BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
JULY 2024
Imported Studios
"Bring Your Vision to Life"
Meet the Founders
Meet Kellen Lor, the Founder and Chief Operating Officer, and Pedro Garcia, the Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Imported Studios.
Business City: Sacramento, CA
Kellen Lor, Founder, Chief Operating Officer
Kellen is a filmmaker and entrepreneur. He serves as the Head of Production at Hidden Temple Media and the Chief Operations Officer at Imported Studios. With almost a decade of experience in filmmaking and entrepreneurship, Kellen has led his media production firm to work with prestigious brands such as Foot Locker, Nike, and Adidas. His production firm is known for creating emotionally engaging media and has produced several award-winning films. Kellen provides a versatile, professional environment for filmmakers, photographers, and visual media artists at his studio. The studio has hosted the production of award-winning films and national broadcast shows, serving as a central hub for the creative community. It also hosts film screenings, mixers, and workshops, building a strong community and providing a platform for creatives to connect and collaborate. Driven by a passion for telling stories from a human perspective, Kellen is also dedicated to empowering the creative community, ensuring their art is both respected and valued. Inspired by his journey and experiences, he aims to continue fostering a thriving creative community and creating impactful, socially conscious media.
Pedro Garcia, Founder, Chief Marketing Officer
Creating media in Sacramento hasn’t been an easy endeavor. Often overshadowed by the allure of the Bay Area and the vast opportunities in Los Angeles, Pedro, an ambitious filmmaker, faced significant geographical challenges. After founding Hidden Temple Media, he quickly discovered that local creative spaces were either limited, lacking, or out of reach for many. Determined to make a change, he embarked on a mission to create a space where emerging artists, students, and local creatives could collaborate and elevate their craft, leading to the birth of Imported Studios. Pedro's extensive experience as a documentary filmmaker, with six years of producing, directing, filming, and editing films and ads for various businesses and media organizations, equipped him with the skills needed for this endeavor. Having worked with national and international networks like VICE, AJ+, Bloomberg, and MSNBC, his documentaries covered pressing issues from massive fire problems in California to water rights across the U.S. His work earned him nine regional Emmy awards, a Cronkite, and an Edward R. Murrow award, with his cinematography featured in Ron Howard’s National Geographic film, "Rebuilding Paradise." The journey to establish Imported Studios was fraught with challenges, including securing funding, finding the right location, and building a like-minded team. However, Pedro's passion for storytelling and belief in Sacramento's creative potential kept him going. The turning point came when he secured a partnership with the City of Sacramento, which recognized the studio's potential impact on the local creative economy. With community and city support, Imported Studios quickly became a hub for filmmakers, artists, and students, providing them with the resources and space needed to bring their visions to life. Pedro's dream of creating a thriving creative space in Sacramento was fulfilled, and in doing so, he paved the way for countless others to follow.
About Imported Studios:
Today, through Imported Studios, Pedro continues to inspire and support the next generation of storytellers, proving that with passion, determination, and a supportive community, dreams that begin in Sacramento can indeed be fulfilled in Sacramento: “We provide versatile spaces for creatives, photographers, and filmmakers to bring their projects to life. Our offerings include six unique spaces available for hourly rentals: a cyclorama wall, a photo studio, a retro living room, a mini greenery set, a podcast studio, and a conference room. Additionally, we offer monthly memberships for our cyclorama wall, photo studio, and podcast studio, as well as full access memberships granting entry to all these spaces. Our venue is also available for events and mixers, creating a dynamic environment for creativity and collaboration.”
They shared their inspiration for starting the business, stating: “Our business started because we had a persistent problem as a growing media production company: finding hassle-free filming locations. Filming in public was tough due to budget constraints and the daunting task of getting permits. AirBnBs were an option, but they often fell through since some owners didn't like us filming there. As we approached the end of our lease at our old office, we saw a chance to find a new space that could support both our production studio and serve as the headquarters for our media production firm. That's how Imported Studios was born.”
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
Kellen shared their struggles, elaborating, “Before partnering with the Sacramento MDBA Business Center, we struggled with marketing our business effectively and ensuring it reached the right audience. Despite having a strong offering, we found it challenging to gain visibility and attract the right clients who could benefit from our spaces and services. This made it difficult to grow our client base and fully utilize our studio's potential.” 
