Every company has an origin story, but you do not always get the chance to tell it out loud. Last year we did, thanks to the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce and its co-founder, Michael Orzech.
Michael invited us onto the Chamber's podcast, In the Loop, and it turned into the first time we really got to sit down and walk through the whole Alizé journey. Not the polished elevator pitch, but the actual story. Where the idea came from, why we became obsessed with keeping people comfortable outside, and everything it took to turn a rough concept into a real product with a built in fan and lighting.
What stood out was how much Michael and the Chamber genuinely care about the businesses in this community. The conversation did not feel like a formality. It felt like someone was actually curious about what we were building and wanted to help us get it in front of more people. That is rare, and it is exactly what a local chamber should be.
For a young brand, having a room to tell your story matters more than most people realize. It forces you to get clear on why you do what you do. Listening back, I think we came across more like ourselves than in almost anything we had put out to that point.
If you want to hear how Alizé got started, the full episode is worth a watch. And if you run a business in the Charlotte area, take a look at what the Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce is doing. They have built something worth being part of.
Watch the episode HERE
Thanks again to Michael and the whole Chamber team for the platform and the support.
