Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Christopher McCarthy

There are two major drivers behind why I wanted to start my own business.

First, I have always had this specific idea for a bakery or cafe. Sinister Bakers is a truly unique approach, and I wanted the chance to prove it would work. I love the creative side of the business and I also love the structured side. I have always found it difficult to work for other people and helping them get rich or by helping some faceless corporation meet some arbitrary financial goal. I wanted to create something from the ground up, something I could call my own, and something which would allow me to use my creativity, experience, and knowledge to help make people happy. Read More>>

Scott Brenton

I am passionate about mushrooms and their ability to heal earth’s ecosystems as well as our minds and bodies. I also love working for myself and doing my own thing, so starting my own mushroom business was the perfect path for me to take. Read More>>

Beret Kroeger

I’ve always loved events—the creativity, the energy, the joy of bringing people together. But what really drove me to start my own business was the desire to create freely and take full ownership of the experience I deliver to clients. I found that I thrive when I have the space to design something from the ground up, with intention and heart behind every detail. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to follow my vision, trust my instincts, and build a brand that reflects my personal approach to luxury weddings: thoughtful, elegant, and deeply personal. Read More>>

Devika Gurung

Starting my own business has been one of the most empowering decisions of my life. It offers me constant opportunities for personal and professional growth, pushing me to learn, adapt, and evolve in ways that a traditional job never could. I value the creative freedom that entrepreneurship provides—it allows me to shape my vision, explore new ideas, and continually improve based on my own standards and goals. Read More>>

Josh Oqueli

I wanted to tackle the challenge of combining the practice of Architecture with the trade of Construction into a seamless process. The two industries are often at odds with each other making this field a very litigious environment. The system is broken. BONSAI Design + Build is providing a streamlined way to bring quality Architecture to our clients. Read More>>

Brittney Mekelburg

I wanted to create a place where people could come and feel truly welcome and confident in their own skin. I’ve worked in the beauty and wellness industry, and I saw firsthand how some businesses were more focused on profit than people—selling overpriced or ineffective treatments just to make a sale. That never sat right with me. I wanted to do things differently. My rule has always been: if I wouldn’t sell it to my mom, I wouldn’t sell it to my clients. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to be honest, offer real value, and build genuine trust with the people I serve. It’s about making people feel good, not just selling them something. Read More>>

Sara Cripe

So, why did I write this book and launch this business? Simple, because I was damn tired of watching brilliant women second-guess themselves into “analysis paralysis” or burnout. I’ve owned multiple businesses over the years, but this one? This one get me excited! After years in marketing, mentoring, hyping, and coaching other business owners, I realized what so many of us were missing wasn’t strategy… it was clarity, confidence, and the guts to shake shit up! Read More>>

Beth Corlett

Good Stretch Yoga was created out of my passion to teach yoga outside of a studio, in a personal way and in a way that was authentic to me. If you don’t fit a mold, than create your own path. I wanted to offer one-on-one lessons for everyone, no matter what their limitations or challenges. Meeting my clients in the comfort and safety of their own home, allows them to open up in a way they wouldn’t necessarily in a studio. I didn’t feel this really existed before in an accessible way. I never really intended to start a business, it just naturally evolved. Read More>>

Kayla Gentry

I wanted to create space for dancers in Fort Collins, CO to come and not only take dance classes but in an environment where they feel truly supported and that they could actually grow as a dancer. I call it VYB Dance Classes as in “vibe” in which everyone knows they come into a positive and encouraging energy in every class. In addition, there are not very many places to take adult classes in the northern Colorado area and with that I decided to start my own classes for 16+. Read More>>

KRISTEN DOUHAN

STARTING MY OWN BUSINESS WAS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME. BY HAVING MY OWN BUSINESS, I CAN ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF PROVIDING INDIVIDUALIZED, ONE ON ONE CARE, WHICH IS OFTEN NOT POSSIBLE IN LARGE, CORPORATE CLNICS. Read More>>

Cat Mackinley

Starting my own business was really about creating a space where I could combine my artistic background with a deep desire to make a meaningful impact in people’s lives—especially for women who may be struggling with confidence due to medical or cosmetic concerns. The turning point came when my sister, a brilliant scientist, felt self-conscious about a facial scar from surgery. Seeing how that small mark affected her confidence in such a major way pushed me to research solutions—and that’s when I discovered the world of cosmetic and paramedical tattooing. Read More>>

Mariah Juarez

The thought process behind starting my own business really came from a desire to make a difference in the world. I have always known I was meant to serve people in a meaningful way. I just did not know how God would use me or what that path would look like.

