Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Montoya Whiteman | Indigenous Photographer & Storyteller

Like so many others, I responded to the pandemic lockdowns and social distancing by heading outdoors. For me, being out in nature was a way to balance the chaos happening in the world. Since I was unable to interact face-to-face with people, I began exploring new places with my fur-baby, Tazi, in the back seat and my cameras resting in the passenger seat. Read more>>

Deborah Abrams | Camping enthusiast, Designer, Creator, & Geologist

I’m crafty and a natural problem solver. I bought a teardrop camper when I was laid off from my corporate job in 2015, and had been making furnishings for mine for years! Just tweaking my designs and having fun with fabrics. Eventually, people noticed and asked me to make items for theirs! I was already making teardrop decor, now I get to set other people up with the necessary furnishings to camp comfortably and in style. Read more>>

Caroline Vassiliades | Experience Designer & Entrepreneur

I felt called to do something bigger than myself. It was definitely a gut feeling. I needed to do something in service of others that created space for vulnerability. From my own past experiences, trauma, and the resulting mind-body disconnection, I wanted to do anything in the realm of helping others feel seen and like their stories matter. Read more>>

Savannah Russell | Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist

The idea for my business started with the redwood tree. I grew up in the redwoods and have a very special place in my heart for them. They are such magnificent trees and they make a wonderful metaphor for health. Redwoods are able to withstand fires, floods, high winds, insects, and fungi. Read more>>