By Aleesia Benkey
Allison’s Goods has specialized in quality hand-crafted vegan home products and goods for more than four years. Founder Allison Ritto Almstedt is passionate about the products she creates and the ingredients she uses, securing ethically sourced materials for all her offerings. Her main goal has been to create products that she feels safe using for her children and that have minimal impact on the environment.
Allison connected with small business resources like the Orange County Inland Empire Small Business Development Center Network (OCIE SBDC) through small business classes at Santiago Canyon Community College. These resources helped her build a thriving e-commerce business that was a great fit for her lifestyle. “I was tired of the restrictions of working for other people. As a working mom, I needed the flexibility of entrepreneurship. I love the independence gained from what I have built,” said Allison.
Looking to grow her business, Allison made an appointment for one-on-one consulting with OCIE SBDC Business Consultant Alain Chu. Alain supported Allison as she worked to obtain the permits and licenses required to legally open her business in the city of Fullerton. During such a big transition for her business, Alain was able to walk her through the process and be a resource from start to finish.
“This is a dream come true. Going from running my business in my garage to finally having a storefront for people to show up and support has been huge,” said Allison. She’s thankful for the resources provided by the OCIE SBDC as well as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) through every stage of her business and notes that she wouldn’t have been able to reach this point without their support.
Allison’s Goods held a successful grand opening event on January 19, where representatives from local legislators, the SBA, and the OCIE SBDC were able to celebrate Allison’s hard work. Alain was more than happy to support Allison along the way. “I’m glad that I was able to help Allison through opening her storefront. She deserves all the spotlight for her hard work, and I hope she continues to grow her business,” said Alain.
Allison’s Goods is open Friday through Sunday for in-store shopping in Fullerton. Find them on Instagram as @AllisonsGoods.
Looking to start or grow your own product-based small business?Connect with the OCIE SBDC today. We offer business consulting, training, and access to resources to entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties at no cost. As the go-to resource for small businesses, the OCIE SBDC provides solutions and opportunities for small businesses throughout the region to become successful. Call 1-800-616-7232 or schedule a 15-minute intake appointment.
