Your Guiding Light

CEO, 3G Chemical Solutions

Ingrid and Jae Shims' adventurous spirits suited them perfectly to Alaska. After settling in Anchorage in 2014, they opened a pastry and chocolate shop called Sweet Chalet. Ingrid had become enamored by the northern lights and turned to chocolate to create an edible version. The new confections led the Shims to rename their business Aurora Chocolate. Jae says that Ingrid has a delicate color sensibility that makes it possible for her to "paint" the auroras in chocolates. She hand-paints layers of cocoa butter into moulds in beautiful patterns reminiscent of the northern lights. The technique is what defines Aurora Chocolate Jae says, "It's unique, just like Alaska!" You can place orders at aurorachocolate.com

With plans to build a new clinic and a need to boost her marketing during the pandemic, occupational therapist LaTeasha Gaither-Davis reached out to the ASBTDC. First, she participated in the Smart Growth Accelerator program through the A-State ASBTDC, where she developed a three-year strategic growth plan for her practice, Therapeutic Focus. She also utilized ASBTDC's Specialty Services to create a digital marketing strategy and for HR assistance to help her efficiently expand her workforce. ASBTDC business specialists and the new ASBTDC regional office at ASU Mid-South continue to serve as resources for Gaither-Davis, who broke ground on the new Therapeutic Focus location in July.

Pashion Footwear sought assistance from the Cal Poly SBDC to incorporate, protect IP, set up a supply chain for their first run of manufacturing and launch an equity crowdfunding campaign. The scope of work evolved into helping the business secure $1.7M equity funding. They have done so with $2.7M in capital investment, and have gained incredible brand awareness with features in Forbes, The Ellen Show, Shark Tank, The Financial Times, INC. and the Grammy's gift suite. Most recently Haley was featured in the 2021 Forbes 30 under 30.

Founder of Skyview Concessions