My journey into the wedding industry began back in Texas, where I worked for a DJ company. I loved being a part of weddings and helping create some of the best memories of people’s lives. But one particular wedding shifted everything for me. I was DJing and noticed that the bride looked overwhelmed and deeply unhappy. Read More>>

Tiffany Wall

I always wanted to own my own practice. Even when I was young and found my interest and love for chiropractic, I knew I wanted my own business. I think I am just wired that way. When I was in undergrad I got my degree and all the pre-recs for chiropractic school but I also Minored in Business because I wanted some knowledge in what that looks like. I also wanted to build the practice of my dreams, not based on what someone else wanted. Read More>>

Leonard Anderson

I’ve always had a love for photography and for capturing people, but in the beginning, I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to land. I experimented with a bit of everything—weddings, wildlife, family portraits, fitness, beauty—you name it. Eventually, I found my way into fashion and spent about a year shooting runway. It helped me refine my eye, but I realized I wanted more control over the creative process. I didn’t just want to document—I wanted to create images that felt uniquely mine. Read More>>

Kristen Cipielewski

Starting Gather Yoga and Wellness came from a deep passion for building community and creating a space where people feel safe, seen, and supported. I’ve always believed in the healing power of movement, mindfulness, and connection, and I saw an opportunity to preserve and expand a space that offered just that. I also thrive on challenge and growth, and stepping into business ownership pushed me to learn new things, think creatively, and grow both personally and professionally. It’s been incredibly rewarding to co-create a space where people can show up as they are and thrive. Read More>>

Mecaila Farnsworth

Honestly, no one teaches you how to properly take care of your skin it’s not something you learn in school. With so much misinformation online and overwhelming advice from influencers, it’s easy for people to feel lost when it comes to building a skincare routine that actually works for them. I wanted to create a space where people could learn how to take care of their skin in a way that’s personalized, sustainable, and effective. Read More>>

Alala Wakelin

I always loved making things and architecture, creating many forts and tree houses as a kid. I did my undergrad in film studies with an emphasis on film production and throughout my life I was always interested in creating and trying out different disciplines within visual arts, music and design. Starting my design-build practice felt like a natural way to merge my artistic sensibilities with something tangible that serves a need. I’ve also always gravitated towards leadership roles within groups and I wanted the freedom to choose projects that genuinely excited me. Read More>>

Rebecca Bradford

I honestly didn’t know I was starting a business until years later.

Over two decades ago, I embarked on an improvisational journey, seeking a creative outlet that didn’t result in a physical artifact needing storage. Unlike paintings or crafts that require space on a wall or shelf, improv offered a transient form of expression—art that existed beautifully in the moment and then vanished. Read More>>

Nigel King

Gosh, I want to say my thought process behind opening my own business was I wasnt doing badly before, but 7 years later working in one place I wasn’t really getting ahead either.
Sometimes you really do have to gamble it all in order to get ahead. Read More>>

Elvis Sherman

Starting your own business can be a scary proposition, for sure. When I decided to start my own headshot photography business I knew I wanted to keep it simple, give people what they wanted, and of course keep my expenses down. I knew I already had most of the gear necessary to get the business going, so it was just a matter of thinking it through and getting it started. Read More>>

Eric Ross

This is the second business I’ve started – the first was about ten years ago and is still going well, but that job is in geospatial analytics and keeps me tied to a desk. The business I recently started requires me to be in the field – outdoors and often in beautiful places like the Colorado high country and Moab, UT. This new gig also brings me back to teaching. In my previous careers there has always been a teaching or training component, whether it was new kitchen staff during my restaurant days; Read More>>

