This program is offered each spring and fall. Anyone interested in applying can learn more at www.utahmicroloanfund.org/bankingonwomen. Without further ado, let’s meet our graduates and celebrate the incredible businesses they are building!

As lifelong nerds, the fantasy theme was immediate. We literally blurted out the name Critical Hit Soda at the same time, and from there it snowballed: a dragon logo, a few drink names inspired by our favorite game… and before we knew it, we were driving from Utah to Tennessee to buy our first soda truck.
We realized soda was the perfect medium for storytelling with friends and family. It’s already a staple at the gaming table…so why not make it magical?”

The demand to bring Critical Hit Soda beyond conventions has grown faster than we ever imagined. As a single family with one truck, we just can’t be everywhere at once—but people keep asking, “How can I get this in my hometown?”.

​People want this and want to support us and our shared vision. It’s not just about soda…it’s about nostalgia, beauty, creativity, connection, and things we stand for. We’re deeply grateful.” 

They understand what it’s like to be a small, creative business and have been cheering us on every step of the way. Having that kind of partnership means the world to us.”

Our favorite part? While going through this class, our participants often find that they make lifelong connections and friendships with the other ladies, which couldn’t be more true with these two groups.
 
These ladies committed 15 weeks of their lives to this program, which entailed weekly three-hour night classes + homework all while juggling running their businesses, families, and beyond. It takes a lot of grit to commit to working on your business and taking it to the next level, so these ladies deserve a huge round of applause! ​

From the latest haircuts and colors to hair replacements, facials, waxing, beard trims, and shaves, every service is designed to leave you feeling like a million bucks. Best of all, Lucero Hair and Wellness is a gender-free salon, meaning all services are priced by time, not gender—because great hair is for everyone.

But Lucero is more than just a salon—it’s a space for connection and education. Each month, they bring people together for hands-on sessions, sharing the latest trends and techniques to keep the industry evolving. They also host community-focused events, from educational classes to their Gender-Free Haircut Club days, ensuring everyone has access to a welcoming, inclusive space. Here’s to two years of style, impact, and community—cheers to many more! Keep reading to catch up with Josh. 

Joshua: “This community has welcomed us with open arms! We couldn’t be more grateful for the love and support of so many other businesses and organizations. They have attended events, donated items and money for different parties, and truly just shared us with the ones they love. We have built something that people consider a safe and comfortable “3rd Home”, which was my ultimate goal. We have loved partnering with Flourish Therapy, The Utah Pride Center, and The Utah Microloan Fund and love how all of our paths cross.”

Joshua: “We have so much on the horizon, and I am so excited to start unfolding it all. Some of it we can’t talk about yet, but we will have even more education, more community events, and more presence in the community, and plan to be even more diverse, equitable, and inclusive than we ever have been! 2026 will be a year of GROWTH and I am already planning to share that project by Fall 2025. Stay tuned and connected! We would love to welcome anyone in to receive a truly custom hair experience!”

After being discharged from the Navy in 1973, I attended Dental Laboratory Technician School, specializing in Removable Prosthetics. I have an extensive background in my field—too extensive to list here—but I can say this: in my 52 years in Dental Laboratory Technology, I have worked in labs, managed removable departments, overseen a 20-person full-service lab, and operated my own lab in my home state of Montana. I am also a past president of the Montana Dental Lab Association. Additionally, I’ve worked side by side with the president of the Montana Dental Association at the legislative level.
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Twenty-one years ago, I packed up the family for a vacation without telling them where we were going. When we arrived in St. George, Utah, they all fell in love with it. I told them, “Good, because I’m done with the cold, and this is where we’re moving.” We haven’t regretted a single day—well, maybe on the days when it’s 110+ degrees! I did try (and I would like to stress try) to retire. But retirement and I were not good friends. So, back to the dental lab I went. Quite honestly, I’m doing what I love: helping people smile again and feel good about themselves.”

As for the most significant change on the horizon, it’s undoubtedly the digital age. Analog methods, which have been the gold standard for decades, are gradually giving way to digital technology. Advances in intraoral scanners, dental lab desktop scanners, mills, 3D printers, resins, and CAD/CAM software are shaping the future of the modern dental laboratory. While analog methods will always have a place, digital is clearly the future.
As a dental lab technician who has kept up with industry changes, I’ve always been intrigued by what’s new and exciting. I’m not afraid of technology or innovative products, especially when they deliver on their promises.
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We knew that introducing digital technology into our lab wasn’t just optional—it was essential. Eventually, labs that refuse to embrace digital workflows will fall behind, and I see that happening already. We handle a large volume of digitally sent cases, and if you’re not equipped to accept digital cases, those clients will simply go elsewhere. For us, the decision was a no-brainer.”

Our vision for the future has remained the same since day one: to develop the premier full-service dental lab in Southern Utah. In the two years and two months since we opened, we have built a strong reputation for quality and exceptional service. Hard work, diligence, and a commitment to following through on our intentions from the very beginning have driven our success. We are now at the point where we receive referrals from dentists to other dentists, which is a testament to our dedication. As long as we keep these values at the forefront and with the continued growth of the Southern Utah area, our vision will continue to take shape. Over the next three years, I see us expanding to include several team members in each department.”

Our favorite part? While going through this class our participants often find that they make lifelong connections and friendships with the other ladies in the class and that couldn’t be more true with these two groups.
 
These ladies committed 15 weeks of their lives to this program, which entailed weekly three-hour night classes + homework all while juggling running their businesses, families, and beyond. It takes a lot of chutzpah to commit to working on your business and taking it to the next level, so these ladies deserve a huge round of applause! 

Eligibility of Small Business Owners invited to apply for the Opportunity Boost Grant:

• In business as of March, 23rd 2021.
• Existing loan client of the Utah Microloan Fund. 
• Located within Salt Lake City limits.
• ​A business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Granted funds fuel a growth plan, with tangible outcomes such as revenue and job growth.

​As the pandemic wore on, Josh faced additional hurdles. He fell ill multiple times, which required him to take extended periods off work. This further delayed his ability to rebuild the business. When he was able to resume, he had to focus on marketing to new clients, as many of his regulars had either moved away or shifted to other services. The pandemic required him to adapt quickly, working harder to regain the trust and confidence of his clientele while navigating the health risks and uncertainty that affected the entire hair industry.

Eligibility of Small Business Owners invited to apply for the Opportunity Boost Grant:

• In business as of March, 23rd 2021.
• Existing loan client of the Utah Microloan Fund. 
• Located within Salt Lake City limits.
• ​A business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Granted funds fuel a growth plan, with tangible outcomes such as revenue and job growth.

Eligibility of Small Business Owners invited to apply for the Opportunity Boost Grant:

• In business as of March, 23rd 2021.
• Existing loan client of the Utah Microloan Fund. 
• Located within Salt Lake City limits.
• ​A business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Granted funds fuel a growth plan, with tangible outcomes such as revenue and job growth.

In addition, Mary is using the funds to purchase necessary inventory, her well-known gift boxes and bags, and investing in marketing including online ads and brochures. Her goal is to increase awareness of everything Everything Utah has to offer which would attract more visitors, strengthen their presence in the community, and help them grow to the next level of business. 

• In business as of March, 23rd 2021.
• Existing loan client of the Utah Microloan Fund. 
• Located within Salt Lake City limits.
• ​A business impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Granted funds fuel a growth plan, with tangible outcomes such as revenue and job growth.