Daisy Makes takes top prize at Cleveland Chain Reaction Season 8 finale

Posted by: Laura DeMarco / Photos by Michael Collier / Video by Megan Gallagher on Wednesday, August 27, 2025

And the winners are ...

Entrepreneurship and inspiration took center stage at Cleveland’s historic Ariel LaSalle Theatre Wednesday, as the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE) revealed the winners of the eighth season of Cleveland Chain Reaction small business pitch competition. The curtain closed on the season live on FOX 8’s Kickin’ it with Kenny, adding even more excitement to the high-energy finale.

With cheering family and friends in attendance. Daisy Makes, the innovative designer and manufacturer of 3D-printed cake pop tools for bakers worldwide, claimed the coveted first-place prize of $40,000.

“I feel so excited and honored, there were 20 other incredible businesses here,” proclaimed owner Amy Mucha.

“The prize money I gained will go towards our manufacturing company where we make cake pop tools.”

Be Browed Etcetera premier permanent makeup clinic and home to The Ohio Institute of Permanent Makeup earned second place and $20,000.

“This is my seed to pursue national accreditation,” enthused Be Browed Etcetera founder Brensha Searcy.

In third place, taking home $10,000, was The Golden Room, a full-service beauty salon dedicated to senior women seeking expert care and convenience.

“Being able to get that exposure on the community is awesome,” said owner Maurissa Thomas of her time on Chain Reaction. “We’re going to have a beauty emporium.”

“We were thrilled to have such a diverse group of businesses representing so many industry segments as a part of this year’s competition; it is a true testament to the growth and strength of our small business community,” said Megan E. Kim, executive director of COSE and senior vice president, membership development and marketing at GCP.

“These owners are passionate, confident and innovative — and will be significant contributors to job growth and the overall economy in Greater Cleveland.”

In a surprise twist, the 18 remaining semifinalists were each awarded $2,000 grants funded by competition partners Medical Mutual, COSE Benefit Plan, Minutemen Workforce Solutions, and MAGNET, plus discounted advertising opportunities and COSE memberships to fuel their growth.

All three winners also received complimentary advertising space from Mimi Magazine and Freshwater Cleveland, the competition’s 2025 publication partners.

Before the big moment, the 21 semifinalists took part in a rigorous four-week bootcamp hosted by JumpStart, where they honed their pitches, strengthened their business plans, and refined their growth strategies.

The finale marked another milestone for Cleveland Chain Reaction, reaffirming its role as a launchpad for bold ideas and thriving small businesses.

"JumpStart is proud to work with COSE to support these talented entrepreneurs," said JumpStart Interim CEO Lorne Novick. "It's been an honor to witness both their passion and progress throughout the program, and we can't wait to see what the future has in store for them."