In this episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Mariah Parsons, founder and CEO of Haven Nova Swim, to talk about how she’s building a swimwear brand centered on versatility, sustainability, and community.

Mariah shared her journey from teaching herself to sew and developing prototypes to working with manufacturers, funding production, and using social media to validate her ideas and build the community that would become the backbone of her company.

We also discussed Haven Nova’s focus on sustainable materials, versatile designs, and more thoughtful consumption. Mariah shared the realities of bootstrapping a business, the importance of customer feedback, and how community continues to shape the brand’s growth.

This episode is about entrepreneurship, sustainable fashion, and turning an idea into a brand with purpose. If you’re interested in building a consumer business and growing through community, this conversation will definitely resonate.

Connect with Mariah:

Mariah’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariahparsons/

Mariah’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariahparsons17

Haven Nova Swim website: https://havennovaswim.com/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

In the latest episode of Chicago Techies Podcast, we sat down with Bruce Ross, CEO of Arqaios, Inc., to talk about how the company is developing AI-enabled smart spaces using embedded millimeter-wave radar technology.

We explored Arqaios’ privacy-first smart-space fall detection for seniors, how its integrated sensors can detect falls and recognize movement patterns without indoor cameras, and how its patented devices aim to enable proactive responses and intelligent automation. We also discussed how the technology can scale across homes, hotels, and multifamily buildings.

We also talked about the Chicago tech ecosystem and the role innovation and entrepreneurship play in bringing new technologies to market. Our conversation touched on the challenges of building technology that balances safety, privacy, and automation while creating real-world impact.

Connect with Bruce:

Bruce’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/

Arqaios’ website: https://arqaios.com/

Arqaios’ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/arqaios/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87

Episode 62 - Akhil Kumar- Co-Founder & CEO of Movorra

In this episode of the Chicago Techies Podcast, I sat down with Akhil Kumar, co-founder and CEO of Mavorra, to talk about his journey from college student to entrepreneur and how he’s using AI to improve the transportation industry.

We explored how Akhil’s internship at a transportation company exposed him to inefficiencies in the quoting process, inspiring him to build Mavorra, an AI-powered solution designed to help transportation companies streamline their operations.

We also talked about the challenges of building a startup while balancing college, including time management, mental health, and the importance of having a strong support system. Akhil shared how Chicago’s startup community has helped shape his entrepreneurial journey and why mentorship and community are so valuable for young founders.

This episode is about entrepreneurship, AI, and solving real-world problems with technology. If you're interested in startups, transportation tech, or hearing from young founders building innovative solutions, this conversation is definitely worth a listen.

Connect with Akhil:

Akhil’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akhil-kumar-2779192a5/

Movorra website: https://www.movorra.ai/

Movorra LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/movorra/

Connect with Chicago Techies Podcast:

Website: https://chicagotechiespodcast.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicago-techies-podcast

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicagotechies

Connect with Ceci:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cbenitez87/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cbenitez_87