Business Report [May 2025]

Issue Date: May 2025 Ad proof #3

Issue Date: May 2025 Ad proof #2

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SP EC I A L A DVERT I SI NG SEC T I ON

MELISSA OTT President, Pelican State Credit Union

ASHLEE BERGERON Owner and CEO, Studio C3:23 LLC

WHAT DOES LEADING THE WAY MEAN TO YOU?

In my career, I have always focused on the quality of my work and doing what is right for our members and employees. Leading the way means setting an example and demonstrating confidence in my ability to navigate challenges and overcome adversity. I hold myself to a high standard, and I do not take my influence lightly. My work practices and strategies must be consistent and professional — and they must also inspire others to work toward the same goal.

Leading the way means showing up as my highest self and choosing purpose-driven hustle over a chaotic grind. Through my life’s work, business growth and bold storytelling, I lead by example — proving you can build success without shrinking, serve without struggling and live boldly unapologetically. I didn’t always have a seat at the table, so I built my own — and I invite others to shine there too.

WHAT IS THE MISSION & VISION BEHIND YOUR BUSINESS?

Pelican was chartered as a state credit union in 1956, and I joined the team as a part-time file room clerk in 2002. Although I didn’t start the company, I’ve always approached my role with an ownership mentality. I’ve been driven to improve every process and make it the best it can be. Pelican is a Christian-minded organization with a mission to improve the financial lives of its members and the communities we serve. We do this by offering competitive banking products and services that make a meaningful impact. Some days can be challenging in today’s evolving economic landscape, but this is a deeply rewarding career.

I am a visual branding strategist, but more than that — I’m a storyteller and a space-holder for transformation. My photography captures more than moments, it captures identity, confidence and power. My mission is to help women see themselves — sometimes for the first time — through a lens of worthiness. The vision? To create a visual brand rooted in authenticity, impact and alignment — building a legacy that inspires others to own their story, charge their worth and show up fully.

WHICH WOMAN INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE TODAY? I have been heavily influenced by my mom throughout my life. She and my dad own an antique store and ran a major antique festival for most of my life. She has always been present throughout my life without expecting anything in return. I am inspired by the relationships she has built in her community and her ability to pull everyone together to have fun and make a meaningful contribution.

IF YOU COULD SIT DOWN WITH ANY WOMAN IN HISTORY, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY? If I could sit down with any woman in history, it would be Frida Kahlo. She turned pain into art and refused to be boxed in — by men, society or even her own body. I’d want to know how she found beauty in the broken and how she stayed fully herself in every brushstroke.

Daily-Report.com | BUSINESS REPORT, May 2025

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