Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Cam and Kyle | Co-Founders of Ironpulse

Both Cam and Kyle grew up with an entrepreneurial spirit, knowing that neither would thrive well in a clock in clock out corporate environment. Kyle looked to start his own clothing business in college, while Cam went on and created his own media entertainment company, Nebulos Entertainment. After college, they had begun discussing ideas for a new venture that involved fashion, fitness, and helping others find their entrepreneurial drive. Read more>>

Eliza Jane | Owner & Lead Planner, Eliza Jane Events

I always knew I had big dreams. It took a little time to fine-tune the details, but eventually, I realized I love weddings and I love planning events. I took a leap of faith and build my business from the ground up. It started with a smaller company that was a partnership and focused on wedding planning, stationery design, and photography. Read more>>

Amy and Jonathan Reid | Poultry Farmer

We started our own farm to raise healthy food for our family. It quickly grew to us deciding to offer items to the public as well. We started as a small cottage food business offering jams, pickles, baked goods and eggs. We are now licensed as an egg dealer, full service mobile retail, state licensed manufacturer with an fda registered facility, custom exempt processing facility. This allows us to bring so much more to the public and sell in stores. Read more>>

DECHEN HAWK | Professional Musician | Recording & Performing Artist | Master Teacher & Coach | Talent Buyer at Dechen Hawk, LLC

I’ve been a musician my whole life. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I’ve always enjoyed making my own schedule and working in the gig economy. As an adult, it became clear that being an independent musician by default, I was running a small business. And I figured it would be wise to take advantage of that by legally starting my own LLC. Read more>>

Danielle Zold, RD, LDN, CLC, CGN | Pediatric Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

I always knew that I wanted to work with kids and be REALLY good at something – I just didn’t know exactly what that would be. I spent some time working as a dietitian in the WIC Program (The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) and realized a lot of families were coming to me with similar concerns – their kids weren’t eating. Either not eating enough, enough variety, or enough of a specific food group.  Read more>>

Scotty Sandow | Run Local Trails, Owner

I started Run Local Trails as a way to connect people to their local trail systems. I’ve always had a eye for design and communication – so creating t-shirts, hoodies, stickers and more seemed like a great vehicle to promote the RLT brand. Read more>>

Ryel Kestano | Co-Founder, Senior Course Leader, Master Relationship Coach and Facilitator

I’d been searching everywhere for the best and most effective tools and skills to support me in having better relationships with people when I discovered the practice of authentic relating about ten years ago. It completely transformed my life, yet at the time was a very small niche practice that very few people were familiar with. I felt a strong calling to build a vehicle to bring authentic relating to a much bigger audience, and that’s how ART International was born. Since its launch in 2017, it has become a global presence in over 50 locations around the world and online, with almost 10,000 graduates from our programs and courses. Read more>>

Markeyon Wallock | Truck driver and Entrepreneur

I was a little nervous but I knew it had to be done. Read more>>

Dr. Amy Novotny | Entrepreneur, Doctor of PT, Breathing/Pain Specialist, Speaker, Author, Ultra Marathoner, Photographer

Social impact: how does your business help the community or the world? Pain, stress and anxiety are common health issues that affect nearly everyone in the world. There are many resources out there to address these conditions, but most use an external method to attempt to alleviate these issues, often providing only temporary relief. With the PABR ® Method and this business, I help people worldwide learn how to make internal changes to their nervous system so they can lessen or eliminate pain, stress and anxiety. Read more>>

Maree Johnston | Wedding & Funeral Celebrant

I began by officiating a wedding for some dear friends in 2005 and thought it was the coolest thing ever. I spent a lot of time writing/creating their unique ceremony – and fell in love with the process. Each wedding after led to 1 or 2 new inquiries and I was amazed at how word-of-mouth can spread so quickly! I learned the wedding industry and history as I went along… and I’m still learning today. Read more>>

Toyin Ogunsola | CEO of Be Original Rejected By Man, Accepted By God!

Make you remember the why. I started my business Be Original Rejected By Man, Accepted By God! because it was a testimony of me following the calling & not the crowd. In the midst of me following the calling I was rejected. During the time of rejection it was an opportunity for me to develop personal growth & self reflection. Read more>>

Carrie Barry | Founder of The Corner Boxing Club

I always say that boxing adopted me. I knew that my calling was to be a boxing coach but I wanted to take it a step further and create a space that not only produces incredible athletes, but is also a space for anyone to enrich their lives through physical activity and community connection. Read more>>

Nancy Gakere | Travel Influencer & Business Manager

I’m originally from Kenya! But I have lived in the US for over 20 years. Being an immigrant and creating a life in a foreign country has definitely impacted my love for travel and adventure and my intrigue in different cultures Read more>>

Jacob Rivera | Executive Creative Director, Entrepreneur

My journey has been both challenging and fulfilling, driven by my determination to succeed and make a difference. Despite encountering many unique obstacles along the way, my goals and laser focus on the life I want to create for myself, paired with a strong support system in my family, have enabled me to overcome anything. Read more>>

Cierra Washington | Owner of Forbidden Being, Account expert, and senior at Regent University

I started my business to promote mental health awareness. I struggle with depression and anxiety. I know many people who suffer from mental illnesses as well. I just want to support the in their journey and let them know that they are not alone and they are worth living. Read more>>

Cody Geisendorfer | Civil/Structural Engineer

Really has been a step of faith each day, but have always admired business owners and entrepreneurs. Started with the idea that I could provide great service to clients in my own unique way and it grew from there. Late 2000’s recession provided the push to go out on my own. Had a stint working for a bigger company directing their structural engineering department but ultimately wanted and needed more autonomy. Read more>>

Tiffany Kuhwede | Reiki Practitioner and NCPRSS

When I was starting to look into working for myself, I started small like I do with everything. I began learning about energy work as a form of self-care and quickly realized it was a tool I could share with others. When I started sharing it with others I noticed that it was something that typically has a high cost associated with it. Read more>>

Ali Thompson | First Responder Trainer, Consultant, and Disability Advocate

It was my passion for helping others that was the true spark behind the launch of Pulse Line Collaborative Training, LLC (PLCT) and I believe it is why we have been so successful. I have over 20 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, primarily focused on crimes against people with disabilities and the elderly. In the early days of the pandemic, when most of us were sent to work from home, that sudden slow down gave me time to evaluate who I was and what I was really spending time on. Read more>>

Kayleigh Dowgin | Baker

I have wanted to start my own business for as long as I can remember but never pulled the trigger. After having my second child, it was time for me to get back out into the workforce. After each application, I would just be overcome with dread of getting another job that was just helping someone else succeed with THEIR business. While I love helping others, I realized I needed to start my own venture not matter how small. With help from family and friends, I decided to sell the scones I had been baking since the start of the pandemic. Read more>>