Bethanie Thompson

Creativity is such a part of who I am. My whole life I’ve been creating in one form or another. As a wife of an activity duty Air Force member, a mom of three, a substitute teacher, a volunteer in many organizations, I’d been constantly using my creativity for events, lessons, crafting. Once my husband’s career in the Air Force was over and my kids were more independent, I saw an opportunity to use that creativity in a bigger way. I had no significant goals, I just wanted to be creative on a bigger scale and also saw the potential to provide additional opportunities for our family in the way of travel and activities. It also opened a door to give more generously to people where we saw a need. Read More>>

Keegan Shaw

I’ve always had the goal of owning my own salon. Over the six years I spent working in the industry before owning, I was able to experience a variety of salon environments. I took note of what worked well and what didn’t. What made both clients and stylists feel valued, and what held a business back. That experience gave me a clear vision of the kind of salon I wanted to create, one that reflects my values, creativity, and passion for the industry. Read More>>

Jo

This was really a passion project. Coming home from the military and spending a lot of time overseas is and was a lot to process. We understand now that this is something that nearly all veterans deal with, but at the time, we, like many of us, felt completely alone. We came back home to an old life that we had outgrown, where a lot of people we grew up with had stagnated. People can say what they want about the pros and cons of the military, but one undeniable pro is the fact that you are essentially forced to grow as a person. Read More>>

Abbey Campbell

Starting my own cash-based physical therapy clinic for both adults and pediatrics was the result of several key realizations and experiences over time. First and foremost, I recognized that the traditional insurance-based model often limited the quality of care I could provide. With the time constraints, billing limitations, and administrative burdens, I felt that patients weren’t always receiving the individualized, high-quality therapy they truly needed—especially children and complex adult cases who require more specialized attention. Read More>>

Stacy Davis

Coming from a corporate environment I wanted to extend my reach to those who were experiencing physical pain their lives and yet were not comfortable in a big-gym environment. In addition I wanted to expand my creativity into the community and not be held back from hitting the glass-ceiling. I knew I had something special in the fitness industry to offer. My interpersonal skills mixed in with an innate desire for continuous learning allowed to start my own business, Restore Fitness. I wanted a comfortable environment, affordability and a personalized experienced for all those willing to trust me in their health and fitness journey. Read More>>

Adelaide Clay

Growing up, I was surrounded by diet culture—where the focus was always on shrinking yourself, chasing a number on the scale, and following the next “perfect” diet. Over time, I realized how harmful and exhausting that mentality was, not just physically but emotionally, especially for women. When I started my career in a chiropractic office in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, I began to see health from a much broader perspective. The doctor there emphasized the whole-body approach: movement, hydration, mindset, and especially nutrition. That’s what really clicked for me. Read More>>

Marisa Johnson

Starting my own business as a barbershop owner was deeply inspired by watching my father. He was self-employed, and I saw firsthand how that gave him the freedom to spend quality time with me growing up. That left a lasting impression. It showed me that work didn’t have to mean sacrificing presence or connection. It could actually create space for both. When I became a parent myself, I knew I wanted to do the same for my son to be present, to lead by example, and to show him that it’s possible to build something of your own and still be there for the people who matter most. Read More>>

Arend Richard

I wanted to create something that I wished existed in todays world. A space for friends and family to experience the joy of cannabis together! Our mission is to get “The Whole World Seshing Together” and to do that I knew we would have to create a space that was comfortable and approachable for the largest demographic of people, and thats how Cirrus was born. Read More>>

Chris Acosta

My journey to starting My Tiny Massage Studio was born after a period of significant personal change that led me to seek a completely fresh start – one where I had genuine control over my path and my daily life. I personally experienced the profound impact massage therapy had on my life. It wasn’t just about physical relief; it was a true respite, a way to manage stress and find a sense of calm. The real driving force was this vision of building a tiny sanctuary, a place where you could genuinely unwind, heal, and feel cared for. It was about taking control of my future and channeling my experiences into creating something that was meaningful and achievable. Read More>>

