On November 20th, the Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber hosted the second annual HYPE (Highlighting Young Professional Excellence) Pitch Competition, gathering young innovators, community leaders, and business champions at the Solarium by Watermark. The venue’s blend of character and modern design set the stage for an evening focused on bold ideas and the entrepreneurs driving them forward.
The evening began with a panel of four entrepreneurs who have each built their businesses from the ground up: Danielle Grandholm of Rising Kites Coffee, Michael Rowland of Rowland Properties, Dustin Jankoviak of 2nd & Main, and Vanessa Frias of Willowbrook Farms. After the panel, they became judges for the pitch competition.
Meanwhile, seven contestants prepared backstage, each focused on the opportunity ahead. With cash prizes, in-kind support, and exposure to the region’s business community, the competition offered a real chance to advance their entrepreneurial goals. Each contestant stepped onto the stage, sharing stories of purpose, community impact, and bold innovation. By the time the winners were announced, the energy in the room was electric.
First Place: Bare Naked Salts & Soaps
Bare Naked Salts & Soaps, founded by Alexandra Ranft of Niles, earned first place and the $15,000 grand prize. Alex’s business began in 2022 when her son’s severe dermatitis led her to create natural, gentle alternatives to commercial products. That determination grew into Bare Naked, a line of mineral-based, all-natural skincare essentials. Her pitch, grounded in personal experience, earned the judges’ top honor.
Second Place: Hello Beautiful Boutique
Hello Beautiful Boutique, represented by co-owner Kenyona Speight of Benton Harbor, took second place and a $10,000 prize. Starting in 2020 as a home-based jewelry business, Hello Beautiful has grown into a downtown storefront offering clothing, accessories, and a sense of community. Kenyona credited her mother’s experience in fashion and her own drive for shaping a business where style and confidence meet.
Third Place: Bake Effect
Bake Effect, founded by Emily Onken of St. Joseph, earned third place and a $5,000 award. After discovering a contact allergy to wheat flour, Emily chose to rebuild her craft, creating gourmet treats made without wheat. Her resilience and commitment to sharing joy through food made her story stand out.
Crowd Favorite: Base Bowls & Company
The Crowd Favorite Award, selected by live audience vote, went to Base Bowls & Company of St. Joseph. Owner Stephanie Ott-Williams has built a loyal following with a fresh, nourishing menu. Her commitment to hospitality and community service, including providing thousands of meals to the St. Joseph Senior Center, earned strong support and the $2,500 prize.
Other contestants included Final Brush of Buchanan, OH Art of Benton Harbor, and Rite Innovations of Benton Harbor. Each brought creativity, vision, and a commitment to bold ideas.
Investing in the Region’s Future
More than $65,000 in cash prizes and in-kind support were awarded, made possible by the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, Whirlpool Foundation, and other sponsors, partners, and contributors. Their belief in local talent continues to strengthen Southwest Michigan’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As we celebrate these young entrepreneurs, it’s clear that HYPE is more than a competition; it’s an investment in the visionaries shaping the future of Southwest Michigan. Every entrepreneur in our region deserves recognition for the important work they do to drive innovation and strengthen our economy. Their creativity, passion, and dedication truly embody the spirit of this event, sparking inspiration that will continue to energize our business community. Join us next year for another night of celebrating the ideas and businesses of rising young entrepreneurs.
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