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.

Amy Engle | Founder & Principal, Fable Communications | Public Relations, Marketing, and Communications Specialist

I’ve always felt I was meant to own my own business. After graduating from Colorado College in 2002, I began my career as a high school English teacher. While I enjoyed aspects of teaching, I quickly realized that I was too young—and looked too much like my students—for it to feel like the right fit at the time. So, I pivoted and applied to graduate school, ultimately enrolling in a poetry MFA program at the University of Utah. While in grad school, I needed to earn money but couldn’t see myself working a typical part-time job in a bar or coffee shop. Instead, I decided to start a dog walking and pet sitting business. What began as a small operation with just a few clients soon grew into a thriving business, complete with employees. By the time I finished my degree, I had built something significant and was even able to sell the business to one of my employees for a profit when I moved on. Read more>>

Jesseca Tighe | Career, Life & Leadership Coach

I worked in mental health for over 10 years, even through graduate school. After graduating with my Ph.D. in psychology, I continued to work in the field. I switched to working as healthcare executive and worked in senior living for 13 years. However, I became burned out by the grueling schedule and constantly being on-call. It was my normal commute, made longer now because of highway construction. But that day wasn’t normal. It was a turning point. I was a stressed-out, burned-out healthcare executive. I was on my way to a job I grew to hate. I was driving too far for too long, I was on-call 24/7/365, dreaming of taking vacations I could never schedule because I was “too busy,” thinking of all the moments I missed with my son and family. I saw a man driving past me in his work-van with a logo on the side. He looked happy, not miserable like me. He was singing, smiling, and looking happy. I noted the logo of the HVAC company on the van as he drove past. In my mind, I wondered what the company was like, what his boss was like, and how long it would take to get my HVAC license, when it hit me. I was willing to do anything else. I had enough. It was a small moment, but it was a big one. I knew that I had to get out. Read more>>

Haydee Caraveo Vazquez | Lic. Administración de empresas turísticas bares y restaurantes

I started my oasis fresh fruits & more business 9 years ago because I wanted to bring Mexican culture through my fresh fruits and healthy juice snacks Read more>>

Dianna Vagianos Armentrout | Classical Homeopath

After years of working in various sectors including corporate, higher education, public health and nonprofit, it was time to give myself the freedom of making my own schedule, and working with people to ignite my joy. Launching a family practice in Classical Homeopathy has given me a flexible schedule, a mission that I believe in, and the joy of working one-on-one with clients to support them as they maximize their health. Classical Homeopathy is a unique field, even in our alternative medicine world. We are working with the Vital Force (qi in Chinese Medicine). When we take the one homeopathic remedy that has similar symptoms, we face our stresses with more ease, and we often see symptoms decrease. I studied at the New England School of Homeopathy with Drs. Paul Herscu and Amy Rothenberg, and learned the Cycles and Segments approach. We group symptoms together, and look for patterns in the client, including underlying predispositions and responses to stress, to find that one remedy. Homeopathy is individual, so three clients with asthma, will likely need three different remedies. I don’t know of any other modality that can impact a client’s mood, asthma, and learning challenges. Read more>>

Cynda Brock | Equestrian Coach and Horse Trainer

I knew i wanted to train horses and teach lessons for a living. When I started this business 24 years ago there were two choices as far as running it; be self employed/own my own business or get paid by a riding facility as an independent contractor.. Today those are still the same choices in this industry as far as how to operate. It’s been a journey learning how to run the business, using resources and constantly updating systems to make it better for the business and the clients. Training the horses and teaching is the easy part. Read more>>

Scott Umbreit | Entrepreneur, grassroots drifter, husband and father

I feel like I grew up with the entrepreneur spirit, even though no one in my family owned businesses. I started mowing lawns when I was 7 or 8, and then added snow removal etc. to the business. My brother and I used to go stores and buy discounted items and then list them on eBay when I was 11 or 12, and we made a decent amount of money. Then we progressed to buying and flipping lawn mowers, trailers, vehicles, etc. I then started business building websites for race teams, and started an online forum, and online racing league in 2003, which I ran until I sold it in 2010. Read more>>

