Women in Business Helping women in business

It is often said that starting a business is one of the biggest risks someone can take. Giving up the security of employment and venturing out on your own is no easy task, and this issue of Upgraded Living is filled with women who have done it. As most are likely to admit, finding success is much easier when you have support, and the team at ChicoStart offers just that. Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, ChicoStart has a laundry list of over 300 entrepreneurial success stories it is rightfully proud of, and they’re looking forward to the next ten years of adding to it

Launched in 2013, by Wendy Porter, the original concept for ChicoStart was to provide a co-working space where individuals could share in the costs associated with operating within an office. At the time, it was the only one in town and seriously needed as one of the biggest costs when starting a business is often securing office space. The concept has since evolved to become a dynamic and full-featured resource center. “What makes ChicoStart valuable,” Executive Director, Eva Shepherd-Nicoll explains, “is what we’re able to provide to our community. We are very focused on removing the barriers that exist to starting, running, and thriving in business. We provide mentorship and resources throughout the process.”

After spending 30 years in the Bay Area working with startups and in venture capital, Eva decided it was time to move to Chico and bring her experience and expertise to the Northstate. “I’ve worked with aerospace, underwater robotics, networking, and just about everything in between.” Eva says, “I really just love helping people, and the best way to help people is to get businesses started in a community. Everyone has a higher quality of life by making higher-skilled jobs available in the area. ChicoStart provides that opportunity. We are a co-working space that evolved into a startup incubator and finally an entrepreneurial resource hub. We have a state designation as a governor’s office of business and fully serve 18 counties now. Covid really pushed us in all the right directions. Situations like those force you to sink or swim, and it really made me do what I tell my students to do—look at what your unique value proposition is and how you can monetize it.”

Eva continues, “We help people lift from where they stand and believe without a foundation, you don’t have a future. Our emphasis in regard to women is giving them the programming, resources, and tools they need. We can help with starting a business, running a business, accessing grants, providing coaching, and so much more! We even help with the more subtle things like helping arrange childcare nearby. It’s important to remember everybody isn’t in the same position. We want to give entrepreneurs what they need based on where they’re at.”

ChicoStart’s head of marketing and biz ops, Heather Ugie, stated, “Whether you need office space, one-on-one counseling, technical assistance, mentorship, or workshops and tools, we’ve got it. If there’s something we don’t have in-house, we’re partnered with someone who can provide it—even rapid-prototyping and commercialization. We’re here to help! When people think about us, they often think we just function in tech, but we’re so much more. We help nonprofits and traditional businesses too. We work with Home & Heart, One Million Cups, FATCO, Stylecore, Robin Hood, and so many others. If you’re looking to run a business, we’re here for you.” With 20+ years in the business world, Heather is uniquely qualified to help with just that. Having spent 12 years with the Chico Chamber of Commerce and the San Francisco Visitor’s Center before it, she brings a wealth of experience and connections to ChicoStart.

With a team full of experienced and passionate individuals and partners, ChicoStart is exactly what any entrepreneur would dream of finding in a support community, and with 40% of the businesses they help being women-owned, there couldn’t be a more appropriate hub for our local women in business. If you’re looking to start a business, run a business, or grow a business, visit ChicoStart at www.ChicoStart.com and see what they can do to help you. Finding success is that much easier when you have a team helping you get there.

Radio Frequency

Microneedling Q & A

What is a Microneedling

This procedure transfers radio-frequency energy into the skin via a sterile tip containing 49 very fine gold needles. The radio-frequency delivers controlled thermal energy to stimulate collagen growth and strengthen elastin fibers to improve the skin's support structure. It can reduce the appearance of fine lines, scars, and stretch marks.

How does it work?

The skin is numbed with a topical lidocaine cream to make the procedure more comfortable. The needles in the sterile tip are then inserted into the skin where they exchange radio-frequency energy to boost collagen stimulation. The tip is moved from area to area until the entire face, neck, and chest are treated.

How effective is it?

Collagen continues to build for several weeks, up to 6 months. Skin is rejuvenated, smoother, tighter, plumper, and facial products are more readily absorbed. Pores are tighter, and the skin has an overall healthy glow. It looks best at 2-6 months.

How many treatments will I need?

Since the results can last up to 6 months, we generally recommend 2-3 per year for best results.

What can I expect during and post procedure? The numbing is key to making this procedure well-tolerated. Some redness and swelling are normal and usually go away in 24-36 hours. The neck and chest heal more slowly, as the skin is thinner there. Makeup can be applied the next day. Some bruising may appear over the bony areas such as the jawline and brow ridge, but resolve quickly. Products with active ingredients (vitamin C, retinol, or Hydroquinone) should not be used for about 48 hours after treatment, as they may sting when applied. Use a good moisturizer the next day and drink lots of water to stay hydrated!