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.

Mike Mahaffey | Arborist

I always knew from a young age that I wanted to have my own business. I found my passion in tree work because I loved the adrenaline and challenge of climbing. When my daughter was born in the midst of the pandemic, I was determined to find a way to balance my love of tree work while also having the flexibility to be home with my family. Everleaf is a tribute to my daughter- Everleigh, who inspires me everyday to stay dedicated, pursue my passion, and treat every client as family. Read more>>

Stephanie Villavicencio | Founder of Tits Deep for Breast Cancer

I spent months thinking of a fundraising campaign name to raise funds for my best friend going through breast cancer treatment. One evening when I was driving home from the grocery store I had my brightest AHA moment… “Tits Deep”. Tits Deep is a term used by skiers and snowboarders to describe a big powder day when the snow comes up to one’s chest. My friend Nadine and I were snowboard instructors at our local mountain in Aspen and we loved powder days. It couldn’t have been more fitting for us. Read more>>

Chiara Baldini | Social Media Manager & Content Strategist

I have always wanted to be involved in creative, cultural projects. I have studied History of Art, specializing in contemporary art. I think art can help us understand the world, which sometimes seems so mysterious and obscure revealing what is underneath the reality’s surface. That is the vision I wanted to share with my job. I started working in a contemporary art gallery as a gallery assistant. Then I worked for a few years in Sweden, in North Europe, as event coordinator & communication manager for an institution in the cultural diplomacy sector, promoting events dedicated to literature, art, architecture, design, cinema and fashion. All these past experiences have been fundamental for my career and led me to start my own business as a social media manager & content strategist. Read more>>

Human Paint | Band

Back in middle school we started forming a band between a few of our veteran members. We played our first show in 2014 and have been playing since. Read more>>