Emerging Business award finalists celebrated
Apr. 22—LIMA — EV'DERA, Simply Suite and Wiechart Dental Smile Studio are the finalists for the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Emerging Business of the Year award.
Each business has transitioned from a start-up to an up-and-coming business.
The winner will be announced at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, May 8, during the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala at the University of Northwestern Ohio event center, 1450 N. Cable Road, Lima.
EV'DERA
Michael Thompson started his journey by investing $5,000 in research and development for natural-based soaps from his parents' basement in September 2022.
Fifteen months later, Thompson opened his store on the first floor of the Central District Building, 207 S. Central Ave., Lima.
Success came early and often.
The business outgrew the inital space and relocated to the second floor in the Central District in September 2024.
"In three and a half months (we) generated a 100%-fold increase in revenue compared to the total revenue of the first six months in 2024," Thompson said in a note to the chamber.
Thompson has played a pivotal role in the community.
EV'DERA helped donate money for Angie Sanchez's fight against cancer in 2023 and donated to United Way of Greater Lima in 2023.
EV'DERA also donated products for the silent auction to raise funds in 2024 and co-hosted the Central District Galentines event in 2025, aiming to support the Crossroads Crisis Center.
Thompson belives his business is on the right track.
"Being an Emerging Business finalist suggests we're addressing some of those wants, needs or likes and doing it in a good and possible sustainable way," Thompson said in a text message.
Wiechart Dental Studio
Wiechart Dental Studio saw a 300 percent increase in patients from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the fourth quarter of 2024, according to data provided to the chamber.
Owned by Mary Wiechart Rector, the studio brings a holistic approach to dental care.
"We offer a comfort menu full of things to help our patients be more comfortable during their appointments," Rector said in a note to the chamber.
Patients can be provided warm blankets, neck pillows, noise canceling headphones, sunglasses and stress balls for comfort.
As a working mom, Rector wanted the office to become a place where sacrifices don't have to be made.
"Our hours are six-hour shifts with no break. Within a day, instead of missing a portion of your child's day, you are always able to be part of their day," Rector said.
Open four days a week, Rector and staff have the opportunity to plan for children's appointments and volunteer in classrooms or on field trips.
"This is all completed by our values which include respect for the whole person, a team focus, clarity, responsibility, respect, care beyond concern and education," Rector said.
Employees are active in the Spencerville community.
"We are consistently showing up and supporting their efforts," Rector said.
Wiechart participates in the town's trick-or-treat, Christmas village, trunk or treat and school sports teams.
Wiechart Dental Smile Studio is located at 119 S. Broadway Street in Spencerville.
Simply Suite Salon & Boutique
Kayla Miller-Crea created the idea of Simply Suite Salon & Boutique during her college senior project 20 years ago, according to information provided to the chamber.
The half-salon, half-boutique at 2500 Shawnee Road, Suite C, Lima, opened in October 2022.
Miller-Crea was the only stylist for the first four months.
In 2023, Miller-Crea won Top Hair Stylist in The Lima News Best of the Region contest, and the salon was a top-three finalist for Top Hair Salon.
In 2024, Miller-Crea and salon stylist Taylor Ketteman ranked in the top five for Top Hair Stylist and the salon made the top five for Top Hair Salon and Spa categories.
"These nominations confirm growth for salon stylists and reflect Kayla's positive and supportive leadership style as the salon owner," a note to the chamber said.
Simply Suite participated in Toys for Tots and the Angel Tree for the third straight year in 2024 and is planning a fashion show in summer 2025 to raise awareness for Lynch Syndrome.
Miller-Crea became a life coach in 2022 to help clients heal emotionally and overcome life's obstacles.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
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