Growing up in Kelliher, Gretchen Heim understood the age-old choice Minnesota women faced when the calendar flipped from October to November: be stylish and cold, or frumpy and warm. The freelance art director and graphic designer in the Twin Cities wondered whether warm had to equate with drab.

Frustrated when trying to look fashionable in functional clothing, the 2001 BSU graduate decided to act. Working with her mother Rose, Heim created and produced a perfect solution, the down-insulated Minne-Skirt. The product became an instant favorite in attacking the polar vortex head on.

The success led to Heim-Made, a company producing a women’s clothing line for fall and winter seasons. Heim-Made now features 20 products on its website, ranging from one-of-a-kind hats to leggings, from mohair socks to a down vest that is far too stylish for a fish house. Their line is also featured at Duluth Pack, the Bemidji Woolen Mills and stores in the Twin Cities.

Heim also co-founded Chicked, a company focused on empowering female athletes and women to compete in all aspects of life. Their company defines “chick” as that female who just passed you, and “chicked” as the act of getting passed. Their products include triathlon and cycling apparel, running gear, Nordic skiing suits and other clothing.

“We are pleased with the direction the young businesses are going, but both have their challenges,” Heim said, while asking for help from BSU alumni. “We are looking for a mentor to guide us to the next level of working with manufacturers, expanding market reach and moving forward wisely.”

Contact information is available on the two company websites: heimmade.com and chicked.com