Fortunately, they were able to grow their business through the positive relationship with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center sharing, “Working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has given us a clearer direction in the business development field. Their guidance and support have helped us refine our marketing strategies, better target our audience, and improve our overall business operations. As a result, we have been able to attract more clients, enhance our visibility in the market, and grow our business more effectively.”
Moreover, Kellen stated, “Having an advisor to check in with has helped us maintain a steady rhythm with our business. This consistent guidance has provided us with valuable insights, enabling us to make informed decisions and stay on track with our goals. The support from the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has significantly improved our business operations, making our processes more efficient and streamlined. This has allowed us to focus more on delivering quality services and growing our business effectively.” 
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
While we don't have any specific promotions or events now, we always welcome people to come check out the studio. We invite you to explore our services and see if our space is a good fit for your needs. Our versatile studio is open for events, production, and various creative uses. Feel free to visit us and discover how our space can support your projects.
Follow Imported Studios at:
Website: www.importedstudios.com
Instagram: @imported.studios
Facebook: imported.studios
PAST BUSINESS SPOTLIGHTS
JUNE 2024
Ersevon, LLC.
"We strive to provide the best possible service and experience to our customers by offering high quality products and exceptional customer support."
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet Hakiel McQueen, the Founder of Ersevon, LLC.
Business City: Los Angeles
Hakiel McQueen is the CEO of Ersevon, LLC. He is from Brooklyn, NY and came from a finance background. Ersevon, LLC sells IT commodities and software. He shared that he was inspired to start his business, stating, “As interest rates started increasing, I knew my real estate notary work would drastically slow down. To continue making a living, I needed to pivot quickly. Public sector procuring was always on my radar to eventually get to. So, I decided this was the time to fully procure. Then Ersevon, LLC was born.”
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
He shared the challenges he was facing prior to working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center. He stated it was difficult getting consistent purchase orders from government agencies, working capital issues, and not knowing how to hire.
Hakiel explained how working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center helped or impacted his business saying, “MBDA has been a great resource on teaching me business development techniques and creating a culture and being clear on expectations as I began to hire.”
In addition, he built more relationships and was satisfied with connecting with one of his workers. Hakiel said, “My growth as an entrepreneur has been expedited due to the Sacramento MBDA Business Center staff and consultants.”
He shared several ways that the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has had a positive impact on him and his business. Hakiel was able to work with Lucie-Anne Radimsky and Romi Sunga, throughout his time with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center.
He shared, “Lucie-Anne has connected me with the Director of Black Chamber of Commerce, so in turn, I have with prime contractors and learned about more opportunities to get involved with. She has helped me get financing for my PO's and she has connected me with other organizations that originally rejected my request for assistance, like the NorCal APEX. They said they couldn't help me because I needed to seek assistance from the Los Angeles County APEX Center, although I expressed how unhelpful they were. But Lucie-Ann connected me with someone in the NorCal APEX Center and I still work with that person one year later.”
Hakiel also added on, how currently working with Romi, has helped his business: “Romi has connected me with a Factoring company who showed me flaws and inconsistencies in my financial statements. Like high phone bills, high interest rate charges, numbers on the balance sheet balancing. Romi connected me with Jennifer Saha, who helped me understand where opportunities are for my industry as a certified small business. Romi has given me tons of training on business development tactics and goals, better communication skills, and how to set expectations with my staff.”
Pertaining to business development, Hakiel explained, “I reach out to relevant buyers who usually purchase my products. And I use a format given by Romi on how to carry the conversation along from start to finish. Next week we are going over a sales script as well.”
He also shared how he has improved his communication skills, and how he’s benefited from the learning opportunities, saying, “I've learned a format on how to write a manual, being clear on expectations on staff achievements, and awards when expectations are meet versus being held accountable for underperformance.”
Hakiel shared his gratitude, stating, “The Sacramento MBDA Business Center is filled with tons of resources. I always feel like the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has my back on any problem I need assistance with.”
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
Ersevon, LLC is finally sharing their great prices with customers and businesses. You can find them at their Amazon storefront at www.amazon.com/shops/ersevon.
Follow Ersevon, LLC. at:
Website: ersevonsupplies.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakiel-mcqueen-47ba125b/
MAY 2024
Felicità Wine Company
"Choose Happiness"
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet Feli Ortega, the Founder of Felicità Wine Company.
