Thinking through the first steps of starting a business

Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Doug Cunnington, PMP | Podcaster, YouTuber, Writer, Course Creator

What began as a casual side project, something I did just for fun, quickly evolved into my main source of income after an unexpected turn in my career. Back in 2013, while working a full-time corporate job, I stumbled upon a podcast discussing ways to make money online. Initially skeptical due to the plethora of scams out there, I was relieved to find that the business model discussed was not only legitimate but also quite promising. Read more>>

Emily Sanders | Medical Massage Therapist, Business/Sales Coach and Published Author

After beginning my journey as a massage therapist in 2010, I found myself drawn to two distinct paths: one within the spa industry and the other alongside chiropractors, where my focus was more medically oriented. Each offered its own rewards, and I found fulfillment in both. Read more>>

Madeleine Elizabeth | Author and Publisher

In all honesty, the motivation behind Extra Extra Publishing House was fairly self serving. I had spent a year plus in the query trenches of traditional publishing and in that process I had unearthed things about the industry that made me feel disenchanted as a writer and artist, as well as disappointed by the commonplace business ethics of today. Read more>>

Yolanda Monic | I am Executive Chef Yolanda Monic. There is truly love in every dish!

When I decided to start my very own business my grandmother came to mind. She was the reason why I fell in love with cooking. My grandmother/NaNa was a self taught chef. She could cook and bake so good that if you didn’t like her she’d feed you and after you ate one of her amazing Louisiana inspired soul food dishes you’d end up falling in love with her. Read more>>

Jules ♥︎ | Jules ♥︎ | Movement Teacher & Wellness Artist

When starting my business, the term ‘artist’ was never one of the first words to spring into my mind. At least, not for quite some time. As a child, I was bubbly, creative, and curious. You could find me cutting up cardboard boxes and using hot glue along with other scraps to turn them into custom dollhouses. Read more>>

Michelle Gean | Founder, Writer, & Editor

I was working as an editor at a publication when several writers came to me with book ideas. They wanted writing guidance, and they needed an editor. I wanted to help everyone, giving each book the time, deep care, and attention it needed to get out into the world. Read more>>

Lisa White | Executive Director

We were employees of the theatre company that occupied our space. In November 2022, the owner informed us that she was not interested in continuing to run the theater, as she had other interests that were more in her wheelhouse. She offered to let us take over the business as owners. Read more>>

Brittany Vermilyea | Owner, Tini Mobile Bar

When I turned 30 I started reflecting a lot on my career, and if I had truly found “what I want to be when I grow up.” Through this reflection process I came to the realization that my favorite moments have been those where I was hosting friends and family and celebrating life’s biggest moments. Read more>>

Halie and McKenzie Lewis

We wanted to create a platform that allowed us to share our beliefs, opinions, and experiences with others. We are both strong believers in feminism and gender equality and so we discuss a variety of different topics through a feminist lens on our show. Read more>>

Melanie Trujillo | Wedding Elopement & Lifestyle Photographer

I have always had a love for photography. When I was younger, I never had a fancy camera. I only used my phone to take photos. When I had my first born, three years ago, I started taking photos of him like crazy. I would dress him up and do cute little photo shoots with him. After the photo shoots, I would be so eager to edit all of his photos and watch them come to life. Read more>>

Adam Dougherty | Artist and Creature Designer

I had been working in various shops in LA for the better part of 10 years and was getting burnt out on the idea of being told what to make, what to sculpt, and how to do it. When Covid hit in 2020, I moved back to CO and decided I wanted to try out building my own shop where I was able to choose what jobs I took. Read more>>

Connie Flores | Independent Equine Nutrition Advisor

17 Hand Equine Nutrition was started because I wanted to help horse owners make science-based and educated decisions about their horse’s nutrition, and to make them feel empowered in their choices. I help dedicated, compassionate equestrians achieve their horse’s maximum genetic potential through optimal, balanced nutrition in a whole-horse approach. Read more>>

Mario Jaraba | Founder and President

In Colorado, the demand for boutique protection companies offering specialized safety services remained unmet until now. Our presence fills this gap, providing a tailored approach to protection services that prioritizes individualized care and attention. Read more>>

Heilyn Centeno | Baker

Initially I started making birthday cakes for my daughter, and I realized that I was good, and that I really liked it, it was a hobby because I had another profession, the recipe was my mother’s. When I arrived here in the United States almost 5 years ago, I started making cakes for people close to me, and they liked the taste, so I decided to undertake and start offering my product, and that’s how I grew step by step. Read more>>

