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.

Dolly Eide | Entrepreneur

I was ready to start something new, get out of my comfort zone, and challenge myself. Read more>>

Vicki Conley | Artist and Teacher

I always wanted to be a stay-at -home mom and believe the value of that to be immense. I worked very hard at building a pottery business around the needs and schedules of my children doing arts and craft fairs all over the southwest to sell my pottery.. When they were grown my business continued to grow I opened a gallery Pinon Pottery in Ruidoso Downs, NM. Read more>>

Brian Benolken | Owner/ Cutting Edge Game Calls- Makers of the 4-Play Turkey Call

I have owned and operated a custom furniture and cabinetry business for years. I had a customer come into the shop looking to have parts made to assemble a patented new turkey call. We got to talking and he explained as a lifelong hunter he had a desire to create a new call that was more versatile than what is currently available. After developing a prototype and securing a provisional patent he was approached by some of the larger companies in the industry about buying the rights once he was granted a full utility patent. He proceeded to obtain his patent only to be disappointed by the offers from the larger companies. He had then decided to try to produce and market it on his own. Read more>>

Rebekah | Owner

Actualizing my dream of owning my own business that blended personal aspirations and corporate skills, lead me to the establishment of Desert Tea Party Rentals LLC. The idea of teaware rentals occurred during a tranquil moment – my first extended bath, accompanied by a comforting cup of tea, shortly after the birth of my child. In 2020, the unexpected cancellation of my tea baby shower at a local venue, sparked the idea for Desert Tea Party Rentals LLC. This setback prompted a unique opportunity to provide teaware rentals to customers at their chosen locations, offering an alternative to traditional tea house experiences and allowing them to save on costs. Read more>>

Kerry Damiano | Ms. World Traveler

The road to Ms. World Traveler spans 22 years. I left a “regular” job in 2000 as a President/COO of 2 multi-million dollar companies in different states, where I commuted between them, to start my own business. My initial endeavor was as a professional entertainer, but soon added pageant coach, wardrobe consultant, Christian speaker, my own television show (2 years), and a women’s fashion line (3 years). Some of the ventures were more successful than others, but I was busy and loved what I was doing. However, I always knew something big was coming. As each new element was incorporated, I would wonder, “Is this it? Is this what I’ve been waiting for?” And until June of 2022, the answer was always No. Read more>>

Yolanda Pigatt | Author & Owner of Abeni Publishing

After being turned away by so hundreds of literary agents and publishing companies because my story wasn’t mainstream enough, and told that there’s not a huge market geared towards my topics. I decided to stop asking for others to see and understand my vision. My vision and the reasons behind my story is not to become a multimillion dollar author or even a best selling author. My number one goals is to inspire hope, provide a platform for authors to share their stories particularly in the Children’s book genre and to drive change throughout world through books. I decided to no longer seek the approval of others and to drive my vision. Read more>>

Dominic Bustoz | State Farm Insurance Agent

I wanted a career that I could financially support my family as well as make an impact on my community. A big motivator for me was all the GoFundMe’s people were posting for funeral costs or hospital bills etc because they didn’t have the proper insurance coverage to help in their times of need. Read more>>

Shelby Lutz | Private Christian Homeschool Teacher for Rodeo Students

During my time as a teacher I thrived in helping students achieve their “ah-ha” moments and enjoyed all aspects of putting my 6 year education to great use. However, the salary as a teacher was detrimental to my life outside of the classroom. I knew I wanted my life to be centered on helping students and to continue that passion, but I also wanted a life outside of the classroom with my husband and son. My first thoughts to starting a business that could combine both dreams is where it all began. I wanted to work less hours, with higher salary, with the flexibility to be with my husband and son. It seemed impossible, but I am thriving in the change. Read more>>

Brittny Johnson | Owner & Chemist

When I embarked on the journey of starting my own business, Trades of Brit, my foremost consideration was dedicated to crafting products that not only upheld the principles of cleanliness and naturalness but also integrated the harmonious relationship between scientific innovation and the richness of nature. This approach guided the creation of our offerings, ensuring a thoughtful blend of purity and effectiveness. Read more>>

Sayali pendse | Founder, Kalaasmi Academy

Kalaasmi Academy was founded on the idea of providing Bharatnatyam which is an Indian classical dance style and Indian classical music training from academic viewpoint. The focus of Kalaasmi Academy has been and will always be promotion and propagation of Indian arts through music and dance. Read more>>