Jenn Grubb

Honestly? It came from a deep frustration with how traditional corporations operate—where the people doing the real, meaningful work are often overlooked, and the profits stay at the top. I’ve never been someone who could thrive under rigid rules that only benefit higher-ups. I wanted to create something different—something rooted in community, connection, and contribution. Read More>>

Steve Williams

I have run my own business for many years (Williams Tennis School, LLC). As I enter the
3rd set of my coaching career, I wanted to start something else that would glorify God and keep
me busy as I enter a phase of life where I have a bit more free time. Fishing and a youtube channel
seemed like a fun next chapter. I started “Fish on with Coach Steve” on youtube in March of 2024. Read More>>

Stephanie Arrington Diaz

I decided to start my own business selling my photography after my husband and family really made me believe that others might like my photography. Before I started the business with its own name I was always at our thoroughbred breeding farm taking photographs of our horses and other animals running, playing and just relaxing, I was also always at the horse racetrack taking photos of the horses in the morning and afternoons during race time and all their grooms, trainers and jockeys. Read More>>

Arturo Spraycasso

From the very beginning, I saw spray painting not just as a form of expression, but as a misunderstood and overlooked medium with untapped potential. Back then, most people associated spray paint with graffiti—destructive, rebellious, something to be scrubbed off a wall. But I saw something else. I saw beauty, precision, and an opportunity to elevate it into a respected art form. Read More>>

Teaonnda Ware

I was nervous at first because I didn’t know where to start or even who to talk to about the business. Read More>>

Carrie A Lamb

I started Connect Physical Therapy and Pilates because my clients asked me to!

They were seeing real progress in physical therapy, loved how Pilates enhanced their rehabilitation, and wanted more. I realized I could be more effective as a physical therapist—and fully utilize my skills—if I stepped outside the constraints of traditional healthcare. Too often, the system limits visits, shortens treatment times, and focuses only on getting people back to basic function. But I wanted more for my clients. I wanted to help them return to the activities that bring joy and fulfillment—like hiking, running, and biking. Read More>>

Eric Baker

I’ve always wanted to be my own boss. From a very young age, that’s been the goal. Money would be great, but the freedom to make my own choices, and the responsibility to deal with the consequences they create has always been very exciting to me. Read More>>

Sophie Kormos

My inspiration to start this business came from my own four children. I love to capture the genuine, joy-filled moments and special bonds shared between family members. I’ve always believed that the outdoors offers a beautiful, ever-changing canvas that perfectly complements the authentic emotions and connections that make family memories so special. After years of photographing my own family and seeing how powerful those images were in preserving our story, I wanted to help others do the same. Read More>>

Alan Karmin

The “business” that we are addressing here is actually two-fold. The first part of it is the blogging and story-telling. Melissa and I were, and are, of the exploring mindset. We have always liked to seek out adventure, discovering the known and, sometimes, the unknown. And telling those stories became a way to share our experiences, especially with an older generation since we are more experienced than most due to our ages…so we cater to a different audience than most when it comes to social media. Read More>>

Chelsea Treinen

In 2019, I made the decision to take over my mother’s business, a move that felt both natural and exciting given my lifelong love for fashion, creativity, and connecting with others. My background as a teacher at an international school in Luxembourg helped shape my appreciation for diverse perspectives and strong relationships—skills that now serve me well as a business owner. When I returned to the United States, I was also stepping into a new chapter of motherhood, and I knew I needed a professional path that could align with my family life. Read More>>

Nikkeria Thomas

As a really young girl, I was always a nurturer and a lover of mothers and babies; however, my young mind didn’t fully understand the toll of motherhood or parenthood especially in the fourth trimester. Once I got older, I started learning more about maternal health, the impact of isolation and lack of education during postpartum. When I discovered doulas, I knew that is who I was at heart so I did the work to formally become one. Read More>>

David Sawyer

I have always loved the coin/numismatic hobby, and meeting other collectors and enthusiasts. In my area it has been very hard to find sellers of coins and collectible items, as well as meeting people interested in the hobby. My goal with my business is to bring people together and have a common ground around the collecting hobby. With our long winters up here I wanted to do something that was more of an ‘indoor sport’ you could say. I wanted to provide a venue for people to talk about their collections, sell coins, and buy coins. Read More>>