Business City: Elk Grove, CA
Felicità Wine Company was founded by Feli Ortega, who fell in love with the beauty of the wine country long before she had an appreciation for wine. Perhaps it was growing up around vineyards or her pilgrimages to world-renowned wine regions or working with award-winning winery architects that developed her affinity towards vineyards and the winemaking process. Whatever the influence, she ultimately found herself producing wine in 2015. Since then, Felicità Wine Company has consistently enriched its portfolio with a diverse range of varietals, all meticulously sourced from the renowned Lodi wine region in California.
About Felicità Wine Company:
Felicità Wine Company is dedicated to producing exceptional wines from locally sourced grapes in the Lodi wine country, which was named wine region of the year in 2015 by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Their diverse collection of red and white wines is thoughtfully created to appeal to new and experienced wine drinkers and has garnered nods from major wine competitions.
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
Feli shared, "Sometimes when you don’t know where you’re headed, you take the path of least resistance and end up on a whole new adventure. That’s exactly what happened when I came across winemaking by chance. This year will mark my 10th harvest and I feel like I’m just getting started."
Furthermore, she explained her struggles she had to overcome with the support of the Sacramento MBDA Business Center, "As a small business owner, one can often feel like you’re an island and constantly getting to figuring things out on your own. With the help of the MBDA Business Center and CalAsian Chamber, I’ve had the opportunity to expand my network by meeting other small business owners who are going through the same issues I am. I’ve also been connected to resources such as helpful webinars, events, experts and tools to help run and grow my business."
"The impact that the MBDA Business Center and CalAsian Chamber have on small businesses like my own is invaluable. Their willingness to help and to provide resources to help my business grow is a major confidence booster. I am encouraged by their level of support, which, in turn, results favorably in my business as well. I’ve established valuable connections and business resources since connecting with the Sac MBDA Business Center and CalAsian Chamber," which shows how Feli, alongside other small business owners who have worked with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center, have grown and flourished.
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
Our Circle of HappinessTM membership offers three deliveries throughout the year of up to three of our enjoyable wines. As a Circle member, you get first access to new releases and guaranteed 20% off any purchase. Join us at www.felicitawine.com
Follow Stay Rooted Kava, LLC. at:
Instagram: @felicitawine
Facebook: Felicità Wine Company
Website: www.felicitawine.com
APRIL 2024
Stay Rooted Kava, LLC.
"Drink Kava - Stay Rooted"
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet Sergio Jaimes-Vigaray, the Founder of Stay Rooted Kava, LLC.
Business City: Elk Grove, CA
Sergio Jaimes-Vigaray, a dedicated entrepreneur and community member, was born and raised on the beautiful island of Maui. He is an alumnus of Lahainaluna High School and the University of Hawai’i, where he honed his skills and passion for business. As the owner of Stay Rooted Kava, Sergio brings a deep commitment to quality and integrity in all aspects of his work.
Beyond business, Sergio is a loving partner and father of two wonderful children, who inspire him to strive for excellence in both his professional and personal endeavors. With a strong foundation rooted in his Hawaiian upbringing, Sergio is driven by a desire to contribute positively to his community and create lasting impact through his ventures.
About Stay Rooted Kava, LLC.:
Stay Rooted Kava LLC offers premium noble kava beverages and kava accessories, including starter kits and kava root powder. The mission statement of Stay Rooted Kava LLC is: “Specializing in both pure traditional kava beverages and specialty flavored kava made with organic nectar, we cater to diverse tastes. At Stay Rooted Kava, we are committed to education, sharing the cultural significance of kava and its health and wellness benefits with our customers. We believe in fostering understanding and appreciation for this ancient drink while providing high-quality products that promote relaxation and well-being. Join us on a journey to discover the rich heritage and benefits of kava at Stay Rooted Kava.”
Sergio shared why he does this work, “I am passionate about sharing the aloha spirit and island vibes here in California through the cultural experience of kava. Kava serves as a bridge, connecting people to the rich island culture. Leveraging my background in the Health, Fitness, and Wellness Industry, I also aim to educate others on using kava to nourish their mental and physical well-being. I aim to embrace a holistic approach to health and wellness through the traditions of kava, fostering community and harmony along the way.”