Mason Lehman | Construction Worker & Leather Crafter

In September 2021, my life took a profound turn when I was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone and muscle cancer. The months that followed were filled with chemotherapy, radiation, and countless hospital visits, which forced me to step away from my career. During this challenging time, my wife Sydney, along with my family and friends, provided unwavering support, helping me push through to a place of recovery after ten months of intense treatment. While recovering, I found solace and focus in a surprising place—leatherworking. What began as a therapeutic outlet soon turned into something much more. I realized that crafting leather goods gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment that had been missing during my battle with cancer. Read more>>

Ygor Brito | MVP Connection – Founder & Coach

Growing up in Brazil, I recognized that the ability to improvise under pressure was a key component of my development as a player—and it’s a skill that can be taught. I began to think: why not help these kids currently playing for clubs enhance their confidence and decision-making abilities by teaching them the art of improvisation and creativity? We see so many players who think alike, but the ones who truly stand out are those who think outside the box. This is how MVP Connection was born—with the goal of helping soccer players unlock their creativity and improvisation skills, which are often just waiting to be discovered. Read more>>

Sarah Godfrey | Wedding and Portrait Photographer

Despite spending hours crafting overly colorful photo books as a child, I never envisioned myself growing up to become a professional photographer. Going into college, I actually had my heart set on an engineering major. After a year into my studies, I realized that was not the path meant for me. However, photography was not an instant next step or even a consideration of something that could become a full-time job after I graduated. In college I worked on improving my photography skills by doing fun photoshoots for my friends, capturing sunsets and landscape photos, and even working as a photo editor for The Badger Herald (college run newspaper). After I graduated, I decided I could work hard to turn my “hobby” into a small business. My initial interest was wedding photography. I started working underneath other photographers and slowly branched out on my own. Today, I primarily photograph weddings, corporate work (headshots, branding, corporate events), and college graduates. Read more>>

Kimberly Valere | Owner

When I first decided to start my own business it was due to me wanting products that I could trust for my family and share with others. I became increasingly aware of the harmful chemicals and synthetic ingredients commonly found in many skincare products on the market and I wanted to do better for my family. I began to focus on creating products with natural, clean ingredients. Read more>>

Darlene Cancino | Founder of fashion brand SPYTFUL

When I decided to start my own business, I knew I wanted to build something I loved in a field I was truly passionate about—fashion. After spending years in jobs that didn’t fulfill me, I reached a point where I was tired of working for someone else, living on their schedule. I wanted more control over my life. As a mother of twins, being able to be there for my family was non-negotiable. I wanted the freedom to set my own hours, take vacations when it worked for me, and most importantly, be my own boss. Starting my business was about taking back control of my time and building a future where I could both do what I love and live life on my terms. Read more>>

Jody Engel | Veterinarian and Practice Owner

I decided to open The Meadows Veterinary Center in 2014 because I saw the need for a companion animal veterinary practice in Northern Colorado that not only focused on providing compassionate care to our pet patients, but also to their owners. I envisioned a practice where the veterinary team and the client worked collaboratively to help their pets live longer, healthier lives.
Now more than ever, I believe that because we are a privately owned veterinary practice. we can continue to meet that vision. Unlike many of the practices in Northern Colorado that have transitioned to corporate ownership where the focus is on profits and the bottom line, we continue to focus on our clients, patients and our team. Read more>>

Haley Jensen | Wedding & Elopement Photographer

Growing up, my mom always thought of, and pursued different business ideas. So when I decided to explore the notion of starting my own business, it was her influence and drive the showed me the possibilities. From there, I found something that I’m passionate about, that allows me to explore my creativity in a way that also celebrates and documents people, love, and relationships. Read more>>

