Local business owners share success stories of overcoming challenges

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The Forest City is home to a myriad of local businesses driving positive change in our communities, but running a business also comes with its challenges.

Every business has its own story including one that temporarily closed because of a fire but overcame this to reopen. One of those places shares its advice with young business owners Wednesday.

Chef Patrick Alberto worked for more than two decades in Rockford before buying the Octane Fitness building in 2019. January 2025 marks one year in business as 27Aluna. Alberto says while there wasn’t any turnover they dealt with the unemployment tax and cost of goods increasing.

As a chef, he worked with what he had.

“For us, the climb is a little bit more steep, but we got it done,” says Alberto. “We sourced out a lot of local produce, meat, try to keep the money in the city so everyone can become successful.”

Growing up in the Philippines, he felt it was difficult for people like him to get a business in downtown Rockford and says networking with other entrepreneurs who’ve overcome challenges is an important first step.

“These things are paramount to minority groups wanting to open a business, being able to succeed and focused on the young up and coming minds who are going to shape Rockford for the future,” says Alberto.

Evangelina Jimenez owns Indigo Beauty off Alpine Road in Rockford. Her business was downtown prior to that but parking made things difficult to bring customers in.

“You can’t find parking that’s over an hour which isn’t convenient for beauty industry people,” says Jimenez.

To help other small businesses, she started Female Energy; a festival for women-owned businesses. She appreciates networking with others like at Wednesday’s social.

“It’s exciting to see something new and a fresh environment to create and uptake new spaces,” says Jimenez.

Jimenez also planned on downsizing Indigo Beauty because of the evolving industry but worked with the building owner to comply with her requests.

One woman who played softball at Rock Valley College wants to give back to Rockford by expanding her business from Bloomington to the Forest City.

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