How did you come up with the idea for your business?

It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Zac Crosby | Wooden Map Maker

Ever since I was a kid I loved maps. I was always holding a book on maps on road trips across the country. A visitor’s center in New Hampshire had a relief model of the White Mountains and I was enthralled with it every time we passed through the area. 20 years later I am tinkering around with homemade computer controlled router machines and I realize I can recreate all the mountains I want. Read more>>

Jon Glassberg | Professional Rock Climber, Filmmaker and Photographer

I came up with the idea for my business – “Louder Than 11” after realizing there was a huge gap in the climbing space and a hunger for quick, simple climbing media that was available for free for everyone. YouTube and smartphones were not ubiquitous in the 2000s so the moment that DSLR cameras became affordable and easy to shoot with, I grabbed one and started documenting every climb I did or my pro climber friends were doing. Read more>>

Ashley Rodriguez | Photographer/Videographer

Growing up, I’ve always looked at things in a “picture” way. “Oh this would be a great picture, that should be in a magazine”. My uncle, gave me my very first point and shoot camera. I was SO excited and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I had just had a baby, 2 months at the time. Our bodies change, and mine happened to change quiet a bit. I decided I wanted to Im power other woman to love their bodies. I eventually decided I wanted to do families, and since then, it’s only been up from there! Read more>>

Reid Wilson | Circus Strongman/Professional Steel Bender & Certified Personal Trainer

I was an active Firefighter just outside of Philadelphia and I found that I wasn’t able to help people in the capacity that I wanted to. I was introduced to steel bending by my mentor William Sproat 7 years ago and I recognized with this skill set would be able to help a lot more people. I firmly believe that the world at large has failed people with mental health battles. Read more>>

JeriLyn Lee-Julian | Owner of Cloud Magic LLC

Everyone loves a good body lotion, I wanted a lotion that would help for multiple things from my horribly dry feet to pain relief for migraines and sciatica. I created Essential Lotion which consists of a lotion base and 5 essential oils: lemongrass, tea tree, lavender, peppermint, and frankincense. I started using this lotion on myself and started giving it away as gifts to family and friends. Read more>>

Caitlin Clark | Maker of soaps and bath bombs for dry and sensitive skin

The evolution of Lark + Rue was born from own need. I have dry, sensitive skin that a lifetime of searching for the perfect combination of soap and lotion, came up empty every time. After taking a few classes on making my own and experiencing the difference in my skin, I was hooked! I started making soap for myself and my family, gradually branching out to bath bombs, lotions, and other skincare products. Read more>>