James Warren | Portrait and Interior Design Photographer

My journey into starting my own business in photography stems from a lifelong connection to the world of entertainment. My father, a dedicated radio DJ in Denver, inspired my passion for creativity and encouraged my pursuits in video and photography. Over the years, I honed my skills working behind the scenes in Film and Television production, gaining valuable experience in the craft of storytelling and visual communication. After moving back to Denver, I realized it was time to embark on an independent path and establish my own business specializing in photography and video production. This venture has allowed me to combine my technical expertise with a personal, client-centered approach. I am passionate about creating content that not only showcases the unique stories of my clients but also leaves a lasting impact on their lives. Read more>>

Molly Metz | Jump Rope Inventor

This is a great question! I started JumpNrope because I was trying to solve a problem. As a 5-time world jump rope champion, getting “older” I realized that the reason the sport wasn’t growing was because all the competitors would stop at 18 years old when they went off to college. I wanted those competitors to be the sports future ambassadors/coaches. I had a vision that these particular athletes could contact me, jumpNrope and I would set them up at a local rec center/ymca with a jumpNrope program for kids, that they would teach. I would provide curriculum, ropes etc so they could feel empowered to take their knowledge as an athlete and bring it back to the kids! Read more>>

Meghan Guerrie | Owner and CPFS

I am in long term Recovery, and my path was different then most, not walking the traditional 12 step method. So when I hit about a year in my journey, I felt the urge to give back to the Recovery Community but wasn’t sure how I could, since sponsoring was not something I was able to do. About a year later Peer Recovery Coaching was introduced to me, and it felt like a missing piece to the puzzle of Recovery. I learned that a great Peer Coach is resource broker, a mirror of your own efforts, someone to be in your corner with no expectation or requirment of something in return, some to inspire and hold you accountable, hold space for you and share celebrations, and help create an action plan when there is failure, some to help create the Recovery path that feels right for you.
I knew this was my opportunity to give back and get involved. Read more>>

Katie Walker And Nate Gray N/a | Tattoo Artists

We became really close friends and agreed a lot about the tattoo experience and what it can/should be, so we wanted to create our own environment that brought out the best in ourselves and our clients’ experiences. Read more>>

Kara Schaffer Sydney Baker | Owners & AFFA Certified Trainers

Funny Story; We never really planned on owning our business, but we believe we were in the right place at the right time TOGETHER. When the previous owner needed to move for her husbands job, we saw how giant of a hole us not taking over would leave in our city, and SLAM-ily (once you are apart of SLAM, it becomes your family). We were both members for years and saw how big of an impact it would make to see the Colorado Springs branch close. It is more that just “a fitness class” in so many woman’s lives. Its a community of moms who are trying to navigate motherhood, their mental health, and their fitness goals. Sweat Like a Mother gave us so much in our earlier years of motherhood, we both knew instantly it was our turn it give back just a small piece of what we gained of the years of our memberships. Read more>>

Tamara Wineland | Director and Catalyst

Initially it can feel overwhelming when you have an idea and want to implement it. I felt like I had to have a superpower in order to operate my own business. It wasn’t until I started connecting with other entrepreneurs and listening to their stories that I realized we’re all average people willing to put in a lot of work to make something happen. We’re not special, just determined. I saw a need in my community and for my own family and decided to meet it. Read more>>

Char Griess | Run & Endurance Nutrition Coach

My parents were business owners, and as I grew up, I always admired them for that – it seemed normal to do. During a trip home over the summer, I realized I love connecting and encouraging others, and am beyond passionate about running. I got my own run coach about a year ago and I’ve made incredible strides in my running since then. I thought about how many run coaches there are and how I could potentially be entering an already saturated market, but then I realized every market is saturated. I thought: I know I’ve got something here and I could be the right coach for someone who is looking to reach their running goals with guidance. With 11 years in the food industry, alongside ingredient knowledge, and endurance fueling experience, I can offer a unique service to athletes. Read more>>

Dave Taylor | Teacher, YouTuber, Mentor.

