mentors like Carreiro and academic advisor Elisabeth Cantor. Their guidance helped her discover her passion for sustainability and city-focused issues.

“I felt that a lot of the classes I took prepared me not only for building a career but also for transferring over to UMass Amherst,” Begley said. “It was a good stepping stone forward.”

Carreiro said he remembers Begley as a student who stood out for her determination and vision.

“Rachel brought a tremendous sense of purpose to her studies,” Carreiro said. “She was always looking for ways to connect what she was learning in the classroom to her future goals. Seeing her combine her education with launching her own sustainable business is exactly the kind of success story we hope for our students.”

I felt that a lot of the classes I took prepared me not only for building a career but also for transferring over to UMass Amherst. Rachel Begley '22, STCC graduate and entrepreneur

Dean of Liberal and Professional Studies Mary Lou Vredenburg said Rachel’s journey reflects the mission of STCC.

“STCC is a wonderful place to begin an academic journey,” Vredenburg said. “Students like Rachel gain a strong foundation here, and then they’re able to transfer seamlessly into excellent programs at institutions like UMass Amherst. We’re so proud to see her thriving and using her education to make an impact through her business.”

Begley also gained confidence outside the classroom. As a member of the Women in Business Club, she began to imagine what it might look like to one day run her own company.

A New Chapter at UMass

After graduating from STCC in 2022, Begley transferred to UMass Amherst’s Stockbridge School of Agriculture. She eventually changed her major to Sustainable Landscape Practices, a decision directly inspired by her growing interest in the business she and her sister would later launch.

At UMass, Begley has had opportunities to put her academic training into practice. She works with the university’s grounds management team, maintaining the Chancellor’s cut flower garden designed by the permaculture club. She’s also helping develop a sustainable pollinator garden at a high-traffic intersection on campus, a project that will culminate in a presentation to university leadership.

Balancing school with entrepreneurship hasn’t been easy, but Begley has found her rhythm. “By waking up early. That’s the secret,” she said. “There’s not enough time in the day, but I’ve been able to time-manage by doing a lot of the administrative things then.”

Planting the Seeds of a Business

In 2024, Begley and her sister Abby co-founded American Dream Landscape Design. The sisters combined their expertise — Abby in agriculture and Rachel in design — to create a company focused on sustainable landscaping, native flowers and what Begley calls “softscaping.”

“We love what we do,” she said. “Very early on, I felt a connection to nature, and I always have. But I wasn’t sure how to bring that stewardship of the land into a business. Then we realized landscaping could be a way to share our passion while also offering something valuable to customers.”

Starting out wasn’t easy. “It is all uphill starting a new business,” Begley admitted. “There were many days where I was concerned if we would be able to make a profit. But we’ve been pretty successful, and it comes down to dedication and hard work.”

Part of that success came from participating in EforAll Holyoke, an entrepreneurship program that guided the sisters through business planning. Today, Begley has come full circle. She not only runs her own company but mentors new entrepreneurs in the program.

American Dream has already completed dozens of residential projects, and Begley has her sights set on commercial work in the near future. She dreams of growing the company into a fleet of trucks and a team that reflects her values of sustainability and customer care.

“We come from an approach of sustainability,” she said. “We offer practices you don’t always see with traditional landscapers, and we prioritize communication with our clients. That makes a big difference.”

Growing for the Future

At 31, Begley juggles the demands of school, business ownership and raising her two young children, Emerson and Arthur. She laughs about how her daughter, only four years-old, already talks about becoming a landscaper herself.

Begley hopes her children will grow up with the same love of nature that shaped her. In the meantime, she’s focused on finishing her bachelor’s degree in 2026, expanding American Dream Landscape Design, and inspiring other students to pursue their own entrepreneurial visions.

“Sky’s the limit,” she said when asked what advice she’d give to current STCC students. “If you come up with an idea and you work hard at it, you’ll be able to make it into a business and create something really special.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812

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