Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Allie Garner

It really all started when my first son turned one and my sister graduated from high school—two milestones that meant so much to me. Around that time, balloon décor was just starting to trend, but no one in my area was offering it yet. I created a balloon wall for my best friend’s daughter’s first birthday, and that was the moment something clicked. I fell in love with the creative process and the way it instantly brought joy to people, and I knew I wanted to dive in headfirst. Read More>> 

Beth Smith

I wanted to offer fine art education along with a mentorship for creative and artistic kids as well as adults who have always had a love of art but had to set it aside to do life.
There are many school aged children who love to draw and paint. It is all they do, they have NO interest in sports or other extra curricular activities. Many parents seek out where to place their children in order to nurture this passion. Read More>>

Alisabeth Graham

Our business was developed with the goal of creating generational wealth. We began as a company focused on real estate, exploring various avenues for internal investments. Over time, we tapped into our creativity and began pursuing our dreams. Read More>> 

Caitlin Ferguson

A dear friend once nudged me to step back and really look at the ripple effects of my work — not just the projects, but the outcomes. So one afternoon, I traced it all out: years spent consulting, leading entrepreneurial support programs, growing and eventually selling a social enterprise, and even volunteering with founders. When I added it up, I realized I’d helped create over $20M in value for the 100+ founders and businesses I’d supported. Read More>> 

Sarah Hess

I’ve always wanted to start my own business, and have something that I work for that is solely mine and life giving. I started Bay Beach Thrift initially as a fun little hobby that could be a creative and fun outlet for me. I was working at an estate planning law firm at the time and it was very draining as someone who loves to create. Bay Beach Thrift became my outlet, and it turned into a passion and full adventure to turn it into thriving business.  Read More>>

Sima Abbasi

I started Zeba Hair Salon in 2008. I had been in the industry for some time and I wanted to be part of something more. I wanted to start something bigger than me and I wanted to make a difference in the beauty industry. Read More>> 

Kevin Harris

I started my non-profit to help other people who struggle substance abuse disorder because of my lived experience and the challenges I had through my addiction. The last 13 years I have learned tools that I can share that help me to stay clean and sober. Read More>>