From 30-Year Army Career to French Pastry Chef: L’Etoile Patisserie In a surprising turn of events, Kevin Zurmuehlen bid farewell to his 30-year military career and embraced an unexpected path as a flourishing French pastry chef. Sparked by inspiration from…
When Cheryl Brooks learned that land and building where she was employed were slated to be sold, she jumped into action. It was 2019, and Dayspring, a natural health and wellness store in Auburn, had existed for almost 50 years.…
Craig Hyatt always wanted to own a business. After graduating with a pharmacy degree from Auburn University, he worked for CVS for 17 years before deciding to open an independent pharmacy. In 2010, he and his wife, Samantha, opened Our…
Wafel-Bitte began as a cottage food industry, where Belgian Liege waffles were made at the home of Bailey M. Erickson-Nichols and Alexis Hope Nichols, using an authentic Belgian waffle maker and imported Belgian Pearl Sugar. They sold the waffles at…
We are the Stones, Brenda and Cindy, not sistas, just too hot mamas. We became the owners of Too Hot Mamas in December 2018 and have loved every minute, no matter the challenges. We value our local and out of…
Harvesting Success: The Collaborative Transformation of Mt. Moriah Farms In the heart of Dothan, Alabama, Mia Scott's Mt. Moriah Farms exemplifies the dedication to quality in its family-owned farming business, specializing in goat-based products. Yet, despite its excellence, the farm…
From Firefighter's Side Gig to Kiln-Dried Firewood Empire Colleen & Jason Smith In the heart of Alabama, where the landscape is rich with woods and the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives, Jason and Colleen Smith embarked on a journey that would…
Entrepreneur Sherri Dunn worked with Ken Grissom at the Alabama SBDC at JSU to start and grow her bakery business in Centre, Alabama. The SBDC at JSU has been with me every step of my journey as a small businessperson.…
