Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Taiye Omokore | Photographer & Editorial Director

My thought process behind starting KLAT Magazine stemmed from recognizing a significant gap in the market and a lack of representation for the vibrant youth community in Wales. Read more>>

Nathalie Baret | PR/Media Relations and Artist Management

As the founder of Win-Win PR & Artist Management, LLC, I embarked on a journey fueled by a passion for empowering Creators and elevating their brands to the next level and next. With a steadfast commitment to fostering strength and distinction, my mission centers on providing a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of artists, arts and entertainment entities, small business owners, book authors, mental health organizations, podcasters, and radio personalities. Read more>>

Stacy Velez | Digstown Diner Fresh Dog Food | Project One Business Consultant

Digstown Diner is a fresh, whole dog food brand that developed from our own needs as dog parents, as well as a passion for helping our family pets have the very best health and longevity. Read more>>

Haley Hawn | Luxury Wedding Photographer

I dove into wedding photography after getting married myself in 2017! I was in a transition period with my job in digital marketing, and my husband was accepted into grad school in the UK shortly after our wedding, so it was the perfect opportunity to try something new. Read more>> 

Macie Queen | Co-Owner

My sister and I always wanted to start a business together so that we could gain control of our time and financial freedom. Our parents were entrepreneurs and encouraged us to follow our goals, always. Riley and I also struggled with anxiety throughout our lives, and found so much relief and comfort in cannabis. Read more>>

Jess Tiel | Owner & Master Artist

After graduating college, I was on a completely different career path that did not pertain at all to beauty. But during that time, I decided that I wanted to get my eyebrows tattooed. I really struggled to find a local artist that I felt like I could trust with my face. Read more>>

Missy Long | Lifestyle Photographer

My dad has a love of photography. He used to take thousands of pictures of beautiful mountain scenes, flowers, animals and of course, his daughters. I was intrigued by photography but intimidated by the many buttons, so my curiosity never went very far. Read more>> 

Emily Schulz | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Orthopedic Specialist

When I decided to start my own business, I was working for a large national medical corporation as a physical therapist. I had been working for a small mom-and-pop clinic that I truly enjoyed, but they decided to sell to this chain. Read more>>

Terra, Carissa Koontz. Schulze | Salon Owner & Stylist

We wanted to create a salon space that both us and our clients truly loved. We cater to a more diverse and alternative clientele and wanted to provide a comfortable place for those people to get their hair done. Most of our favorite clients were ravers and alternative people, so we knew we needed to create a salon that would attract more of those clients. Read more>> 

Megan Dare | Behavior Analyst and Owner of Guiding Growth

My motivation for starting my own business was so that I could be a part of the process of seeing children grow, learn, and make progress with goals. Working at large companies I found myself spending less and less time working directly with children and more time supervising very large case loads. Read more>> 

Ry Hawley | Golf Lounge Entrepreneur

The 4 of us owners have had a bit of an obsession with golf for years. As we improved we started training in the winters and used several golf simulators that always left us feeling like we wanted a better space to groove our swings. The idea kind of lingered for a couple of years, and I happened to be ending a job in finance just before covid hit. Read more>>

Stephen Lear | Musician

Where’s the blues? When I first moved out to Colorado in 2019 from my hometown of Cincinnati, I was getting very deep into the blues. I was just introduced to Jimi, SRV, BB, Johnny Winter, and quite a few others I now deem my all time greats. Read more>> 

Leah Leonard Entrepreneur + Non-Profit Founder | Leah is an entrepreneur, facilitator, and the co-founder of Kisimani School

I craved freedom and flexibility above all else, knowing that if I could regain autonomy over how I spent my time…I’d choose to spend it doing something that hopefully made the world a little bit better. I had no idea what that was, but I knew that flexibility was the key that would unlock those doors, once I found myself in front of them. Read more>>

Sarabeth Wolbrom | Wedding & Elopement Photographer

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. When I was in elementary school, I started my own Pokemon trading card business. I would essentially serve as a consultant for other kids playing Pokemon, and in return, I would get some epic Pokemon cards. Read more>> 

Falon Hibler | Canine Massage Practitioner

I started Canine Massage on my dog after he started getting older and not bouncing back as fast as he normally does. My wife said I should do that professionally. At first I didn’t realize the impact Canine Massage could make. Read more>>

Federico Peri | Interior & product designer

Essentially, I had reached a point where I felt the need to personally engage, ready to tackle new professional challenges. The next step was to define my aesthetic language, something that was consistent with my personal background along with the experiences that had led me to take that significant leap. Read more>>

GRIMARD Charlotte | Jewelry Designer

When I started my own business, I spend a long time thinking my offer through. My vision was to propose custom made jewelry that was both durable and affordable. I knew that I wanted to propose something different, something unique, something that reflects a fusion between art and jewelry. Read more>>

Weston Flowers | Sober Living Owner and Founder

I wanted a platform to be able to help more people. Helping people is the cornerstone of my life today. It brings me peace and contentment. Starting my business has given an avenue to many people to start a new way of life, free from the bondage of addiction. Read more>>

Polina Astafyeva | Owner of BiteIt! Bakery

I have always loved baking since I was a teenager, I baked for family , but never thought I can make a real business out of it! When we just moved to US in 2017 I once made a cake for my friends birthday and she was so impressed, she said I should sell cakes because they are very good! Of course I had a lot of doubts but she cheered me so much!

Joanna Clark | Pediatric Sleep Consultant and Certified Gentle Sleep Coach℠

Hello, I’m Joanna Clark, the proud Founder of Blissful Baby Sleep Coaching. As a parent who has experienced the pain of sleep-deprivation, overwhelm, and relentless questioning of their self-worth because she too had a child that did not sleep through the night, I knows exactly how frustrating and isolating it feels to want what’s best for your child and yet, can no longer tolerate living in a confused and sleep-deprived haze. Read more>>

Katie Taft | Wardrobe Stylist and Designer

I’ve always been a creative person with a passion for helping others. Starting my own business has given me the opportunity to do that in a way that’s meaningful and exciting for me. I never wanted to be a designer for another company; I do my best work when I’m staying true to my style and creating things that I would wear myself, and helping other’s find their authentic style. Read more>> 

Benjamin Owens | Hobby Grower & Cannabis Ghostwriter

You don’t need a degree to grow weed. It’s the premise that Growhort, the community-based cohort for first-time cannabis growers hinges on. It’s easier than most people think. I know firsthand: I let the fear of screwing it up or buying the wrong things keep me from growing for years. Read more>>