Hot Knots has been a staple on the Arcata Plaza since 1984. Founded by sisters Gayle and Andrea Shackleton, the business has become a cornerstone of the local shopping scene—carrying beloved brands like Free People and Levi’s alongside a carefully curated selection of local apparel and knitwear. In addition to retail operations, Hot Knots has developed a wholesale knitwear business built around handmade products produced by a Fair Trade women’s cooperative in Nepal.

The 2025 Redwood Coast Region Economic Summit brought together leaders, change-makers, and community members from across the region for three days of conversation, connection, and shared learning in Lake County.

When Alex Urquhart and Mariah Durand got married beneath the towering redwoods of Humboldt County, they never expected that their wedding would eventually inspire a business venture. But that’s exactly what happened. After falling in love with Humboldt, the couple decided to take a leap—turning their wedding-day experience into a full-time entrepreneurial journey.

North Edge has been officially certified as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) by the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s...