Notwithstanding, Sergio stated that, “One of the primary challenges I faced was establishing a clear roadmap and organizational structure within my business, while also ensuring diligent financial tracking and forecasting. Without a structured plan and defined processes, navigating business operations effectively was difficult. Implementing robust financial tracking systems and forecasting tools became essential for informed decision-making and financial stability.”
He elaborated, “To overcome these challenges, I focused on developing a comprehensive business plan outlining short-term and long-term objectives, along with actionable steps to achieve them. This plan provided clarity on the business direction and guided day-to-day operations. Additionally, I implemented disciplined financial tracking processes to monitor cash flow, expenses, and revenue regularly. This allowed for the identification of trends, adjustments, and anticipation of financial needs in advance. By addressing these challenges and establishing a solid foundation of structure and financial discipline, my business was better positioned for sustained growth and success.”
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
Sergio expanded that collaborating with Romi and the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has greatly benefited his business, as “Through this partnership, I've been able to maintain accountability and focus on both personal and professional growth. Implementing structured systems and workflows has played a pivotal role in scaling my business. In fact, I've achieved a remarkable 2.2x increase in gross revenue, representing a remarkable 220% quarter-over-quarter growth from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024.”
He shared that in addition to the positive financial growth, he has experienced a significant boost in self-confidence as a business owner, quoting that “Romi has been instrumental in teaching me how to view my business with a clearer sense of structure, and has assisted in establishing a robust foundation for ongoing growth.”
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
Stay Rooted Kava, in collaboration with Koa Kava and Siaosi, is excited to introduce "The Kava Hut" at four major music festivals: Holoholo Fest in Las Vegas, San Diego, and Sacramento, as well as the California Roots Festival. "The Kava Hut" offers a unique and immersive kava experience unlike any other, where festival-goers can relax and indulge in premium kava beverages amidst the vibrant festival atmosphere. Join us at these incredible events for a memorable journey into the world of kava culture and live music!
Follow Stay Rooted Kava, LLC. at:
Instagram: @stayrootedkava
TikTok: @stayrootedkava
Website: www.stayrootedkava.com
MARCH 2024
Black Diamond Graphics
"Connecting People with Custom Apparel for 35 Years"
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet Karan Bowsher and Michael (Mike) Bowsher, the Co-Founders of Black Diamond Graphics/Black Diamond Concessions
Business City: West Point, CA
Karan Bowsher is the Co-Founder of Black Diamond Graphics and Black Diamond Concessions, a Woman-Owned Small Business. Karan is a native Californian and she moved to West Point in Calaveras County when she was one years old. She left for college and graduate school where she met Mike in New York State. Michael (Mike) Bowsher is the Co-Founder of Black Diamond Graphics and Black Diamond Concessions. The couple moved back to California to marry, and then moved back to West Point to raise their three children, Javan, Aviel and Alara.
About Black Diamond Graphics:
The Black Diamond Graphics mission is that “it is our goal to make you, our customer, happy. We are creative with figuring out new ways to do things that are not done elsewhere. While we cannot say much, we are currently working on printing something that is used in research and development for self-driving cars! While apparel is our main market, we love the challenge of experimenting and creating.”
Karan and Michael shared that they love being a part of events, teams, businesses and whatever else it is that gives joy. The duo pride themselves on printing or embroidering apparel to customer specifications and meeting deadlines. As a family-owned business, the two enjoy meeting customers and ensuring that their products meet customers’ satisfaction. They provide art services, screen printing, embroidery, signs, and promotional products. Simultaneously, they cater events and “Offering everything from tri-tip to cotton candy and corn dogs, we make food fun!” 
Karan and Michael shared what inspired them to start their business, stating, “When we were first married, Mike got a job as a graphic artist at a newspaper. Within a few months the newspaper had gone bankrupt, and he came home one day with no job. He got another one and the exact same thing happened. Karan had been working at a deli, and together we decided to have more control over our circumstances, so we bought an old press and dryer that a co-worker of Mikes had in his garage. We later realized that we had not really gotten a particularly good deal. Live and learn, we were too naive to even know what this sort of equipment should cost! It all worked out though because with that old press we were able to start, and we learned so much along the way. For the concession side, I could never stay away from a parade or event where I could set up a small stand and sell my corn dogs. The Ironstone venue was an act of grace that I fell into, and I am thankful for it every day. I love working at the venue, being part of the music, and having a crew of mostly young high school/college age people that are energetic and vibrant.”
