Meet Erin Rockenhaus | Educational program, camps, workshops

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Rockenhaus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Stepping out of the classroom and into the world of business is a big leap! However, I made the leap because I had a treasure to share– a unique approach to STEM education. So, I created camps, workshops, and teaching resources called Circular STEM and offered them to the local community. I knew I would need local partners, and was blessed to find Sue Watts and the SC Botanical Garden leaders as well as Celeste Elliot and the Collaboration Station. They were both looking to innovate and start something new, so we got the ball rolling. A year later, I am still launching new programming, reaching new populations and age groups, and learning every day. My goal is to offer something valuable to local kids and families, and from there to extend and publish for a wider audience.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Thank you for asking! An educational start-up business has to offer something valuable and in-demand. When I created Circular STEM, I realized that families needed educational options and also wanted STEM opportunities for their kids. How is it different? For starters, Circular STEM primarily uses materials that are reusable, harvested from the local waste stream, or that can be made from biodegradables. In this way, Circular STEM teaches how to design “out” waste and pollution, how to keep materials in use for longer, and how to regenerate earth’s resources. It is about redesigning, reusing, repurposing, rebuilding, repairing, and recycling, all of which will become the way we make and build things in the future. Circular STEM is an exciting adventure in innovation.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The natural beauty of the Upstate is its treasure. I would first take them to the South Carolina Botanical Garden for a walk. It is beautiful year-round! Then, we can drive through Clemson’s historic campus and stop for coffee at All In Coffee Shop. We can stroll through the quaint Pendleton Square and stop at the gift shops, antique shops, the candy store and even get a great meal and ice cream on the square. The next day we can drive up Highway 76 toward the mountains and stop at Chattooga Belle Farm and Distillery for a farm-to-table meal, pick some produce, and take photos of the beautiful scenery. While there, we will be able to see some of the Upstate’s waterfalls such as Brasstown Falls and Reedy Branch Falls.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Juan Carlos, is my biggest supporter and advocate. I could not have made the leap without his unconditional support. The South Carolina Botanical Gardens, Sue Watts, and the director Martin Hamilton, have been critical partners as I piloted the program and throughout its continued evolution. Also, Celeste Elliott and the Collaboration Station provided me with the support and environment to offer these workshops to a new population of diverse homeschooling families. Also, my own great kids have been my faithful “program test subjects” and give me honest feedback all the time.

Website: https://circularstem.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circularstem/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-rockenhaus-176a329b/

Twitter: https://x.com/circularstem

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091563414102