The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Toni Longo

After receiving my Real Estate License in 2022, I was struggling to find the niche that would separate me from the thousands of licensed agents in Colorado. Many agents are locals and have deep rooted referral systems of friends and family, which make it easier for obtaining business. As a transplant, I did not have the same systems – my circle is small. Fast forward a year, I had my daughter, and wanted to really put focus into igniting my career. I was brainstorming with my husband the same question: what is my niche? Prior to having my children, I had a successful career in Property Management. Read More>>

Brandon Bennett

I wanted to elaborate on the dog and human connection through hand made dog and human watching apparel. Read More>>

Danielle Degutz

I make and sell horns and antlers that you wear on your head as part of a costume at the renaissance faire! It is a lot of fun. I came into renaissance faires after traveling for years and beginning to feel directionless. While traveling is so much fun, after a certain point, it is inevitable to start to feel like you need more of a purpose in life. I wanted to have something to work towards and accomplish that aligned with my values. I began working at ren faires for other people, not with my own booth. Read More>>

Kaila Bryant

I grew up cooking with my mom so as an adult, I’ve always enjoyed cooking for my friends, family, and others and everyone always loved it. Eventually, people encouraged me to sell my food because they enjoyed it so much and there aren’t many places here in Colorado Springs that offer true southern comfort food. I honestly just love cooking and I love sharing my gift with others. Read More>>

Joe Achée

I think, for me, my thought process was much like everyone else’s in that I couldn’t see myself working for someone else my entire life. I could waste countless hours making someone else rich while I continued to struggle. So, I decided the best way to get things going was to form my LLC. I figured, if it was something real, it would be something I would push myself at even more. Read More>>

Diana & Haley

We both enjoy crocheting as our hobby. Haley learned knitting from her Aunt but after watching YouTube tutorials about crocheting, taught herself to crochet and was hooked!. Diana started crocheting at the age of 8 after her grandmother taught her how to crochet her first beanie. Over the years, we have both improved our skills by using free patterns and looking through books. From there, it was trial and error.  Read More>>

Tyler Skillman

My thought process behind starting my own business is not only am I trying to catch someone’s attention with my music, I’m also trying to make it relatable as well!! I personally love music that stands out to people and helps them in a way more than just listening to the song and vibing with it. I want my music to leave an impact on someone for a better cause and I want to be as different and authentic as I can. Read More>>

 Jessica Wyckoff

Starting Tower Ten Media was both a strategic decision and a deeply personal one. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, community, and impactful design—but I noticed a gap in the market for small businesses that needed high-quality marketing support without the red tape or cookie-cutter approach of large agencies. I wanted to create a space where businesses could feel seen, supported, and empowered through custom-tailored strategies that actually move the needle. Read More>>

Jane Gorman

Many people have asked about my journey to becoming a Wedding Officiant. It all began in 1994, when I got engaged in Boulder, Colorado. My husband and I faced challenges finding the right person to marry us due to our different religious backgrounds. Our Celebrant was patient, kind, and genuinely listened to us, qualities I realized I also possessed. Read More>>