Karan came from a family of entrepreneurs as her parents owned corn dog and cotton candy stands that served the fair circuit in the states of California, Idaho, and Oregon. Karan started working in the family business at 7 years old and was managing a stand at 13 years old. When her father passed away in the summer she turned 18, she took over his half of the circuit and continued the business with her mother.
Upon marrying Mike, an artist, they decided to start their own screen printing and embroidery business. Mike is the muscle and creative force behind their successful company while Karan takes care of customer service, and the legwork required to source products and manage the financials. 15 years ago, she also took on the contract for the concession foods at the Ironstone Amphitheater for their summer concert series.
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
The challenges the two were facing prior to working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center were that “Being on the older side of young, we have not been particularly good, or even interested in marketing on social media, even though we know it is important. We needed guidance and help on what to do and how to do it.”
Fortunately, the two shared, "We were placed with a wonderful mentor, Kat from Sisbro, who really took the time to explain what we needed to do and the nuts and bolts of doing it. We have been working on a new website and had to get it finished to begin our social media campaign, but it has just been finished and we are so excited to use the tips and skills that we have learned from Kat to grow our business.”
In explaining how working with the Sacramento MBDA Business Center has helped them with brand exposure, the duo stated, "We have learned how to better place ourselves so that we can be seen and easily found and to create excitement.”
As a family of entrepreneurs, the couple were proud to also share that their children have since grown up and moved on but Javan, the oldest, has followed in the footsteps of family run businesses and owns Granite Arch Climbing Gym in Folsom with his wife, Amanda and daughter, Aubrey. Mike and Karan's daughter, Aviel, is a materials design intern at Tesla in Nevada where her husband Charlie, is a lead engineer as well. They have two daughters, Esa and Eila who engineer almost everything else! Their youngest, Alara, is a hair stylist with her own business and also works as a bartender.
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
In April 2024, Black Diamond Graphics is rolling out a spring sale of 10% off any t-shirt order! Follow them on social media, as they will feature many fun and crazy frog designs at the 2024 Calaveras County Fair and Jumping Frog Jubilee in May. They feature a huge standalone store called Frog-Mart where you can jump in and find just about anything frog related you desire!
Follow Black Diamond Graphics at:
Instagram: blackdiamondgraphics
Facebook: Black Diamond Graphics
Website: https://blackdiamondgraphics.com/
MARCH 2024 WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION WEEK SPOTLIGHT
AGILE CONSTRUCTION, INC.:
Meet Mirtha Villarreal-Younger, the President and CEO of Agile Construction, Inc.
Agile Construction is a general construction firm specializing in federal government contracting. Agile Construction offers general contracting, construction management, outreach and professional development services. Their client's construction projects is their top priority. Agile Construction believes in making your dreams and goals a reality.
Being part of an industry that literally builds communities and fosters economic growth is what inspired Mirtha to start her business.
What Mirtha loves most about the construction business is being able to work with other small businesses, which she finds very rewarding - "we collaborate, partner and support each other".
You can learn more about Agile Construction here: www.agile-aci.com
FEBRUARY 2024
ChalkWild, LLC
"ART HEALS!"
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet AnhViet (Charlie) Nguyen and Hien Ho, the Co-Founders of ChalkWild, LLC
Business City: Modesto, CA
AnhViet “Charlie” Nguyen is a dynamic force in the entrepreneurial landscape. Holding a BSc in Biochemistry from UC Davis and MBA, Charlie has traversed a multifaceted career path, leaving an indelible mark in various industries.
With a keen eye for innovation and a heart for social impact, Charlie has spearheaded ventures in hospitality, travel, technology, production, media, and real estate. However, it's his role as CEO of the Chalkwild Therapeutic Art Program, built on his son’s invention of an erasable backpack when he was 11- year old, that truly reflects his commitment to making a difference. Besides making a positive impact on kids’ lives, Charlie also has been teaching his son, Hien, many valuable lessons in life and in business through working on this business together.
Charlie's mission-driven enterprise, the Chalkwild Therapeutic Art Program, extends its reach to children across the US and beyond, providing a platform for artistic expression to nurture resilience, self-esteem, and confidence. Inspired by his own challenges, Charlie's mission resonates deeply, offering a beacon of hope for young minds worldwide.