R. R. Noall | Founding Editor and Writer

I started From Whispers to Roars because I was DEEP in creative processes myself. As a poet, I felt a little isolated, and knew other creatives felt the same way. Starting From Whispers to Roars, a literary magazine, helped me to connect with other writers and artists. Read more>>

Amanda Schaller | Family Photographer

Photography has been my passion for years and years. Once I became a mom myself I often wanted pictures of my kids and I found it very expensive and stressful to find a photographer. During COVID I was inspired to take my kids own pictures and then my friends children’s pictures. Read more>>

Erik Yabroff | Tattoo Artist / Graphic Designer

When I started Yabs Tattoo or Hollows Apparel I wanted to take the professional skills I’ve learned through my 8 years in Graphic Design in Denver and New York City, and use them to bring joy to peoples lives through, a well done tattoo or clever designed product. Read more>>  

Kim Vibes | Creator

I’ve always had a passion for traveling and experiencing all that the world has to offer. After having children, I knew that I wanted to impart that passion to them and show them all of the exciting things that there are to do around us. I also wanted to share my experiences with other parents so that they have the tools that they need to do the same thing. Read more>>

Nancy Vences | Independent Insurance Broker

I began my business as an opportunity that was brought to me by one of my closest friends. In the middle of the pandemic, I found myself unemployed and looking for a job. My friend Adriana, who is a realtor, had opened an insurance agency a few years back in conjunction with her real estate business. Read more>> 

Anne Mailhot | PA-C & Artist

I have been practicing in medicine as a PA for about 8 years. In 2020 I started spending more time doing art, which quickly led to the selling of my art and the formation of my art business. First through acquaintances, and then through art shows and galleries. Read more>>

Matt Kelson | Physical Therapist

I burned out as a physical therapist in traditional settings after only about 2 years. I was taking on a lot of responsibility and lead roles in those positions I had previously held, from developing a physical therapy program in one clinic, to being a lead PT with another job responsible for an entire community building. Read more>>

Stephanie Kaiser | Founder of saymore

I’ve always loved entrepreneurship as a way to make space for new approaches and ideas. In the case of saymore, I had some challenging experiences working in a male-heavy corporate culture that motivated me to find others to connect with, vent, and find support. Read more>>

Skyler Gingrich | Dog Trainer

I started Redemption Dog Training, LLC because while there are a ton of really great dog trainers out there, I wanted to be in control of what I offered to clients. A lot of dog trainers still focus mostly on obedience training and most dog owners just want to enjoy their dogs, not make them stay in one position for 5 minutes to several hours. Read more>>

Phil Butera | Entrepreneur & Acoustics Nerd

My decision to start my own business stemmed from a desire to leave the corporate environment and pursue something more aligned with my passions. I launched several private label brands on Amazon in 2015, including one focused on acoustics as I am a lifelong musician. Read more>>

Charles ‘Ico’ Sanchez | CEO EVolution Parts

I come from the Dominican Republic, where my father is a well-established businessman. He founded SERTELSA, the largest telecommunications company in the country, and later, Zero EmisiónRD, the primary electric car dealership. When I got involved with the family business, I started with social media, creating TikToks and Instagram reels that quickly yielded results. Read more>>

JP Garcia Jr. | Creative Consultant & Designer

As many creatives in this crazy professional world will grow to know or agree with, finding a company that values your artistic and creative contributions properly can be challenging. Read more>>

Taylor McNally | Owner & Floral Designer

When I started my business I knew that everything I created wanted to come solely from me. I had a bit of experience in the floral industry before I started my business that made me fall in love with wedding floral. I knew that after working behind the scenes for large companies and creating a bridal bouquet for a bride I know nothing about felt so impersonal to me. Read more>>

Erick Mariano | Photographer

Currently, I would say that I am still going through the “building” phase. Starting off with mostly spontaneous photography sessions that were most likely not even scheduled, for very little to no cost at all. This way I could build a portfolio, gain exposure, and a wider range of clientele before setting up solid rates and pricing. Read more>>

Joe Ramseyer | Owner of Vanity Motorworks

I’ve always had this huge passion for vintage motorcycles. I’m kind of anti-electronics, I love all things analogue, and the fact that if an old motorcycle is running at peak performance, it means you took the time to properly make it run. Theirs no electronic assistance, it’s all raw manual input. Things like that drove my passion to turn that into a career. Read more>>