Two women, with two very innovative ideas, have taken home the two top prizes in the 3rd annual Costal Bend Business Plan Competiton. One idea takes you from the beach and fishing to a nice restaurant without changing clothes, while the other makes the homes of pet owners a little more fashionable.
Tracy Davis with her company Sirena Water Wear and Maricela Sanchez with Maricela Sanchez Art, who are the clients of Coastal Bend Business Innovation Center, were announced in the finalists of the 2012-2013 Coastal Bend Business Plan Competition. The final judging took place in Venters Business Building at Del Mar College on May 20, 2013. G &G Sustainability, Sirena Water Wear, Maricela Sanchez Art, and Mobil Plasma Sanitation System presented as the four finalists. Ralph Coker, Donald Morrison, Alan Stoner, Laurie Simmons, and Liza Wisner, who attended as the five judges, evaluated the finalists’ products and business models based on their presentations and provided feedbacks.
Tracy Davis was named the winner of the 2012-2013 Costal Bend Business Plan Competition with her patented SeaLegs™ adventure shorts at the Small Business Administration luncheon on May 22, 2013. She was awarded $4,000 in cash and an estimated $22,000 in-kind service prize. Maricela Sanchez was announced as the runner-up for her artistically designed home accessories for pet owners.
About Sirena Water Wear: www.sirenawaterwear.com
Sirena Water Wear was founded in 2011 by two wildlife enthusiasts and anglers striving to bring fashion to fishing and other water sports. After talking with friends and strangers alike, they all agreed on one thing – the need for fishing shorts stylish enough to be a part of their everyday wardrobe, while still being functional enough for fishing by boat or shore. Board shorts were too baggy and short shorts too uncomfortable. Sirena Water Wear sought inspiration from surfing styles and traditions, high fashion, as well as other coastal sports, and developed their first pair of SeaLegs™. SeaLegs™ are the first ladies shorts that combine fashion, performance, and environmental responsibility.
About Maricela Sanchez Art: maricelasanchez.com
Raised in Highland Park, Illinois, Maricela Sanchez works as a fine artistand a design artist. Maricela’s professional art career has been multi-faceted and all-encompassing. She has both trained as a fine artist and worked alongside craftsmen to develop fine art and functional, art-infused products. Her creativity is not constrained to one area of hercareer, and she has dedicated her pursuits to its expression.
Most recently, Maricela has shifted gears to combine her previous artistic experiences with her love of animals and pets to launch her entrepreneurial endeavor — Bespoke Crates & Gates, which include panels. Her custom products perform a necessary function while transforming areas of the home into artful moments of unexpected beauty. When not in use for pets, the beautiful lofts are spectacular pieces of art and make extraordinary tables.
A graduate of Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Maricela was the Coastal Bend Innovation Center’s first Pre-Incubation Program and Incubator Program client to launch her company.