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.

Tamra Evangelista | Integrative Empowerment Coach & Owner of Inner Depths Empowerment Coaching

Finding a career, and working for a corporation, was what I always was told was the best and safest way of making a living. There’s a lot of risk with being an entrepreneur and I had bills to pay. I witnessed others pursue starting their own businesses, most without success, unfortunately. Originally, I wanted to become a therapist but that didn’t pan out and I ended up in the corporate business track after all. Read more>>

Charles Brantley Jr | CJ tha DJ

My thought process was starting from the bottom and rising to the top. I first wanted to purchase all of the equipment that was necessary to perform. Secondly, I had to be able to download music and transition songs as best as I could, which took some time. Finally, I was ready to get business cards made and start passing them out. Read more>>

Jordan Louis | Founder + CEO

When I started LINK x LOU in 2020, I saw a gap in the permanent jewelry industry and wanted to make it accessible for myself, friends, and family. At the time, the only place I knew of to get permanent jewelry was in NYC, which would have required a lot of time and money to get my hands on these beautiful, dainty bracelets. Read more>>

Carrin Fernandes | Therapeutic licensed Massage Therapist & Coach

Helping people out of pain is my life’s passion! I became a massage therapist in the year 2000. It has been one of the most beneficial things I did in my life. To learn and understand human anatomy and how to help alleviate chronic pain, injuries, stress and to bring the body back into homeostasis where it belongs. This brings me great satisfaction to help others obtain optimal health. Read more>>

Taylor Olson | Business Owner & Author

Starting Better Bounce Rentals stemmed from a desire to create joyful experiences for both children and adults. I noticed a gap in the Denver Metro Area for a reliable, fun, and customer-focused inflatable bounce house rental service. I wanted to bring something unique to the market that emphasized not just the products but also exceptional service. Read more>>

Amanda Rodriguez | Certified Parent Coach & Mom of 2

I actually told myself I would never run my own practice/business. My dad owned his own business, and I know it was challenging for him to balance work life with family life. I also didn’t want to be a manager of others, nor have any idea what I would even do if I were to work for myself. Read more>>

Brandon Slade | Founder and CIO of Untapped Learning

My thought process behind starting Untapped Learning was deeply personal. Having struggled with academics throughout my school years and later receiving an ADHD diagnosis in college, I recognized a gap in the education system for students who think differently. I envisioned creating the supportive environment I wished I had access to during my own academic struggles – a place where students with executive function challenges, particularly those with ADHD and dyslexia, could thrive. Read more>> 

Boulder Hair Collective | Where sustainably meets luxury

When I decided to open Boulder Hair Collective in North Boulder, my vision was to create a space where luxury meets sensibility. I wanted to build a salon that not only offers top-tier services but also aligns with sustainable practices that respect our environment. Partnering with Green Circle Salons was a natural choice, as their commitment to recycling and repurposing salon waste perfectly complements our mission. Read more>>

Michele Gauthier | Upscale Barber Shop Owner

I have always had a passion for helping others feel good about themselves. Opening up One Stop Barber Shop was a goal I had set for many years and being part of an amazing downtown community was what I decided to work towards! Read more>>

Matthew Bottieri | Designer/Builder/Artist

Pretty simple really I just felt like I was meant for more, that life has so much more to offer. I feel something burning inside my soul and I owe it to myself to chase that dream and see where it goes. Read more>>

Annika Sisac | Designer & Entrepreneur

Since before I can remember I’ve been going on outdoor adventures in the wilderness and deserts of Colorado. I was involved in competitive cycling, skiing, and running. At first, I loved moving my body. Getting outside with a group of friends was great for my mental and physical well-being. It gave me amazing social opportunities and helped me connect with nature. But eventually, the toxic culture of outdoor elitism took over that joy. Read more>>

Canesha Brown | Photographer

I have always loved creating art, things that people may not always see. I enjoy giving a different perspective on things that people may not think of right off the bat. Photography allowed me to create different types of images, to show people that there are so many things in the world that should be appreciated and seen.. Starting my own photography business was also a way to prove to myself that I could do something so entirely far outside of my comfort zone.  Read more>>

Char Lessenger | Author/Creator

In early 2022 I left my career in higher education to pursue a career in teaching English as a second language abroad. I started teaching in late 2022 in Indonesia and was unfortunately the victim of a sc*m. The person who hired me had my passport and was demanding money from me for my work visa which I was unable to provide.  Read more>>

Mimi Hayes | Author & Writing Coach

I can thank the terrible job market for this one! I was in between jobs and had no success for almost a year. No interviews, nothing. I’m sure AI was booting out my resume for every place I submitted it to. I’d been coaching writers on the side for many years but didn’t think it was something I could do on my own. Then one day, a writing client I’d been coaching for forever asked me why I didn’t do it full-time. Read more>> 

Ransom Roberts | Grim Reaper & Soul Surgeon

My thought process with starting my own business, initially started out with me getting my podcast Xpansion With Ransom going. I initially thought that I was going to try and be a YouTuber and make content until I realized I wanted to do more than just my podcast. My podcast essentially helped me blueprint/map out what direction I wanted to go on. From there, I started thinking about who, what, where. Read more>>

Michal Mcdowell | Director/Manager/Performer

Before we were Third Side Theatre Company we were individuals who had worked on various projects at various theaters. The Old Man and the Old Moon was the show that brought us together. It’s such a unique story that encourages a unique, simple, yet magical way of telling it. As the director, I also encouraged a more collaborative approach to make this story come to life. Read more>>

Lauren Steward | Clearview Cleaning & Organizing, Owner

My thought process behind starting Clearview Cleaning & Organizing LLC was finding that people have unmet cleaning and organization needs. Seeing firsthand that there is a lack of customized cleaning and organization services being offered within provided service area was a sign I could marry the two and create a more well-rounded approach and solution. Cleaning and organizing isn’t a cookie cutter service- it needs to be tailored to each guest we work with. Read more>>

La’ Kamaro Johnson | Auto mechanic/Technician

At first I was a bit scared, scared of not being able to go as far as I wanted to go, to be able to see my dreams flourish into something much more than what it is. But then I realized that it wasn’t just about me, it was for my family, my daughter, and for the ones who can’t afford getting their vehicles fixed. So, I thought where do I start? How do I start? It took me while but then I realized that first I had to start at the beginning before I am able to get anywhere. Read more>>

Marie Decosse | Founder & CEO

My thought process behind starting NOMAD Travel Groups was driven by a desire to address a significant gap in the market for an equitable and affordable travel solution. As more professionals seek to travel frequently while managing their work commitments, I saw a clear need for a platform that could facilitate meaningful and cost-effective travel experiences. Read more>>