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.

Craig Shoemaker | Online course relaunch coach

“Dig your well before you’re thirsty.”

After 20 years as an online course author, the publishing company I was working with was changing fast. First, they forced severe contract changes on all existing authors – especially with those with popular courses. Then, we were expected to keep quality and quantity up, but only for pennies on the dollar for new contracts. Read more>>

Sara Mcwatters | Race Director/Event Producer

Years ago we were going to buy a run/bike shop. Because of this, Jake and Nicole Fellure thought we would be the perfect fit to take over the Loveland Liberty 5K. They were the ones to start/create this race. They had spoken of this to my husband Shane for a few years. One year he finally came home, handed me a binder and said I have been “voluntentold” to take this over. After diving into what it takes to host this race, and getting more involved in community events, we realized, there was a huge piece missing from our town. We wanted to help build the running/walking community. Find a way to highlight local businesses and non-profits while providing a need for quality, professional running events that showcase this amazing town. Read more>>

Judi Mitchell | Gallery owner, artist, and art teacher

My thought process behind starting Burd’s Nest Art Gallery was very simple. I heard about an opportunity to rent, at a low fee, the building we are currently in Olde Arvada, which is a building I have thought for years would be a great art gallery. I was informed in the evening in a mass email to a different galleries artist list that there was this opportunity. Within five minutes I had written an email to the current landlord (Arvada Urban Renewal Authority) that I was interested, who I was, what I had done in my life, and why I believed I could make this work as a gallery. Read more>>

Julie Whitfield | Artist

I gained an appreciation for owning my own business when I was a young adult. I worked as a hair stylist after graduating from Cosmetology school. A year or two of professional experience in a busy department store salon gave me the confidence and experience to go out on my own. I found a salon where I was able to rent a booth and build my own clientele. I loved the freedom and control I felt as a business owner. The entrepreneurial ideals I developed as a sole proprietor stuck with me throughout my life. Read more>>

Olivia Daniel | LMT, CNMT. Owner of Homebody Therapeutic Massage

Since I was a child, I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I would find ways to turn my passions into projects, and that drive to create something of my own naturally led me to pursue a career where I could merge my love for wellness with my business ambitions. It felt like a natural extension of who I am—to build something that aligned with my personal values and vision. Read more>>

Nina Silver | Drafter & Designer

This business was founded out of personal necessity and has grown into something so much more. As a new mom with an infant hooked to an oxygen tank at the start of COVID, childcare simply wasn’t an option. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful employer at the time who not only gave me the flexibility to work from home and part-time but even sent the very first client my way when I decided I didn’t have the bandwidth to be both a full-time mom and a dependable employee. Read more>>

Cooper Johnson | Founder of Outpst

Growing up in the Colorado Rockies, I’ve always felt deeply connected to the mountains. My love for skiing and the outdoors shaped much of who I am, and looking back, every major decision in my life has revolved around that connection. I’ve always believed in the transformative power of nature, and I dreamed of building something that would inspire others to get outside and experience it for themselves. Read more>>