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.

Marion Lawson

In the first 5 years of my carrer, I truly never thought I wanted to own my own business. Prior to finding my buisness partner. Hillary Bacigalupo, I was 100% okay with having someone take a percentage of my pay check to do the mundane things I didn’t want to handle. Read More>>

Valerie Gallardo-Stewart

I had been injured at work, and began to realize that I was on a path that was hard to uphold. At the time I was engaged and thinking about starting a family. It became clear that if I didn’t make major changes my future would be greatly impacted. At that time, I was a preschool teacher. I loved being in a classroom and teaching/caring for young children, other educators and parents. So it was also important that I was able to impact community as well. Read More>>

Anna Smith

I have always been a creative, and I also love bringing joy to others. Jackrabbit Floral & Design came about as a way to have a creative outlet, earn a living, and most importantly, be able to stay at home with my 2 littlest children. Read More>>