While I enjoyed working as part of a larger tech company – Hewlett-Packard – I found a lot of inefficiencies in terms of management structure and the time spent (wasted, really) on meetings and internal processes. More importantly, I kept bumping into “this is how we’ve always done it” in response to suggestions and ideas about how to innovate and create something new and different. Determined to create a work environment where I could succeed based on my own ideas and approach to things, even if some failed, I launched my own consulting business. Amusingly, I was then immediately hired by HP to help with some of their projects, a new relationship that gained me more autonomy and credibility to help the company innovate in new and interesting ways. Read more>>

Karen Colato | Co-founder

My journey to starting Sivar Cafe was rooted in my deep love for food, culture, and my Salvadoran heritage. When my family moved to Denver while I was in high school, I quickly realized how hard it was to find authentic Salvadoran food nearby. The closest pupuseria was 30 minutes away, turning something so popular and affordable in my culture into a rare treat. That experience planted a seed in my mind; I knew that one day, I wanted to create a business that brought those flavors closer to our community. With Sivar Cafe, my goal is not only to honor the beloved pupuserias I’ve always admired but also to share the richness of our cuisine with more people, making it a vibrant part of our local food scene. Read more>>

Aleks Talaro | Cat Cafe Owner & Artist

I’ve always loved cats and when I heard about Cat Cafes I started researching how to start one. From there I found a local rescue group and we began to work together to see how to bring a cat cafe to Boulder. I researched cat cafes locally and globally, as well as how I wanted to set my cafe apart from others. As an artist I really wanted the cafe to reflect my idea of a psychedelic theme. We found a local mural artist, Hilary Rose and she brought the idea together with a psychedelic forest themed mural which showcased our cats. My goal was to not only create a comfortable space for the cats to find new homes, but add a creative therapeutic space for my community. Read more>>

Terry And Carlee Burnett | Artists and Art Gallery Owners

In 2022 Carlee had the pleasure of managing an art gallery after taking a stained-glass class there. I was excited to be part of that atmosphere and supporting all of the amazing artists we represented ended up being my favorite part. Since leaving there we have become way more active in the arts community and have had the pleasure of connecting with multitudes of wonderful humans who happen to be artistically talented. It really just came down to conversation about what our community needed and how to make that happen. We’re really fortunate to live in the community that we do, and we wanted to find a way to pour more into it in a way that made everyone feel like they were part of it. We knew we had some logistics to work out and that people were going to have to want to be a part of it to make it work, and as our vision came to life, more and more people got involved, donated, and wanted to be a constant part of what we were doing. Read more>>

Brandon Burkett | Woodworker and Artist

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Being able to use my talents and creativity in a professional way has always been a core goal of mine. I have been doing custom woodworking projects and small art shows in the evening and on weekends for years, while my primary occupation was in construction. Making the leap into custom woodwork full time was always where I knew my life was headed, but it really is a leap. It’s very daunting going from knowing you’ve got a paycheck coming to the reality that it’s now entirely up to me. There really is no “right time”. Ultimately for me it was about having enough experience and confidence to know I’d be able to swim, even when things seem uncertain. Read more>>

Mitchel Ring | Producer, Audio Engineer

I had worked in the insurance field for almost 20 years and had worked with local GEICO agents for the last few years so it just felt like the next natural step. I also wanted to make sure I was making an informed decision and not just jumping into something I would regret. My personal and professional life really lined up making the timing and location irresistible. I really liked Colorado personally for my family and professionally as a growing market. The application process had a ton of research and business planning involved which really made me feel like I was set up for success and had a great product and team there for support. When I was selected for the Colorado market I invested in myself and the rest is history. Read more>>

