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.

Troy De Baca | Professional Creative Solutionist, Experiential Marketing Expert & Innovator

I always knew that I’d be a business owner/entrepreneur, just not like this.

It all started as I was climbing the corporate ladder in IT. I would come up with solutions to problems I saw within my industry but the management and higher ups didn’t appreciate my talents of seeing problems outside of my direct title. In fact they wanted me to “stay in my lane” and “stop thinking outside of the box.” Unfortunately for them and fortunately for me, this is who I am. I’m a “professional creative solutionist.” Read more>>

Emily Jacobson | Neuro-Somatic Transformation Coach

I am a two-time entrepreneur, and my thought process was a bit different each time. The first time, in 2017, I realized that I had developed very niche expertise in an area hardly anyone else was serving. I saw a unique opportunity to provide training and services to offices around the country who had a real need for what I was offering. The second time, it was more of a calling. My personal life was profoundly impacted by finding a nervous-system regulation modality called Neuro-Somatic Intelligence. Read more>>

Steve Krull | Photographer and Outdoor Writer

I went into business at the urging of friends and family, who all thought I would succeed. I was eager to leave corporate America to be my own boss. Read more>>

Carol Walker | Artist, Author, Wild Horse Advocate, Podcaster

I had been taking photographs since I was 4 years old, and I have been involved with horses since age 6, so starting a business photographing horses made sense. I started out by photographing people and their horses, and then began selling my images as artwork. Read more>>

John And Kelley Tutas | Leather Crafters

I could find a holster with the features I desired for the price point that was affordable to me so I started doing research on how I could possibly make my own. I had learned a little about leather work when I had worked on a ranch in college, mostly minor repairs on saddles. I got a small piece of leather and some basic tools and got to work. A friend saw the finished product and asked me to make him one. It snowballed from there and in the first 2 weeks I had a orders for 7 holsters. Read more>>

Trevor Page | Business Owner and Reptile Enthusiast

I had always considered entrepreneurship, but never knew what I would want to do for a business. Then one day after 20 years of employment, I realized that my love and passion for reptiles and other animals could in fact be a successful business. So I opened Front Range Reptiles to show everyone the amazing world of reptiles and amphibians. Read more>>

Shelley Narsete | Female Founder

I grew up with my dad and my aunts owning their own creative businesses so I saw firsthand the hardwork, hardships and satisfaction of having your own company. I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset – great at coming up with business ideas, like a lot of people. But, I never had one that I felt passionate enough to pursue…until Apposé. Read more>>

Brooke Hague | Spiritual Coach, Energy Healer, Photographer & Artist

Starting Soulcravt was a deeply personal and spiritual journey for me. It began as a way to blend my passions for photography, art, and spirituality into something meaningful that would help inspire and empower others as well. I wanted to create a space that reflected my own growth, recovery, and the purpose I’ve found in helping others connect with their inner selves. Soulcravt became that outlet—a way to share not just my craft, but also the energy and intention behind it. Whether it’s through photography that captures raw, soulful moments or handcrafting rune boxes infused with symbolism, or helping others navigate the messiness of this world, Soulcravt is about inspiring others to embrace their own unique journey. Read more>>

Lindsey Mullins | Licensed Professional Counselor & Registered Play Therapist™

My value for motherhood and family was a huge motivating factor in starting my private practice. Coming out of graduate school in my 40’s, I had two teens living at home, I was newly remarried, and family needed to come first. So flexibility and autonomy were critical to that process.
Additionally, at that point in my life, I was too stubborn to play by someone else’s rules in the workplace. I wanted flexibility in my schedule and I wanted to “do therapy” my way. I was new in the field of mental health therapy, but experienced in working with children and families. Read more>>

Ryleigh Trystan Strong | Photographer & Taxidermist

It wouldn’t be easy, it would be a long, slow uphill grind. That there would be loses but it would all be worth it in the long run. To be your own boss, and not work for someone else’s agenda. There are no limits, all you can do is grow. Read more>>

Christopher Moore | Photographer

I have had a lot of jobs in the past. Each one I was up for a promotion, and I was ALWAYS told by my peers and acquaintances and bosses that I’m smart and I have a lot of potential only to be fired, let go, or have to leave for one reason or another. I kept asking myself why I’m not seeing the success when so many others see it in me. I finally realized that, why waste all my energy on someone else’s interest just to be told I’m working too hard because it’s making the other looks bad. I can really work, and I figured I should turn that energy inward and focus on my own path. This has really opened my mind to many possibilities in life. Read more>>

Riley & Matthew Skelton, Jenny Miller, Kelly Wade | Founders

“Our founders , consisting of Jenny Miller, Kelly Wade, Matthew Skelton, and Riley Skelton, came together to establish our business after years of successfully running our own individual operations in suite-style environments. Each of us was seeking a fresh perspective and saw an opportunity to redefine the typical booth rental salon model. We wanted to create a space that stands out—one that not only offers a place to work but also fosters a supportive, innovative, and elevated experience for the stylists who rent from us. Our goal has been to shift perceptions and set a new standard for what booth rental salons can provide.” Read more>>

Jill Collins | Founder

I met my husband while we were both living in Sydney, Australia in 2003, and we’ve spent the years since then traveling around the world to 69 countries and counting, whenever we had the chance, around our full-time jobs. Our favorite, most memorable, and most meaningful way to connect with and appreciate the local cultures of the cities they traveled to, was through walking tours. Our love of travel, love of our own city, love of being outside, and love of sharing and connecting with people from all over the world led to the launch of Discover Denver Tours, as when we were founded, there were no walking tours in Denver that allowed us to explore and get to know our new city. Read more>>

Kristin Kohl | Photographer

My ultimate goal with starting my photography business was to eventually work completely for myself and be able to do what I love at the same time. Read more>>