Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Gerry Melendez | Photographer and filmmaker

I’ve always done freelance photography and video work throughout my 30-year career so having the mindset of always being available to clients and their needs is a priority. Starting your own business takes time, especially when you’re trying to build a client base. Networking is crucial as is finding a niche. Some photographers focus on portraiture. Others on food or product. Whatever you’re passionate about is what you should explore. Developing a unique style will also separate you from the pack. Finding other photographers to network with and build relationships also helps. Especially when starting out. Read more>>

Allison Roth | Automotive photographer and videographer

I was working for a Fortune 500 company as a midlevel manager and had been there for over 10 years. I started to notice that I was no longer enjoying going to work each day. I had always told myself that I wanted to do what I love. if I didn’t enjoy work then it was time to do something different. As I started to think about how I could start doing something different I looked back on my past experiences and thought if not now when? It just made sense at the time. Read more>>

Melissa Conant–Real Estate Specialist/Associate Broker

I have worked for myself since I was very young. I enjoy self care, hobbies and traveling, which don’t fit well in the corporate lifestyle. Working for myself, I’m able to control my schedule, as well as drive my income. Which leads to the next big point, unlimited income. While there is security in a regular paycheck, the limit of what my employer will pay for my services does not inspire me to work harder. Knowing the harder I work, the more money I make, inspires me to put the time in. Read more>>

Amy Garcia | Licensed Professional Counselor

Being a therapist, working for someone else seemed like the most logical route. Then I slowly learned that working for someone else means less pay and less autonomy, as many employees feel today. I was giving a company 50% of my pay to not be able to pick my own clients and focus on the type of treatment I really wanted to provide. So my own business looked hard but so freeing in so many ways. After learning how I conduct sessions and accept insurance on my own; it became a no brainer. Read more>>

Dana Brungardt | Co-Owner & Head of Operations

In 2010 I was a new teacher trying to get my foot in the door when budget cuts hit our district. I have always loved to bake and cupcakes were all the rage, so with the help and encouragement from my mom, we started “B” Sweet Cupcakes. We started experimenting at home and took samples to a local farmer’s market and got very positive feedback, so we started looking for a place to bake and get licensed with the health department, with a focus on catering. One of my goals in getting the business up and running was to be able to support myself and give other local people an opportunity for a job. We also wanted to be able to give back to our community. Read more>>

Euell Santistevan | Self- Defense and Personal Protection Instructor.

For may years I had been teaching classes on the side as things would come up. When things changed with COVID in 2020, my mentality changed and I decided to do what I love and spread awareness and education as much as I could. It was just getting to a point where more people were asking for my services and I was having to take days off just to accommodate a growing demand. I took what I had at the time in my retirement savings and invested that money into myself and not into to someone else’s dream, but into mine. I haven’t looked back. Read more>>

Courtney Kendall | Every Little Seed Creative Director

I started Every Little Seed, because I looked around and saw how my life had turned into a hurried blur. I was running at a frenetic pace and couldn’t seem to pause and be still. So it was birthed out of a passion to help myself and others slow down and richly engage their faith, friendships, and art. We have grown tremendously from our original roots, now hosting art workshops, retreats, creative coaching, and publishing a Creative Devotional. Our devotional is filled with art and stories from contributors worldwide. It is exciting to see our community growing. Read more>>

Haley Himiko Hudson Morris | Shop owner & artist

In 2015, long before I opened my brick and mortar shop I decided to quit my regular full time job working in Coffee here in Cleveland. I had been inspired by other friends locally who were making their own way doing creative work. Cleveland is definitely a more affordable city than others to try taking that leap! I have always been an ambitious person full of ideas. In 2012 I had my first solid ideas to open a Notebook & Journal shop but the timing wasn’t right. When I first began working for myself I was making accessories by hand and art with laser cutters and also event planning & DJing. Read more>>

Mel McVeigh | Founder & Creative Designer at Loba Design Studio

My journey into the world of branding and web design started when I was 13, diving into coding with HTML & CSS on LiveJournal. I found joy in playing with Photoshop and creating layouts for my blogs. What began as a hobby eventually turned into my profession, and for nearly 14 years, I’ve been dedicated to designing and developing websites for all kinds of businesses and brands. The experiences I’ve had and the knowledge I’ve gained over the years, coupled with the invaluable lessons from peers and clients, have been instrumental in shaping my perspective. My continuous desire to learn and adapt has always been driven by a need to understand and cater to my clients’ needs. Read more>>

Collin Hoffman | Builder of Unforgettable & Standout Brands

When I embarked on the journey of starting The Branded Rooster, my thought process was deeply rooted in two fundamental aspirations. Firstly, I was driven by a profound desire to utilize my skills and talents to make a meaningful impact. This sentiment perfectly aligns with the ethos of our agency, which is to help businesses and individuals build unforgettable and standout brands. As the renowned designer Aaron James Draplin once said, “Use your little mouse finger to help.” I wholeheartedly believe in using my creative abilities to assist others, and in doing so, make a positive contribution to my communities, industry, and ultimately, the world. Read more>>

Chris Earl | Rancher and Angus Cattle Consultant

Like many the attraction of being fully responsible for the running, success or failure of the business was what we believed fit our approach to life and family. Read more>>

Grayson Adams | Photographer

I have always had a passion for photography. I remember back growing up I’d always beg my parents when we were at Walmart for a disposable camera and really fell in love with the art. Come a few years ago I was at a crossroads and mentally exhausted and needed a change. I had the gear and the passion for this art and here we are now. Almost 10 publications across the world! Read more>>

Zach Bertrand | Youth Pastor & Photographer

I have always loved photography and gravitated to it since I was a kid. The longer I kept shooting, the more I wanted to share those photos with others. With each image, I hope to convey a story or to help create memories that last a lifetime. Photography has allowed me to look back on my life and remember some of the most incredible moments. I want to help others do the same and capture their memories. In the years to come, they can also look back and remember those unforgettable moments in their lives. Read more>>