Alia Ali’s business venture,
Chill Shaved Ice Bar, began in June 2011 at
Findlay Market. Her shaved ice stands out among the rest because the syrups are all natural.
“I’ve always been in business,” says Ali. “I flipped cars in undergrad and imported jewelry after I graduated. I’m interested in health and wellness, and decided to marry business and healthy with Chill.”
In order to expand her business, Ali looked at local organizations that offer business support to entrepreneurs. She was one of 10 finalists in
Bad Girl Ventures last fall. And in November, she participated in business classes at Xavier, and then applied to
Xavier X-Lab, which pairs businesses with MBA students. That session just wrapped up, but Ali plans to participate in the summer session as well. Last month, Chill expanded its location options with a Smart car that scoots to area venues such as Kenwood Towne Center and Krohn Conservatory.
“I hope Chill continues to show people that natural and delicious can be in the same sentence,” says Ali.
By Caitlin Koenig
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