Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

 Jessica Deleplancque | Colorado Photographer

There were so many reasons why I wanted to start my own business, but I think the biggest reason was just the desire to live my life in a way that allowed me to create a schedule the worked for what my family needed and allowed me to feel like I still have a creative and social outlet in the midst of motherhood. When I was in high school I was approached by a local photographer who asked me to model for her senior photo advertisements. Read more>>

Kathryn Budig | Author and founder of Haus of Phoenix

Haus of Phoenix was born from a desire to create a true home. I’ve always known a brick and mortar yoga studio wasn’t in my cards, and I honestly couldn’t have foreseen starting my own online studio either. The need for autonomy is a powerful elixir, and once I said yes to the idea, the floodgates opened up — all the pieces of me that big business wouldn’t nurture, Read more>>

Sarah Caudle | artist, entrepreneur, dog lover

With a background in product design, I’ve always had a passion to create. After moving to Hawai’i and feeling so inspired by my surroundings, I began painting again. I discovered a new medium that I had never seen artists use at the time, resin, and with it, I was able to capture the depth, color, and wonder of the beautiful beaches. My art began to sell and my first business, Sarah Caudle Art, was formed. Read more>>

Joe Bauer | Adventure/Lifestyle Video Creator

It took me a LONG time to figure out what business would give me the life that I wanted. And not only the life that I wanted outside of the business, but what would give me enjoyment everyday. Getting a new business off the ground takes a LOT of work, long hours, stress on finances and relationships. So, for me, it’s important that I really love what I’m doing, and believe in the future. Read more>>

Amber Gillespie | Owner & Lead Photographer

I had always dreamt of being a photographer and when I had my kids.. I decided to invest in equipment to capture all their special first moments. I realized that I was talented and wanted to follow my dream, because I want them to follow their dreams too! Each photoshoot I do I am so grateful that I made that decision because I was the only person holding me back. Read more>>

Jody Boyman | Hungry Planet, Inc

My brother and I are entrepreneurs at heart and decided we wanted to embark on a business that would make the world a better place. We both had successful careers in other areas and were ready to embrace another opportunity. We kicked around lots of ideas and settled on food, specifically plant-based meats, because they have the ability to “bend the curve on personal and planetary health” – our mission. Food is humankind’s common denominator and thus our biggest opportunity to address climate change, food insecurity, and challenging health issues among many other things. Read more>>

Samantha Luegger | Owner of LUE Outdoors

With LUE Outdoors, the thought process was very simple: I needed employment, but due to my health was unable to find an employer willing to hire me (2016-2018). LUE Outdoors came to be out my extreme passion for loving the outdoors, living life outdoors in combo with the need for employment. The business started as an ambassador and affiliate business, grew to an online retailer, and then January 2022 we opened our first physical location. Read more>>

Elizabeth Wanberg | Dog trainer/dog boarding

I wanted to show people it is possible to do positive reinforcement dog training and dogs are not just animals; they are compassionate beings that live among us and we need to treat them with respect and good nature. I want dogs to get as much love and joy out of their lives like they give us. Read more>>

Jessica Blaisdell | Doctor of Physical Therapy; Pregnancy & Postpartum Corrective Exercise Specialist

The idea for starting my own business sprouted during my own pregnancy and postpartum journey, and after hearing countless stories from others regarding the challenges they’ve faced. So many people I spoke with were dealing with pain throughout pregnancy and postpartum, leaking, prolapse, diastasis, or having challenges with returning to their favorite exercises or hobbies. It felt apparent that there was a lack of support, and a dire need for more personalized guidance and care. I wanted to know how to help! Read more>>

Mindi Westfall | Pilates Instructor & Boutique Owner

I have always wanted my own business and I used to create different businesses when I was little. From a restaurant, to retail I always had a business in mind. Through my amazing business coach I realized that the dream could easily become a reality with a lot of guidance and focus. Started small with online pilates classes and a few clients that came to my house for one on one sessions. This continued to grow as I was working at a local studio. Once I could see the growth in my income I decided it was time to go on my own! Now I own a Pilates Studio and a Small Up-Cycled Clothing Boutique! Read more>>

Vadim & Rudy Krasnopolskiy & Yagudayev | Problem Solvers and Entrepreneurs

LAYZE is a cannabis-related startup that was founded for several reasons. Firstly, the legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use in many states led to a growing demand for related products and accessories, which presented an opportunity to enter an expanding industry. Recognizing this opportunity, the founders of LAYZE set out to create innovative products and services that catered to the needs of consumers. Read more>>

Xandra Hawes | Therapist & Psychic-Medium

It wasn’t until my late 20s that it dawned on me that my way of thinking and operating had entrepreneur written all over it. I knew I cared about people deeply and that my purpose was to help people heal, but I always thought I would bring my skills to someone else’s dream or framework. I never realized that I could hold the creative vision and do the ground work entirely for myself. Read more>>

Tony Sartain | Entrepreneur & / Editor/Chief

My thought process about starting my business was very eye opening because even though I new exactly how everything was gone be ran and had my layouts but once everything came together it was very overwhelming. Read more>>

Todd Rall | Realtor/Team Owner

I had been working another time-consuming albeit lucrative job at the time we were expecting our second daughter. I was unhappy in that position and it became clear I needed to be with my family more. I had already been dabbling in real estate at the time and knew I wanted to make a career of it so with my wife’s support I took the leap! Read more>>

Brittanie Fehn | Photographer

I wanted to start my own business because I was authentically bringing in revenue from friends and family who needed photography services who were then referring us to their friends and family. It made sense to make our business official with branding. Read more>>

Jody Ehlett | Owner of Made For Lips

I wanted to do some thing that was different. I wanted to create some thing that was environmentally less impactful. There’s so many products on the market and most are in plastic packaging. I knew I could create some thing that would be different. That would actually work and wouldn’t last forever.
Plus, I made the best lip balm with 4 simple ingredients and I wanted to share it. Read more>>

Kat Conner | Property and business owner

I purchased my downtown Eagle commercial building because I love small downtowns and have a vision to remodel and turn it into a thriving business. At the time there were three separate units that all desperately needed renovating. So after a year I took over one of the spaces and created Katch of the Day wine bar. There were only two restaurants within four city blocks that served food and beverages after 5pm. Read more>>

Max & Emily | Beer Bloggers

We wanted something different yet familiar. Something community focused, that we didn’t really see anyone else in our area doing. The idea was to be part of the community and get to know the people who brew great beer in Colorado Springs. It’s not like Denver, and the beer scene is a lot smaller as a result. I think Colorado Springs has the potential to be a big name beer destination and helping these breweries get their name out will help a ton. Read more>>