Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Jamie Eklund | Owner, CEO, Realtor

Starting and owning a business allows me to put my skill and creativity to task for the purpose of helping people solve a particular problem with my unique spin on the solutions we provide. My background is in engineering which I applied in the corporate world in the healthcare division before I entered the real estate industry. With that perspective, I am able to see the real estate industry from a unique light and seek to move the industry in its next stage of evolution through business. Read more>>

Jedd Rose | Co-Founder & President

I started from the place of wanting to do something that was very tied to my personal interests, my background and the things that I was already constantly researching and engaged with. For me that was outdoor gear, fashion and design/branding. Growing up in Wyoming I spent a ton of time outdoors fishing, camping, hiking so outdoor gear was a big part of that lifestyle and I loved all the things we used while we were outdoors. Read more>>

Giannie Couji | Fashion Stylist, Editor in Chief & Creative Director @ Ubikwist magazine

I started Ubikwist in 2014 because of the lack of diversity in magazines Read more>>

Lib Ramos | Graphic Designer and co-founder of The Makers Collective

I started what is now The Makers Collective with a friend in 2010. It began as a single event — an art festival — that has become an annual event in our city for 13 years now. We didn’t begin with the intention of starting a business. Our goal was to do something good for our community and, specifically, for the artists in our community. The fact that we are still doing this over a decade later is truly incredible to me. Read more>>

Hawken Carlton | Educational Herpetologist and Botanist

I’ve never been one to go with the flow of someon else’s intentions; I prefer writing my own story, and taking a different path. The passions I have are for aspects of nature that are little-known, little-understood or often purposefully misunderstood by general society, and I wanted to do something that could bring awareness, appreciation, and a desire for conservation to other people so that the things I love might stick around longer in our world. Read more>>

Starla Teddergreen | Co owner of Distance To Empty, Professional Cyclist, Mentor, Advocate.

After a series of life-threatening health scares for both of us, my husband Gino and I founded Distance to Empty. It was an organic process motivated by a set of values we use in our lives. We stand for the idea that we’re better humans when we’re discovering the limits of our potential. We believe resilience is earned from persistence in the face of difficult circumstances. We believe in lifting each other up. Together we wanted to create something that builds community, inspires others, and challenges us to grow. Read more>>

Rubina Ali | Founder Chairperson for UPPA

I have been working on peace and prosperity mission since many years in different parts of the world and I realize this mission is like spreading hope around the globe even though humanity is facing so many battles. That’s why I decided to register this company from USA and start giving hope to one person at a time. I knew with the blogs and the podcast I could reach masses and all I will do is guide them to love. Love is pure and it should be for every creation irrespective of color, size, groups, location, language, religions, tribes, cultures and shape. Read more>>

Chad Timmer | Travel Agent

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always enjoyed traveling and going to places I haven’t been to before. Planning where to go on vacations and how to get the best deals for what I was trying to see and experience was something I found enjoyable. This is what led me to want to start my own travel agency. Read more>>

Courtney Morgan Abby Templeton Greene | CO-Executive Directors of Sidewalk Poets

Both Courtney and I have worked in different spheres doing similar work, including teaching at other nonprofits, universities, libraries, hospitals, as well as within the public school system. There were a few things that led us to want to start our own business: I think some of it was knowing that we want to teach writing and storytelling through a lens of acceptance, empowerment and healing. So often in educational settings it is taught as a skill, a craft that you either have or don’t have. Read more>>

Elizabeth Lyles | Chair, Advocate, LPN

In 2017 our daughter was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder. To date there are only 26 children with her disorder world wide. When it came time to enroll her into preschool our local schools wait listed her despite her disability and the fact that she was on an IEP. My husband and I are nurses by trade and knew that her rights were being ignored but not to what extent. Mark (my husband) attended a PEP conference and through connections he made there got me in touch with an advocate. Read more>>

Chris Case | Professional Guide and Writer

I’ve had a diverse range of professions, from neuroscience researcher to magazine editor to operations director in the travel industry. Throughout my various careers, one thing had always stayed the same: someone else was in charge. For a long time, I was fine with that. But as I grew older and wiser, I repeatedly found myself doubting the decisions that were being made above me that greatly impacted my job, my stress, and my satisfaction. So I decided to create my own company in order to execute my own vision, rather than someone else’s. Read more>>

