Here’s how the rebrand of a 60-year old non-profit group has created opportunity for two local businesses
By Patricia Nugent
For many organizations, the chaos of the pandemic forced unplanned pivots.
When Sarah Bals was named executive director of Lake County Development Council in January 2020, during the start of Covid, business activities were coming to a halt.
“This was a juncture for the board of business leaders and I to take pause and evaluate our 60-year-old non-profit group,” she says. “This refocus turned into a reinvention and rebranding. We created a new, member-friendly website and we brainstormed strategies for building local businesses. One result of that is establishing an annual Economic Development Grant.”
A committee was formed to create requirements for the grant and an online portal was created for applications. The committee includes, Ron Graham, Neil Sawicki, Kelly Conrad, Judy Moran, Scott Sofer, Caitlin Cole, and Sarah Bals. The first two grants, each for $2,000, were awarded at the annual Economic Forum in September, which drew close to 300 people.
“Our recipients, Erica Flint, of Mirror Mirror Salon & Bridal, and Visnja Lovrinovic, of Fashion in Style, exemplify the type of thriving enterprises we envisioned helping,” says Sarah, who noted they received an impressive number of applicants and the selection process was competitive. “They are both invested in business innovation and poised for expansion.”
Some of the requirements include the business having a one- and three-year business plan, being a brick-and-mortar location in Lake County, and setting up a progress report meeting with the LCDC Grant Committee.
Meet Erica and Visnja
Distinguishing herself as a specialist for bridal hair and makeup, Erica opened Mirror Mirror Salon & Bridal in Willoughby in March. Since then her revenue has tripled.
She works with brides and bridal parties, as well as clients to bring out their best. Over the past 18 years, Erica has worked in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, bringing trending looks to life for celebrities at events like the Oscars and Grammys. She relocated to Lake County when the pandemic started to be closer to her husband’s family.
“I’m thrilled and thankful for this grant,” she says. “It will allow me to make my salon more luxurious and hire full-time employees. I also plan to build out a private bridal suite and enhance marketing of a false eyelash product I’m introducing.”
The same level of dedication, drive and diversification has led Visnja to expand her business, Fashion in Style, since opening in 2002 in Eastlake. A tailor by trade, this refugee from Bosnia works with clients on alterations, tailoring any type of clothing and bridal gowns, as well as offering classes to budding tailors, those with beginner to advanced sewing skills.
“This grant will allow me to purchase more supplies, such as specialty zippers as well as equipment, and a new sewing machine that is outfitted to handle leather to increase our productivity,” says Visnja. “It’s an honor to be selected.”
Good Reason for Optimism
Sarah says the word that comes to her mind when considering the economy in Lake County, it’s “optimistic.”
“From small businesses like Mirror Mirror and Fashion in Style, to medium businesses, large corporations and healthcare systems, our region is thriving,” she says. “I’m proud that LCDC grants, programs and events act as a catalyst for that economic development.”
The next main LCDC event takes place in March. Members and those who may be interested in joining can attend the Legislative Breakfast and learn about current economic conditions from state and local officials in a panel format.
For more information about the Lake County Development Council, contact Executive Director Sarah Bals at 440-478-4806 or sarah@Lakecountydevelopmentcouncil.org. Visit LakeCountyDevelopmentCouncil.org for more information or to join. The portal to apply for 2024 Economic Development Grants will be open soon. You can also donate online to help underwrite the grants. The grant recipients’ sites are MirrorMirrorBridal.com and FISTailoring.com.