Jeremiah Altfater | Photographer, Blogger, and Creative

Honestly it probably started from a young age just being into skateboarding, snowboarding, and surfing. Being exposed to a lot of imagery and marketing, I was always inspired by that. As a kid I just wanted to do my own thing. In terms of my blog, I was having trouble getting a job in the industry beyond retail (It’s pretty competitive out there!). As I was trying to figure out what to do with my life I remembered a blog post on Burton snowboard’s website called, “A quick and dirty guide to the Pacific Northwest.” I really liked that post. The pictures and words were fascinating to me. At the time I was traveling a lot to different resorts, taking a few surf trips, and had a curiosity with photography. Read more>>

Mikayla Chaffee | Photographer

I established my photography business driven by a passion for creativity and a desire for independence. I wanted to have the freedom to capture life’s precious moments, from newborn sessions to family portraits, and even corporate events. By owning my own business, I can tailor my schedule to balance work and personal life. Ultimately, my goal is to deliver stunning, high-quality images that will be cherished for generations. I believe that everyone deserves beautiful photographs, and I’m committed to providing an exceptional experience at a price that’s accessible to all. Read more>>

Trevor Burman | Entrepreneur, Paint Contractor & Alternative Hip-Hop Artist/Producer

Before music I started a Painting Business. When I got out of Rehab at 18 I was taught by a local Painter how to properly Paint houses and I saw the freedom he had in the winters to ski and do what he wanted. Shortly after that I worked for a much bigger company and wasn’t treated very well and the work hours were grueling. Plus I didn’t feel appreciated for the hard work I was doing for someone else. I also quickly picked up how much more attention to detail I have then others and made the decision to branch out on my own. Since this business has worked so well since I started it in 2011, I have gained a well known reputation for high end work. Lately it has been my main focus to get my music out to the world. Financial freedom is my goal and would love to be able to jus focus on the music. Since April 2023 I started putting my music out on all streaming platforms and have been gaining quite the following. I started making music in 2008 after a severe overdose (heart stopped 3 times) and the following next months spent in rehab. This wasn’t the first, but one of many life altering events for myself. I now feel it is my calling to get the music out to others who have experienced so much trauma, pain and heartbreak throughout their lives. Come join my journey! Follow me, Trevor Burman, on your preferred music streaming service!! Read more>>

Donnell Allen | Nature & Landscape Photographer

I view my landscape photography business as a hobby that has unexpectedly taken off. Initially, starting a business wasn’t something I had considered. After becoming empty nesters, my husband and I began taking weekend adventures and traveling, during which I constantly captured photos. I loved exploring new places and sharing the stunning scenery through my photography. This passion quickly turned into an obsession. After receiving encouragement from several people who suggested that I should sell my work, I decided to embark on the journey of establishing a business. Read more>>

Amanda And Cory Nigbur | Artist, Owner & operator

I was born to be an entrepreneur! I’ve worked for myself for almost 20 years in a few different businesses. The opportunity to take Orenda from an online, craft fair based business to a full scale western chic store front presented itself and it just felt right. We didn’t hesitate and jumped right in! Read more>>

Emilie Leazier | Film & Digital Photographer

I’ve been a photographer my whole life, but I had my first client when I was in high school. I started by taking my friends’ senior photos and you know how high school is, word travels fast, and I had friends asking me for senior photos that whole year. I came to college and wanted to pursue a degree because I wasn’t sure where I wanted to take my career. I landed on Communication Studies for the ability to land in many fields and also pursue my passion for film, media and photography. Read more>>

Blaine Koker-tatalovich | Owner & Founder 4×4 Colorado

Blaine Koker-Tatalovich and Josh Frakes-Belair were on a rugged weekend adventure in Colorado’s mountains when inspiration struck. As outdoor enthusiasts, they’d long embraced the freedom and simplicity of rooftop camping. But during this trip, frustration mounted over the lack of viable options on the market. The tents they encountered were either poorly constructed, with flimsy materials that couldn’t withstand Colorado’s unpredictable weather, or outrageously expensive, priced far beyond what most adventurers could afford. Sitting around a campfire, the two began to imagine a better solution: a rooftop tent that would combine premium quality, durability, and affordability—designed by people who truly understood the needs of outdoor explorers. Read more>>

