Brent Edelen is a sixth-generation beekeeper and a fourth-generation domestic beekeeper. “My great grandfather, Edward Haefeli, passed through Ellis Island around the turn of the former century. From Switzerland, he came to America seeking work and medical help for Tuberculosis. While crossing the Rockies he found the high dry mountain air helped this condition considerably. He eventually settled in the San Luis Valley.”

Today Brent manages about 500 colonies of bees. They have two brand names for their company: Grampa’s Gourmet and Simply Honey. They strive to produce a quality varietal honey as well as educate people. Brent said, “Sometimes when you buy honey in the store you do not know exactly what you are getting because you have to understand the source. For 10 years I was selling honey exclusively wholesale and at various venues. Recently, we opened a retail location. We teach about heritage, sustainability, and showcase what makes the SLV so special.” 

- Brent Edelen
For more info go to www.grampashoney.com

Amie Hazlett had been a wedding and family photographer for 10 years. Still, she wanted to fulfill her dream of owning a children’s clothing store. “I found out about the FSWB (First Southwest Bank) Community Fund Loan through the San Luis Valley SBDC. I gathered the paperwork and submitted the application within a few weeks,” said Hazlett. She began ordering items wholesale and set up a booth at First Fridays in downtown Alamosa. The feedback from the public was nothing short of welcoming. Hazlett noticed a growing opportunity: “A children’s clothing store wasn’t just a want, but a need for the community.”

Bullfrogs and Butterflies opened its brick-and-mortar location in November 2023. Hazlett stated, “This could not have happened without FSWB and the support from the San Luis Valley SBDC. The support from the community is what keeps small businesses thriving! The SBDC has helped me with resources and a sounding board regarding marketing and general support. I’ve never felt this kind of support in my business before moving here.” 

- Amie Hazlett 
For more info visit Bullfrogs & Butterflies

On June 8, 2013, Smoothyʼs Juice Bar opened in Alamosa on 504 West Ave. (the corner of Hwy 285 and 160). Donna Chappell opened this business to help keep her community healthy, offering an easy way to incorporate daily greens through tasty smoothies. Her experience owning and managing the Healthy Living Shoppe (also in Alamosa) gave her insight into what the community wanted - to stay healthy.

Smoothyʼs Juice Bar offers green and fruit smoothies, wraps, spinach salad, ice cream, milk shakes, coffee and baked goodies. Donna also uses the juice pulp to create a popular carrot cake that has no refined sugar. The store even has a drive thru on the south side of the building for people on the go or for those who have called in an order.

- Donna Chappell
 For more info visit https://www.facebook.com/smoothysjuicebar/