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V O L . X X V I I I N O. X M AY 1 6 , 2 0 2 2 28 S M A L L B U S I N E S S F O C U S She also paid for many of her employees to join her. Desert Harvest, founded in 1993 by Florio's parents, develops aloe vera- based nutritional supplements and skin care products with a focus on a chronic condition called interstitial cystitis. It works with organizations and health care professionals world- wide to help educate and advocate for patients with the condition; and with organic farms throughout the Caribbean. To maximize nutritional benefits, the company processes the plant on the farms, then encapsulates and bottles it at facilities partly owned by Desert Harvest in Texas and Florida. Fulfillment and administra- tion conducted in North Carolina was relocated to Ellsworth. In general, the company has grown its customer base and revenue 15% to 30% annually, with 50% growth in 2020. e Ellsworth location is double the North Carolina space. Originally intending to occupy part of the space, the company has taken on more employees and now occupies the entire building. "When we first got here, we had nine employees," says Florio. "Now we're at 15 and we continue to hire. We have two open positions." e company has been dealing with common problems of the day around hiring and supply chain. Now that the pandemic is easing, she says, "We're back to full steam ahead, which has meant being able to attend medical confer- ences again and re-engage with doctors around the world." Last year, Florio co-authored, with Ingrid Harm-Ernandes, a book called "e Musculoskeletal Mystery: How to Solve Your Pelvic Floor Symptoms." Later this year, the company plans to release two medical research studies conducted with academic partners, with a presentation planned at an » C O N T I N U E D F RO M PA G E 2 6 WANT TO BUILD A BUSINESS YOU LOVE? We are here for you. From Wicked Fast working capital loans to business advice and policy advocacy, CEI is here to help Maine's small businesses. 207.504.5900 www.ceimaine.org A better way for you and your employees to manage medical expenses. Be prepared for the expected – and unexpected – medical expenses that come your way. From routine check-ups to unexpected visits, healthcare is a part of our everyday lives. Our Health Savings Account (HSA) offers a convenient way to make tax-exempt contributions to save and pay for current and future medical expenses. We're Maine Community Bank – on your corner and in your corner. Contact us today! 1-833-762-0313 mainecb.com Heather Florio moved her aloe vera-based supplement and skin care product company, Desert Harvest, from Hillsborough, N.C. to Ellsworth in late 2020 and soon grew into additional space and continues to hire. The pandemic impacted manufacturing so she's stocking more product that usual. P H O T O / C O U R T E S Y O F D E S E R T H A R V E S T

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