We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Austin Schrock

I’ve always been driven by autonomy. I need to be untethered, with freedom to do what I want, when I want, with whom I want. That may sound selfish, but in reality, I love helping people, and without autonomy, I am limited in who I can reach. I wanted to build a business that allows me to have freedom, so that I can pursue other forms of supporting those around me. There is so much hurt in the world, and I want to do all I can for as many people as I can. Read More>>

Sasha A

I love helping small businesses and artist grow in a creative and authentic way. As a creative myself, I realized how powerful social media can be when it comes to building a strong online presence and truly connecting with an audience. My thought process was simple but intentional—I wanted to blend my passion for storytelling, branding, and digital design into something that could support other entrepreneurs in bringing their vision to life. Read More>>

Raquel Limon Torres

Starting my own business wasn’t something I initially planned, it actually began with a push from my husband. In 2017, we took a huge leap of faith and opened our own insurance agency. We invested everything we had, financially and emotionally, into getting it off the ground. With no money left, we knew we had to make it work. While my husband focused on traditional grassroots efforts like door-knocking and in-person networking, I decided to explore how we could grow through social media. Read More>>

TINA COUCH

Skull Coffee Co. was born from my love of coffee, Halloween, and art—a natural extension of our prop company and a creative outlet that allowed me to design something both functional and fun for the haunt industry. I wanted to create a brand that fuels the late nights and creative energy of fellow haunters, while celebrating the spooky aesthetic we all love. Read More>>

Mark A. Marston

I started The Scripted Society out of a genuine passion for storytelling and a deep respect for the craft of theatre. I wanted to create a space where plays aren’t just read but experienced, discussed, and celebrated – where scripts could speak and stories could truly shine. My thought process was rooted in the belief that scripts are living documents, meant to spark conversation, challenge perspectives, and build community. Read More>>

Shauna Collins

I wanted to create something where I could have full creative control. Working in a restaurant as a line cook was a great experience and taught me a lot about discipline, speed, and consistency — but there’s often no face or name tied to the dish you prepare. You’re behind the scenes, almost invisible, and you rarely get to see the people enjoying the food. Read More>>

Chloe Clark

Simply Sage Dog Treats is not my first business. My background is in the creative industry, where I worked as a graphic and web designer and ran a food photography business. While I found fulfillment in creative work, I always aspired to launch a product-based business. That opportunity eventually presented itself, though not in the way I initially expected. Read More>>