Chef Corso | Founder and Head Chef

I’m an avid hiker and camper. I’m from the pacific nw and I loved exploring the mountains and trails in the region. I’m also a classically trained chef and have been in the food industry for over 20 years. Food has always been a big part of my life. When I went out on my adventurers, I noticed that most folks were just boiling water and adding it to a bag. This added very little to the outdoor experience and I saw an opportunity to elevate outdoor meals for better enjoyment. Read more>>

Jeffrey Tousignant | Revit Drafter and Instructor

I chose to start an independent contractor-based computer drafting business using Revit for several reasons. Primarily, Revit is a powerful tool used in the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. As the demand for these services continues to grow, there is a corresponding need for skilled Revit drafters. Read more>>

Allison Wilcox | Psychologist and Yarn Shop Owner

I have spent the majority of my career working in very high stress, high value (?) environments – After working in forensic psychology with children for 20 years and public health before that, I really wanted a change. Knitting had been a stress reliever for me when my son was young, but I avoided yarn stores because I found every one I went to to be sort of stuck up and unwelcoming. I wanted to create a space that was inclusive, warm to newcomers and kind. I didn’t realize just how challenging retail would be (since I knew zero about it. Read more>>

Jordan Martindell | Owner · Sewer · Hoarder of Fabrics

I started SewBo to bring my love of fabric and sewing to a new generation. I grew up with a mother who was an excellent seamstress. She showed me commitment, determination, creativity, and of course sewing skills through the love she expressed with a needle and thread. Whether she was making costumes for a school play, Read more>>

Kasandra Hoover | Owner/Entrepreneur

Initially when my husband and I bought the Ace Hardware in town I thought I would be more in the background helping in the office and helping with bookkeeping but the seller said he also had a decorating/furniture store that he wanted to sell as well in town and would like for us to take that business over as well. I had always loved interior design and at one point had even considered that as a major in college so I thought I might be able to help make the store profitable by bringing in some newer and updated furnishings. Read more>>

 Donald Spears, ND, MSOM, LAc | Holistic Doctor & Acupuncturist

After finishing a 6-year graduate degree in Naturopathic and Chinese medicine, I was considering the different career pathways ahead. Unlike the conventional medical profession, opportunities in the holistic medical field after graduating are limited. Most graduates apply for a limited number of residencies or join a pre-existing practice as an independent contractor. Read more>>

Brooks Hagee | Vintage and Antique Home Decor Shop Owner (and Pediatrician)

Starting at a young age, I grew up antiquing with my mother. I was always fascinated by the beautiful pieces she searched for and collected, and over time, I developed my own passion for a special collection. Inspired by my mother’s legacy and her collections, Collectible Brooks was launched in 2019 as a side gig from my full-time career as a pediatrician. Like many physicians in today’s medical field, I had been struggling with frustration and fatigue. I felt a strong pull to start my own business as a creative outlet and with my lifetime love of antiques and vintage, a luxury vintage home décor business seemed the logical choice! Read more>>

Julie Trinh | International Wedding and Elopement Photographer

Always knew I loved storytelling and cameras! It all started in high school when I took my first journalism class 14 years ago. My love for the journalism field grew each year. By senior year in 2013, I reached my goal of being Editor in Chief of our yearbook! In 2018, I graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelors degree in the Broadcast Journalism field. From there I had the opportunity to become a Journalist and an official News Anchor.  Read more>>

Ashley Buchholz | Photographer

I decided to start my own business because I have a love for celebrating big moments with the couples I photograph. There’s something truly special about being a part of one of the most significant days in someone’s life and capturing those moments of love and joy. I get to combine my passion for photography with my desire to celebrate life’s special moments with my clients. Read more>>

Brad Manard | RMNPhotographer Tours

When I retired after 39 years as an educator, 27 years as a school superintendent, I moved to Estes Park with the intent of starting a new adventure. Immediately, I began giving tours 2-3 days a week combining my love for Rocky Mountain National Park, hobby as a nature and wildlife photographer, and ability to related to people. Then the pandemic hit. That’s where the idea for RMNPhotographer Tours began. Read more>>

Valérie Aguila | photographer

My current activity is wedding photographer, pregnant woman photographer, baby photographer. Before this activity, I was in charge of human resources in an association of reintegration of young people in difficulty. It was an interesting job, but I felt that I was not fully fulfilled. The association encountered financial difficulties and the entire staff was laid off. Read more>>

Lewis Warren | Collectible & Comic store owner

You know, I was always afraid of stepping off on my own because of having Cerebral Palsy (C.P.) so I was more comfortable behind the scenes. But after years of people telling me how amazing I am with knowing the in and outs of collecting, comics and action figures. Read more>>

