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.

Dianne Schell | Concierge Services

Kendra Collaborative is a concierge services and consulting company.  Our commitment is to identify and implement ways to simplify your life or improve your business.  We understand your unique needs and provide tailored solutions to free up your time and energy, allowing you to focus on what truly matters to you. Think of it like this, I take care of the things on your to-do list that you do not have the time, talent, or desire to do! What a relief, right? Read more>>

Victoria Tovar Licensed Cosmetologist | Cosmetic Tattoo Artist | Licensed Cosmetologist

Ive been a licensed cosmetologist for 9 going on 10 years in the state of colorado. So the beauty industry has always been a big part of my life. Ever since I was a child I knew this was my career of choice. I would have never in a million years would have thought this was my business plan. Kinda crazy how I fell into this profession. Read more>>

Andrea Streff | Technical SEO Consultant

The formation of our business, Elementive, happened organically. My business partner Matthew Edgar and I formed Elementive in 2014 after working together in a client-consultant relationship for over 4 years. We had been collaborating on a variety of projects for a non-profit organization, Qualistar Colorado, where I was the Vice President of Marketing & Development, Read more>>

Will Toth | Artistic Cartographer

I was doing a hike in one of my favorite areas of Tennessee and was looking for a map to keep me on track. At the trailhead, there was a paper map you could take so you could see the trail junctions and not get lost. While it was helpful for keeping me on the trail and not missing a turn, it was absolutely trash at describing the terrain, giving you an idea of how far you’d gone, or letting you know what you were going to see. Read more>>  

Clare Hynes | Handbag & Jewelry Designer & Founder of Soli & Sun

The idea for my business evolved over a few years! I’ve always been creative, I have a background in graphic design and started making jewelry as a hobby when I was on maternity leave with my second child. I dreamt of being able to make some money by selling my jewelry designs. I major life curve ball saw us moving to China, because of my husband’s job, which meant I left my graphic design day job and was able to pursue the jewelry making once we had settled in China. I sold my pieces to fellow expat women and gained more and more confidence in my design abilities. Read more>>

Amber Satterfield | Functional Medicine Coach & CEO of Feel Good Nourishment, LLC

The idea of my business came from such a deep, person journey that I went through. I had spent the majority of my teens and 20’s living with chronic illnesses that doctors didn’t have the answers to. It wasn’t until I found Functional Medicine that I got my life back! Read more>>