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.

Jenna Smith

This is such a great question. I have been dancing professionally for over a decade, and inevitably, once you reach a certain age, people start to ask you what you will do when you “retire,” which, for our profession, is usually quite young! Read More>>

Freddy

I have a passion for Scuba diving and the ocean. So many people have no idea what wonder and beauty the underwater world holds. I love introducing people to scuba diving and the adventure it brings to life. Read More>>

Dead Dreamz

The thought process was never born from light—it clawed its way out of shadows. I didn’t start a business to chase wealth or comfort; I started it because creation was the only way to silence the screams of stagnation.  Read More>>

Mari Madrid

Hi I am the owner of love lashes and glimmer boutique. I’ve been in business for 7+ years. My thought process behind starting my own business is I want to achieve something and make it achievable and I did just that.  Read More>>

Ashleigh Rankin

I’ve always enjoyed working, especially when you can see the impact of your work and believe you are doing something good for other people. Unfortunately, I didn’t always love the restrictions when working for other people and wanted to have the opportunity to express my beliefs in my work. Read More>>

Dr. Gabriela Metzler

I run a private practice for families seeking psycho-educational assessments and/or IEP coaching. My thought process was really driven by a sense of unmet need and a desire for deeper impact. Read More>>

Jake Maier

JEM Cabinet & Millwork Co. really came out of years of hands-on experience in the industry and a good feel for our local market here in northern Colorado. Since 2015, we’ve worked as finish carpenters, cabinet installers, and eventually cabinet makers, so we had a solid sense of which business models could both thrive financially and be fulfilling to run. Read More>>

 Beth Park

I spent 11 years working at a large insurance-based physical therapy clinic in the DTC area. During my last five years there, it became increasingly difficult to get insurance companies to approve the number of visits patients truly needed. At the same time, expectations kept rising— Read More>>

J-D. & LaDonna Langley

We’ve explored a couple of different business opportunities, primarily as a franchise owner. I continued my education, which helped prepare us to own and run our own business. Our daughter, Mariah, fell in love with horse riding at an early age, and we had the opportunity to witness firsthand how boarders and facility users view the facility operations at several locations. Read More>>

 Donald “Goose” Phillips

My journey into starting my own business has always been rooted in my love for cooking. From a young age, I found joy in experimenting with flavors and techniques, honing my skills through trial and error rather than formal classes. For me, cooking has always been about more than just preparing food; it’s an act of love and care that brings people together. Read More>>