Bob Nightwalker | Licensed Wildlife Rehabilitator

After seeing the void left behind by the closing of the wildlife center that was serving Northern Colorado, I knew that we needed to get a new one established. There were hundreds of sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals that weren’t getting the help they needed. There are many compassionate people in this community that now have a place, back in their community again, that they can turn to when they come across wildlife in need. Read more>>

Victoria Halligan | Gourmet Mushroom Farm Owner

My partner Justin and I had always dreamed of running a small farm together and providing healthy food to our community. We’ve grown large gardens, and had been growing gourmet mushrooms like oysters and lions mane that we would give to our friends and family. Our souls truly felt nourished by being able to provide people with food that was grown with love and our own hands.  Read more>>

JM Skinner | Physical Therapist, Trainer, & Wellness Coach

A lot of it was wanting to provide a better physical therapy product to my patients. I thought if I started my own clinic and cut insurance out of my model, then I wouldn’t have to see 15 people/day. I could spend more time with each patient, and avoid diluting the product of physical therapy. My hope was that people would get better in less visits, they would get more personalized plans of care, and the connection between practitioner and patient would be stronger. Read more>>

Gianfranco Deledda | Botanic and farmer

It all started because i have always found the world of plant and whats concerns them fascinating. My purpose is to make this world know. Read more>>

Nicole Frail | Fiction & Nonfiction Book Editor

I’ve always had a hard time relaxing! Or basically just not being productive in some way. I held three jobs in college while simultaneously taking classes, and I freelanced alongside my first full-time job, A few weeks into my current job (I’ve been with the company for eleven years now), I was already scouting out overtime/freelance opportunities. So when a friend of my aunt’s needed some editorial help a few years later, I figured it’d be a good opportunity to work on something new. My boss gave me his blessing, and off I went. Read more>>

Joshua Bowsher | Owner

There is always a need for disposal services in any economy. Also, people die and leave more than the family tends to want. With all of this said, when I moved to Montrose, I noticed there were no professional, insured junk and clutter removal companies here. So I started up my business here again. Read more>>

 Darlene Zwolinski | Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Traditional Naturopath

My Dad was a math teacher and the first generation in our family to graduate from college. It was always assumed that my future included a college career. The only problem, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Math was always my best subject in school. My only guidance was with a series of career testing, which eventually pointed me toward a college major in Computer Science. Read more>>

Camilla Siren | Artist

I’ve been drawing since I was little. Drawing was always my way of expressing myself and connecting with other people… At school I was always the student in the group responsible for making posters and artwork. I used to draw a lot on my own, put together masses and draw masses. When high school started, right at the time of deciding which college to go to, which profession to pursue, I spent some time experimenting with various techniques, especially photography. Read more>>

Brandon Bird | Play-by-play announcer, Golf Coach, Journalism Teacher

I was working in radio in Sterling Colorado and lived two hours away from my wife and I was tired of only getting to be together on some weekends. She proposed the idea of starting a little straming network for Erie High School and I created a buget and a proposal and took it to the athletic Director and sold him on the idea. That is how the Erie Tiger Network was born back in 2015. Read more>>

Judy Day | Artist/Creative

I have been a member artist and LLC partner of High Country ARTisans since we moved to the Silverthorne Outlet Mall in Silverthorne Colorado in June of 2017. Before that I was a member artist and bookkeeper for the gallery when it was under a different LLC when we were located in Keystone. So it is not my business. I am one of three LLC partners for the gallery. I was invited to join the gallery back in 2010 and thought it would be a fun adventure during retirement. Read more>>

Yolanda Washington | CEO, NCS, PPD, BD, LE, NP

I started my business because I was a young mother at the age of 19 and I did not have the resources to help me navigate having a baby. I lacked the support and information. My mother was there for each child but she could only help for a short period of time. She also did not breastfeed so she could not help me navigate the process. Read more>>

Jim Wilterdink | Designer Guy

I’m kind of a serial entreprenuer. This particular business was the evolution of the age old saying, “There has to be a better way.” This came about as my oldest son was coming of age and riding. We had to get my bike, my son’s, and of course a buddies bike in the back of my truck. We tried the cooler trick, the center stand etc. nothing that kept the bikes secure was easy and nothing that was easy was secure. I stopped by a local fabrication shop and the owner and I sketched it out right there. Prototype V1 was in process. $800 later and some changes we had our first product. Our NiceRack, truck tie down system for three motorcycles. Read more>>