About ChalkWild, LLC:
Created by an 11-year-old student in Modesto, California, ChalkWild is the world's first erasable backpack that serves as a tool to help kids improve social and emotional skills. The backpack includes erasable chalk markers that allow kids to engage in art on the backpack anytime, anywhere. In designing this product, the co-founders aimed to help kids overcome anxiety; build resilience; promote mindfulness; boost creativity, self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and academic performance. It serves as a fantastic bonding tool for parents, children, grandparents and grandchildren.
Hien had an idea of creating an erasable backpack so that kids could customize their backpacks by drawing on them with erasable chalk markers repeatedly when he was 11 years old. The idea came to Hien when he was at a local skateboarding park with his father.
Charlie shared, “When I learned from friends in the mental health field that it could be an awesome art therapy tool for kids, we decided to pivot our mission to help kids enhance their social emotional wellness and thrive academically. I grew up in Vietnam after the war and had experienced so much trauma and the negative impacts of trauma such as depression. When I had the opportunity to join the American Leadership Forum program a few years ago, I had the unique opportunity to discover my trauma and to share it honestly with my classmates. Being vulnerable was the beginning of my healing process. That's why my son and I are passionate about our mission of using ChalkWild erasable backpacks as an art therapy tool to help kids overcome trauma and anxiety that was exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. It took me over 40 years to fully grasp my trauma and to start healing. Our goal is to help as many kids as possible now so that they will have a higher chance of success when they get older.”
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
Charlie expanded more about the challenges they were facing prior to working with MBDA as well as the positive results came out of the relationship, stating:
“Like any small business, we struggle with marketing, financing, how to get our message or story across... Lucie-Anne Radimsky, a consultant of Sacramento MBDA, has been tremendously helpful. We were able to get certified as California Small Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. Lucie-Anne also introduced us to the California Office of Small Business Advocate. Learning about ChalkWild and how it started, CalOSBA designed a new program called The Future Is Now to feature and to promote young entrepreneurs. CalOSBA produced a video about Hien, ChalkWild, and the positive impacts the backpack program has on kids.” Charlie and Hien are excited to share that the video will be promoted on CalOSBA Youtube and social media in the next couple weeks, elaborating that, “It'll be a great marketing video for ChalkWild as well. Although we already are partnering with several school districts, this video will boost our credibility tremendously.”
Upcoming Promotions, Events, News:
ChalkWild LLC is offering nonprofits an opportunity to use ChalkWild as a fundraising tool which works like an affiliate. When a nonprofit registers, it gets a unique link and a QR code. When people purchase a ChalkWild backpack through that link, the nonprofit gets $9.44 for each backpack ordered. The ChalkWild, LLC team will handle the fulfillment and are already working Lucile Packard Foundation Children's Health.
ChalkWild, LLC welcomes more nonprofits to collaborate.
The video for The Future Is Now will be released by CalOSBA soon. The ChalkWild co-founders, and son and father duo, would love folks to share it as widely as possible.
Follow ChalkWild, LLC at:
Website: A Backpack Worth Giving! – A Backpack Worth Giving! (chalkwild.com)
Instagram: https: //www.instagram.com/chalkwildthings/
JANUARY 2024
Infostellar, Inc.
"To positively impact, transform and simplify government systems through its agile technical consulting services."
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Meet Sweta Jain, President, and Arun Jain, the Co-Founder and CEO of Infostellar, Inc.
Business City: Fairfax, VA
Sweta Jain, the President of Infostellar, Inc., is a seasoned executive with 20+ years in IT delivery and management across federal contracting and commercial sectors. Sweta is a proven leader in building and managing teams for small to mid-sized companies, fostering partnerships and driving multimillion-dollar bottom-line growth. Extensive experience includes roles with major consulting firms, including PwC.
Arun Jain is the Co-Founder and CEO Influential IT Executive with 20+ years’ experience driving large-scale technical implementation through strategic, agile development, solution engineering, and infrastructure security.
About Infostellar, Inc:
Infostellar, Inc. specializes in human-centered design and agile software development, dedicated to helping agencies modernize their digital systems. They deliver highly usable, flexible, cloud-based solutions with a track record of successful modernization projects, including immigration, verification, and biometrics systems at DHS.
