Royce Hunt-Bell was named the 2025 Graham County Small Businesswoman of the Year during the Eastern Arizona College Small Business Development Center (EAC SBDC) awards ceremony held Oct. 30, in recognition of her leadership as owner of Roycycled Treasures.
Hunt-Bell’s entrepreneurial journey began in 2010 with a handcrafted papier-mâché deer head that she initially created as a workplace gift. After receiving unexpected interest from others, she began listing her designs online and eventually shipped items to customers worldwide.
What started as a creative outlet evolved into a paper design business focused on decoupage and home décor. Hunt-Bell began designing her own craft papers, which are now manufactured and distributed through a partnership with a third-party vendor. Craft stores and retailers across the United States carry her products.
Roycycled Treasures also maintains an online presence, boasting a significant social media following and a direct-to-retailer website. In recent years, Hunt-Bell opened a warehouse near Safford, allowing her to manage inventory and improve product quality control.
“She’s a great example of the type of innovation and resilience we see from entrepreneurs across Graham County,” said Joel Robinson, director of the EAC SBDC. “Small Business Development Centers exist to help business owners like Royce take their ideas further and build stronger communities in the process.”
In 2023, Hunt-Bell won the local Moonshot Rural Arizona Pitch Competition, hosted at Eastern Arizona College, and advanced to the state-level finals, gaining valuable experience that further strengthened her business model.
“Recognizing woman-owned businesses is critical because they are economic drivers in our rural communities,” said Torey Cranford, EAC SBDC business analyst. “Royce’s success shows what’s possible when creativity and strategy come together.”
Other nominees for the 2025 Graham County Small Businesswoman of the Year award included Trinity Bejarano, Meriyah Bejarano, Kim Gifford, Neva Corbell, Elsa Seballos, Karen Martin, Jacquelyn Natal, Maylean Taylor, and Jenna Ferrin.
About EAC SBDC:
The EAC Small Business Development Center is part of a national and statewide network of small business assistance providers. The Center’s main goal is to give local small businesses the tools and training needed to be successful. Eastern Arizona College funds the Center with assistance from a grant provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
The SBDC provides no-cost counseling to assist entrepreneurs with finding answers to the numerous questions that arise when starting or operating a business. The SBDC works in cooperation with the SBA, local Chambers of Commerce, and other community partnerships.
To take your business to the next level, contact us at sbdc@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8590.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
Offering a diverse range of over 90 degrees and certificates, EAC is home to the state’s premier nursing school, a fine arts program featuring Arizona’s only community college marching band, and an engineering program that equips students for success at top-tiered firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8272.