Los Angeles-based fashion designer Heidi Merrick will discuss her success in the business world at the April 12 awards event for the Business Times' Top Women in Business special section. (courtesy photo)

Fashion designer Heidi Merrick will keynote the Pacific Coast Business Times’ awards event for its annual Top Women in Business special section.

The event, held April 12 in Santa Barbara, will feature Merrick, a native of Carpinteria and daughter of famed surfboard shaper Al Merrick.

Merrick launched her line of clothing in 2007, and the collection is now sold in retail and specialty stores across the United States, Canada and Japan. Last year, she introduced a home collection under the Heidi Merrick label.

Merrick is based in Los Angeles and all of the manufacturing for her line is done within walking distance of the downtown studio, according to her company. The Heidi Merrick line, which includes colorful, California-inspired pieces, has been featured in Elle, Vogue, Lucky and other top fashion publications.

The Business Times’ annual Top Women special section features 50 leading business women in the Tri-Counties, from small business owners to bankers, lawyers, CPAs and top executives. This year’s section publishes March 23 and is followed by the awards ceremony, held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. On Thursday, April 12 at Fess Parker’s DoubleTree Resort.

For tickets to and more information about the event, click here.

For advertising and sponsorship information, please contact Publisher Linda le Brock at (805) 560-6950 ext. 233 or llebrock@pacbiztimes.com.