The co-founders shared, “We started Infostellar, Inc. when open source and cloud were first coming about. To us, it presented an amazing opportunity to modernize IT. However, the larger organizations were slow to embrace technical advancements. As a small business, we run like a startup; we experiment, learn, innovate, and adopt as new technologies emerge. We can pivot and be agile. That's why we started Infostellar, Inc.”
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
Arun elaborated further, sharing how the Sacramento MBDA Business Center closely supported his business, “Sacramento MBDA was instrumental in introducing the OSDBU offices in various agencies. I was able to follow up with some of them and have one-to-one calls to get additional guidance on navigating their agencies. They were very helpful in providing feedback on marketing material and client presentations.”
The positive relationship between the Sacramento MBDA Business Center and Infostellar, Inc. Is self-evident, as Arun said, “Sacramento MBDA Business Center is like an advisor to our business. We can reach out to them for questions, seek advice on specific issues as well as introductions to other companies who may be in similar positions like us. I have found that whenever MBDA brings a group of companies together with meetings with Small Business offices in agencies, they are more open for follow-up conversations.”
Follow Infostellar, Inc at:
Website: infostellarinc.com
LinkedIn: infostellarinc
December 2023
Flawless Boxing & Gym
"TRAIN TO DOMINATE"
MEET THE FOUNDERS:
Janelle Gonzales and Brandon Gonzales
Founders and CEO of Flawless Boxing & Fitness
Business City: Sacramento, CA
Brandon ‘Flawless’ Gonzáles, Co-Owner
Brandon is a former world-class professional boxer with a long list of accomplishments and accolades to his name. He was a member of the US National Team and achieved the distinction of being the #1 ranked amateur in the US and the #1 rated Super Middleweight in the world as a pro. His fights have also been broadcast on some of the biggest platforms in the world of sports, including HBO, ESPN, Showtime, and Sky Sport PPV, which is a testament to his skill and popularity in the ring.
Despite his retirement, Brandon continues to make a lasting impact in the boxing community, now dedicating his time and expertise to working with young boxers. With his passion for the sport, commitment to helping others, and impressive record, Brandon serves as a true inspiration and valuable mentor to the next generation of fighters.
Janelle Gonzales, Co-Owner
Janelle is a highly respected figure in the Sacramento community, renowned for her outstanding accomplishments as an amateur boxer and as a social work professional. As the Co-founder of Flawless Boxing & Fitness and Board Director for Flawless4Youth, Janelle has brought her extensive knowledge, experience, and expertise to bear on behalf of the organization and its mission.
Janelle's journey began in her hometown of Sacramento, where she started her boxing career under the guidance of Ray Woods. As an amateur fighter at 125 pounds, Janelle quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a multiple regional Golden Gloves and U.S. Championships champion. Her exceptional skills and dedication to the sport earned her a reputation as one of the most skilled and determined boxers in the region.
Janelle continued to pursue her education while honing her skills in the ring, earning a master’s in social work from Sacramento State University. Her background and expertise in social work have played a significant role in Flawless4Youth's efforts to develop and implement programs that provide vital resources to the community's youth and their families.
About About Flawless Boxing & Fitness:
Flawless Boxing & Fitness is a community-oriented boxing facility empowering individuals of all backgrounds through boxing training. Our adult program supports Flawless4youth, a non-profit benefiting Sacramento's youth since 2011. Through scholarships, we enable youth training, provide equipment, and offer a welcoming space for families to pursue their fitness and boxing aspirations. We provide small group training, private training and a competitive program for aspiring amateur and professional athletes.
How did the Sacramento MBDA Business Center help your business?
We were inspired to start our business because we see the benefits and positive impact that boxing has on both adults and youth. We have always had challenges with funding, resources and partnering with other organizations. Working with the MBDA has been helpful in providing partnership, support and resources to our business and mission. Partnerships, support and resources that have helped to elevate our business.
Upcoming Events:
February 10, 2024: Capital Punishment 8
This is a community event that will showcase the top amateur boxers in the region.
Follow Flawless Boxing & Fitness at:
Website: Flawlessboxingfit.com
Instagram: @flawlessboxing
Facebook: Flawless Boxing & Fitness
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