Lana Kuznetsova | Team Leader of a Real Estate Team

Being a Business Owner is not as glamorous as it seems, or at least not what I initially envisioned. However, even if I knew then what I know now – I would still make the same choice. I’ve had typical jobs, but no matter how hard I worked and how much I put into the company, they paid me for the “position” I filled and not for “my efforts”. I realized that no matter how many great ideas I had for the company to run smoother and more efficiently, no one cared, and I’d still be paid the same if I showed up with less enthusiasm and eagerness. That’s where the idea of putting all this effort towards my own Business and dreams came into the picture. Read more>>

Dara Erck | Founder, CEO

My thought process behind starting my own business, SAM+LEO, was rooted in a combination of personal experience, passion, and necessity. As a mom, I had firsthand experience navigating my kids’ mental health challenges, especially during the pandemic. That period illuminated the lack of accessible, targeted resources for teen mental wellness, which deeply influenced my decision to create a product line that could help other families facing similar challenges.
I loved my career in global health and wasn’t necessarily looking to pivot from it. However, I noticed a large gap in the market for clean products specifically designed for teens, alongside a growing mental health crisis. It became clear to me that this was an opportunity to take the skills I had honed in global health strategy and advocacy and apply them to an area where I could make a tangible, immediate difference in the lives of families. Read more>>

Elizabeth Dinschel | MA, MBA, President and CEO of Mountain Dogs and President and CEO of a national museum

I have always wanted to own my own business. In 2018, I decided to get an MBA from the University of Iowa to further my career in nonprofits and to prepare for entrepreneurship. The MBA program encouraged me to chase my passion and I was not exactly sure where that would lead me, but I kept an open mind and heart as I explored options. We thought about campgrounds, convenience stores, and hotels as possibilities for businesses we wanted to owner operate. Read more>>

Andrew Neuhalfen | Owner, Flatirons Detailing

I decided to pursue entrepreneurship and owning a business because I wanted to create a life that aligned with my passions and priorities. My academic background in Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience at CU Boulder had me on track for a career in medicine, and I was deeply invested in the field, even working on the COVID vaccine study at The Children’s Hospital during the pandemic. However, the reality of minimum wage pay coupled with a grueling 70+ hour workweek made me realize that the traditional path I was on didn’t allow for the lifestyle I valued—one that included mountain biking, snowboarding, and spending time with my now wife and our puppy. Read more>>

Paul Demarte | Podcaster & University of Colorado Denver English Instructor

For years, even decades, I have watched films with my friend Mike (and other friends who join us as well). We have watched countess classics and continue to see new releases. We have logged endless hours examining films (often with hilarity) no one has even heard of. We watched some of the most outlandish films released. Sometimes nostalgia brings us back to movies we haven’t seen in years. Serious, silly or even a failed attempt, all of these films are treasures for someone. There is an audience out there. Our podcast tries to capture and share obscure, forgotten about and often overlooked films. We want to create a community for those who love film – in all of its beautiful and diverse forms. Read more>>

Kaytee Shashore | Lifestyle Influencer

Wow, this is such a great question with many layers to it. To truly answer this, let’s travel back to 2009. At 22, I was a woman brimming with dreams, inspired by a book I read by Kimora Lee Simmons. Reflecting on your question during this interview process with your online publication 15 years later feels like such a full-circle moment for me. My journey began in 2009 when I started an online magazine called The Sexy Side of Colorado, which launched me into the entertainment industry with incredible momentum. Becoming an “influencer” or, as some in Colorado call me, a “local celebrity,” was a natural progression. I continue to work tirelessly to honor the promise I made to my mother in 2009 when I started my journey, who has since passed. That promise was to leave behind a legacy for our family. Since my mother has passed my daughter Ava and husband Yonathan are the driving force behind everything I do. So to be honest my thought process with business and my brand in 2009 was to become famous and wealthy. My thought process behind my brand as a content creator now in 2024 is to leave behind a legacy and generational wealth for my daughter. My daughter changed my trajectory for sure. But I still maintain the same directive. Make my family proud of me and show them anything we dream of is possible. Read more>>

