We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Tess Ankeny

I fell in love with wine when I lived in southern California, which is also where I first began working in the industry and pursuing certifications through the Society of Wine Educators and Court of Master Sommeliers. I’ve worked a number of jobs within the industry since then, including tasting rooms, wine bars, large-scale distribution, education and events, and retail. I always liked the idea of combining these different skills into a business of my own, but the idea for Flights really took form when my sister was getting married a few years ago. Read More>>

Ry’el

I’m going to take a step back in time and share my thought process—what ignited my passion and set me on fire to pursue this creative, artistic path.

LAMBARADO Dance Studios is a school dedicated to sharing the love and appreciation for connection, movement, and play found in a beautiful Brazilian partner dance called LambaZouk (a partner dance born from the Lambada in the 1980s). Read More>>

Emma Loren

I don’t know that opening my own shop had so much of a “thought process” behind it as much as it just felt like a natural progression of my career. I’ve been in my industry for over a decade and learned so much about what to do (and what to avoid) in operating a tattoo shop; our space is just an application of these experiences! Read More>>

Natalie Maruschak And Riley Schneider

I (Natalie) had always dreamed of starting my own business and getting to run events on my own, but after I stepped away from the event industry to move into non-profit work, I shelved that dream and figured I would pick it back up decades down the line, if ever. I coordinated a couple of events for family and friends and guests at the events enjoyed my work and approached me to ask if I would coordinate their events. Read More>>

Gerbeys Harris

Clean Living Maids was founded to address a gap in the market for reliable and thorough cleaning services. As a family, we struggled to find a local company that was responsive and met our specific cleaning needs. This experience led to the idea of creating our own business to provide top-quality cleaning services. Our goal is to serve the community by offering efficient, personalized cleaning solutions tailored to each client’s unique situation. We aim to highlight the importance of a clean and organized space, and the peace of mind it brings. Read More>>

Jeff Dillon

Ty Dannenbring and I wrote Party in the Front because of our vision for reaching our own neighbors. When my family moved into our neighborhood in northwest Loveland, we found ourselves out in front more often than in the back yard. Our kids were riding bikes, drawing chalk art and climbing trees in our front yard. Read More>>

Paula Hough

When we started The Body Firm Fitness Center 24 years ago, the idea of owning and operating my own business was incredibly appealing. I wanted the flexibility to manage my own schedule, especially with three small children at home. But more than that, I had a vision for what a community gym should be. Read More>>

Bikram Mishra

When I was starting in college, society was at the forefront of the internet revolution, the dot com era. I was going to college for business, and I was learning about trends and opportunities, cycles and product launches. The more research I did, and the more papers I wrote, the more I realized that those things were happening right before my eyes! And THE best part was that it did not cost much to have an international presence. Read  More>>

Steph Traylor

I started Dusky to make a difference in the areas of the community that mattered most to me. Coffee and music are great avenues for community impact, as they both inspire connection and creativity. I also have always been drawn to the idea of creating opportunities for young people to live/work in Steamboat, offering the same opportunities that I was given in my mid twenties, trying to make the ski-bum lifestyle work. Read More>> 

Dan Chandonnet

My business sort of just started organically as I continued my journey pursuing music and creating in my spare time. My musical journey started as a small child when I started taking piano lessons around 8 years old. Next, I learned the trumpet and played in the symphonic band, jazz band, marching band and brass ensemble from middle school through high school. Fast forward a couple of years to college where I joined my first band, Stalactites, and I think this this is where the music turned to business began in its very early stages.  Read More>>

Wanda Chewning

All of my life, I have always felt the need to help people. This brought me to a spiritual path, which then lead me to opening my own business to help and heal others. Being able to walk others through their own spiritual journey has been such a fulfilling and joyful experience. This journey has been amazing so far, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds! Read More>>

Betsy Steinberg

I was gifted the space to explore starting Ride ON Smoothies and Eats after my 12-year career in food Manfacturing took a sudden turn when Covid hit. The company I worked for, that made nut free foods for kids, was unable to keep the lines running and ultimately, the majority holding investors sold to a company outside of the United States. My love for producing food with clean ingredients in an efficient, safe and fun environment would continue with my vision and passion. Read More>>

Breanna Williams

For me, it wasn’t just about chasing success—it was about creating a beautiful life, even when others couldn’t see the vision I was holding onto. I wanted to build a legacy for my children, to set them up for a life filled with possibilities, stability, and purpose.

As a medical mama, I knew I needed an unconventional path—one that gave me the freedom to be fully present for my kids without sacrificing my ambition. I’ve served in the U.S. Army, and through every chapter of life, my soul kept pointing me toward entrepreneurship. Over the years, I’ve taken on many roles, learned hard lessons, and evolved with each one. Read More>>

Wyatt Reed

Growing up I was surrounded by business owners. My grandfather, AKA papa, showed me that hard work, friendly handshakes and determination can create a lifestyle for you and your family like no other. Through my father, he has shown me the skill, overhead costs and career that owning a carpentry business can create. Read More>>

 Alexandra Gutierrez Serrano

Taking care of your nails and keeping your hands clean is not just about appearance. It’s about showing love and respect to your body. Healthy nails are a reflection of good self-care habits, and when your hands are clean, you not only feel good, but you also avoid infections and other health issues. Read More>>

Sarah Lynn

Before learning the ways of metalsmithing, I collected rings as I traveled for many years. Eyeing gemstones that really spoke to my soul and matched my energy. Fast forward to my fifth year of teaching third grade in Arizona, I was so hungry for a change. I was ready to tap into my creative side and really push myself out of my comfort. Thats when I started taking smithing courses twice a week. Read More>>