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.

Grace McClain | Slow Living Aficionado & Conscious Consumer

Since growing up in a multigenerational family of entrepreneurs, I always knew I would work for myself. But I have attempted many things along the way. I am deeply motivated by conscious consumerism which is why traditional retail didn’t work for me. I truly don’t want to add to the endless clutter in our lives, landfills and waterways which is why I started with a consulting model for slow living and then the refill stations for everyday essentials such as eco laundry powder and zero waste skincare. The thought process has always revolved around making it easier or more accessible for people to switch to more eco/ ethical practices across all aspects of their daily lives. Read more>>

Brittany McDonald | Entrepreneur & Hiker

I am a free spirit and I was looking to be able to adventure more. That wasn’t possible with a 9 to 5 and chasing the weekends. I wanted more freedom and to be able to decide to my schedule. I wanted something that I could take anywhere and not necessarily be stuck in one area or place Read more>>

Tanillia Patterson | Versatile Mens, Womens and Kids Hairstylist.

I never thought as I child I would be doing what I am doing now. I always thought I would grow up to become a doctor or a lawyer. I loved shows like SVU, Criminal Minds, Grey’s, etc. I was fascinated with these careers. Read more>>

Kelsey Peterson | Dancer, Writer, Filmmaker, Disability Advocate

As a person with a disability, I’m always trying to find ways to make my world accessible, ways to connect with my body in a world that has an a lot more resources available for able-bodied people. I want to be of service to my community while I am learning, and this feels like the best way to do that. I love movement, and it has always been a huge part of my life, but after my injury, I really struggled with finding ways to move. Coming back to dance few years ago, was a revelation for me and it has really been the catalyst for integrating more movement into my life and sharing that with others. I want people with disabilities to see themselves as beautiful and sovereign, and give us ways to connect with that part of ourselves that sometimes feels dormant and distant. Embodied healing is a way for us to maximize our human experience, work through trauma, heal, grow, and connect with our divine essence. It is a way for us to create community in a culture that often separates or dismisses us, especially as marginalized peoples. Starting this path is not only a means of healing, but a means of resistance. Read more>>

Dave Merlina | Cook

I have always wanted to have my name on the door so to speak. It is a huge undertaking, starting your own business but I knew I would regret it if I didn’t at least try Read more>>

Tara Zupan | Salon owner, Hairstylist, Wife and Mom

In a very simple answer, I needed a place to work close to home. My husband and I had recently moved to Colorado from Wisconsin with our two children. I have always had a strong conviction to want to work close to home after having children. I want to be close enough to them if there is any type of emergency. We moved to Roxborough Colorado and quickly learned that it was a bit of a hidden gem and very underdeveloped. Although this is one of our favorite things about it, there was not a Hair Salon in this area at all. Read more>>