Gabrielle Chamberlain | Actress & Freelance Makeup Artist

I am also a trained actress, Working as a Freelance Makeup Artist aligns perfectly with my acting goals, and gives me lots of freedom and flexibility. I am an artist, and have always loved makeup. Early on when I chose to attend CSU Theatre, I understood I also needed a profession that I would love as I worked towards my acting goals. I work as a Freelance Makeup Artist as I apply and audition for tv and film, If I don’t get cast I can always find a spot as MUA Crew. Read more>>

Owen Milmont | Sneaker Customizer and Artist

When I was a freshman in high school I figured it was time for me to start making some money. Lots of my friends started getting jobs at golf courses and fast food places, but I didn’t want a job that I didn’t have a lot of control over. I wanted to make money doing something I liked and had fun doing instead of people telling me what to do. I have always been artistic, so I wanted to do something related to that. At the time, custom sneakers were popping off on social media, and it looked super fun to do. I’d never seen anything like it, and it was super exciting to think that I could transform any pair of boring sneakers into an art piece. I learned everything I could about customizing sneakers and saved up 50 bucks to get some paint and a pair of Vans. Once I finished that pair, family and friends started reaching out to get some pairs of their own, and it has just grown from that point. Read more>>

Arthur Bellfield Aka Art The Poet | Owner/Host-Colorado Springs Poetry Slam

My thought process behind starting the Colorado Springs Poetry Slam was simple, I wanted to create a home for writers who didn’t fit into the technical aspects of the literary or art worlds, yet had all of these things to say about life & love as well as all the trauma and triumph in-between. These men and women deserved the stage and the mic, to say all the things that need to be said-even if they’re uncomfortable, woke, queer, or whatever testimony is on their minds-to someone who just doesn’t get it until they’ve heard the poem! Case and point, The Mercury Cafe in Denver is legendary and has produced some of best and most respected performance poets in the country, and I admire that! And, they’ve said some things that have made audiences cry, feel, or rebel within the streets of chao & social change! I dig that, because poetry when its allowed to be is a flame that ignites the inferno of thought! And, as a student of the Dallas Poetry Slam and Fort Worth Poetry Slams in Texas in the early 2000s I owe it to OG poets like Candy, Mike Guinn, and AJ Houston to keep poetry slams alive for the next generation of wordsmiths. And, Read more>>

Lisa Kathman | Founder

I was the lead speech-language pathologist (SLP) in the largest school district in Arizona and was interested in doing a project that would help the SLPs working in our district. After talking to a fellow SLP, we determined there was no way to do what we wanted to do during work hours and therefore decided it would be better to create and sell the resources we wanted to create on our own time. It was really about solving a need we saw for our field and then bringing that idea to life. Read more>>

 

Kayla Crossley | Esthetician & business owner

As an experienced esthetician with nearly a decade in the beauty industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with people from all walks of life. Over the years, I’ve come to realize how the industry often leans heavily on rigid beauty standards—standards that are not only unattainable for many but also exclude the diverse ways people express their individuality. This lack of inclusivity inspired me to reimagine what the beauty experience could and should be. Read more>>

Bridget Sanchez | Executive Director & Mental Health Clinician

My journey began with recognizing a significant gap in our community—the need for more Latino & Spanish-Speaking mental health providers. I saw firsthand as a clinician how the lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate care negatively impacted our community. This inspired me to create a solution that would address this disparity while empowering others to make a meaningful difference. Read more>>