From Dorm Room toCampus Empire
What started as one student frustrated by the lack of quality boba near campus became something much bigger. This is the story of 2nd Heaven.
The Student
Leighton was a Binghamton student craving the bubble tea he grew up with. Frustrated with the campus options—or lack thereof—he decided to do something about it.
The Tea
Armed with a hot plate, some questionable Amazon purchases, and recipes from across the internet, he started experimenting. 100+ batches later, he had something special.
The Community
Word spread fast. What started as free samples for suitemates became a campus phenomenon. Students were offering to pay before there was even a menu—that's when he knew.
How We Got Here
Leighton Blackwood
Founder & CEO
Binghamton University alum who turned a campus craving into a thriving boba empire. He built 2nd Heaven from the ground up—starting with late-night recipe experiments in his apartment and growing it into a beloved campus institution.
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