Jennifer Vong

My husband, Steve, and I own a beautiful ranch nestled in the heart of the Colorado Mountains in Lake George. Our love for this peaceful, scenic place inspired us to create Arcadia Villa Ranch & Retreat — a pet-friendly venue designed for unforgettable weddings, nature-inspired corporate retreats, yoga getaways, and other special events. With a perfect blend of rustic charm and refined elegance, our ranch offers a peaceful escape where lasting memories are made. Read More>>

REBECCA ARCHULETTA

My thought process was born out of both pain and purpose.
After losing my father—the last of six immediate family members—to a sudden death in 2020, I hit a personal rock bottom. At the same time, I was laid off from my corporate career after 17 years. It felt like everything I had built was gone in a moment. I realized I had spent most of my life helping others grow in the workplace, but I hadn’t fully healed myself. Read More>>

Melissa D’Angelo

James Hallman

The truth is, I never really put a lot of thought into starting my own editing practice. I just kinda fell into it when a friend of mine bought a failing publishing company. I had some background, so they brought me in as managing editor. We went ahead and failed anyway, but not before I had a chance to learn a whole lot about the business, and about the personalities that lurk in the world of publishing. Read More>>

Nicholas Young

In 2025, people aren’t just buying products—they’re buying stories.

Think about it: you don’t choose a local bookstore because it has the widest selection. You shop there because each purchase supports your neighborhood and strengthens a sense of place. Read More>>

Aaron Courtney

I started Astramat Designs because I saw a gap in the market for yoga mats that were both functional and beautiful. Most mats either looked good but weren’t built for real use, or were durable but didn’t fit well in a home’s aesthetic. I wanted something that could stay out all the time, wide enough to move freely, artistic enough to double as decor, and high-quality enough to last. Read More>>

Jemmi D’Amico

At 22, I was a junior in college, a single mom to a sweet 5-year-old girl, and my hairstyling career was taking off. Something had to give—so I left college, overwhelmed and unsure if I’d ever return. Thirteen years and two more beautiful babies later, at age 35, I made the decision to go back. I couldn’t ignore the pull—I had always wanted to become a therapist. Read More>>

Jennifer Call

I started The Staging Genius because I saw a real need in the market — not everyone can afford traditional staging, but I’ve seen time and again how powerful staging is in helping buyers connect with a space. As a real estate agent myself, I understood just how much of a difference it makes in how quickly a home sells and at what price. Read More>>

Emma Crenshaw

Honestly it all started when I was going to events and noticed the photo booths felt super outdated. Clunky setups bad lighting and mostly just printed strips that ended up shoved in a purse or tossed later. Meanwhile we’re all living on our phones everything is about instant sharing and content that looks good online. I saw this huge gap in the market for something more sleek modern and tech forward. I wanted to create a photo booth experience that actually fit into how people share memories today. So I built Mile High Photo Booth Rentals with that in mind. Read More>>

April & Cory Lee & Lux

For us, starting our own business was about taking ownership of our time, our health, and our future. We were drawn to the idea of creating a lifestyle that supports wellness not just physically, but mentally and financially too. When we discovered the philosophy behind the water technology we now share, it aligned perfectly with our values – sustainability, preventative wellness, and empowering others to live more consciously. Read More>>

Matt Bennett

I never set out to be a tech founder—I was a therapist who kept losing sleep over one nagging question: “How do I know my work is truly helping people?” Then, in the early 2000s, my mentor introduced me to the Adverse Childhood Experiences research and how trauma impacted the brain and nervous system. It was eye‑opening, yet I still had no real‑time metric that showed whether my interventions were helping my clients experience post-traumatic growth. Read More>>

Cole Manders

Clout came from the intersection of a few lived experiences. Following my seagoing career as a merchant marine officer, I found myself in trading and shipping—fast-paced, high-stakes, and deeply tied to systems most people never see. Later, I moved into government affairs, where I began to understand how those systems are shaped in the first place. That combination showed me just how important, and how inaccessible, policy influence can be for the people who aren’t sitting in the boardroom. Read More>>