"WEST HARTFORD — Only a couple of years ago, Bare Life founder Ali Lazowski was bedridden, a result of an illness that had been fighting her for several years ago.

The West Hartford native, who now lives in Hartford, had finally been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, Lyme disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and Hashimoto’s disease after visiting more than 40 doctors.

During her recovery, while trying to find a spark of joy between doctor’s appointments, Lazowski began working on an allergen friendly hot chocolate recipe she could enjoy.

That’s the beginning of Bare Life, Lazowski’s company that has continued to grow in the 15 months since its inception..."