Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Dan Scrima | Furniture Maker and Makerspace Owner

I’ve always wanted to own a business and work for myself. Since 2019 I’ve had a custom woodworking business doing mostly commission projects and furniture and it’s been an amazing part of my life. I’ve always had it in the back of my mind that it would become a full-time thing, but that always seems like more of a pipe dream and not reality. I’m really good at what I do in my day job but it really doesn’t give me the satisfaction that I think I could have with full control over my daily life, especially with three kids. Read more>>

Alysa Hinton | Massage Therapist

When I started my business, I wanted to create something that I could build on my own. I didn’t really have a plan but I just knew I wanted to have my own massage therapy business. Read more>>

Michael (jordan) Lindsey | Artist • Designer • Driver

I was residing in Indianapolis Indiana in one of the most popular areas at the time, Broad Ripple. This is important because that was the main way I was able to network so well. I noticed a need for artistry in the Indianapolis area and decided to start my own brand which would cater to the automotive market. At the time automotive photographers weren’t really a thing unless you worked specifically for a brand, a motorsports company, or a dealership. Read more>>

Ashley Hartwell | Therapist, Founder of Summit Therapy

I’ve had the privilege of working in many different roles and environments in the mental health field from case manager to team lead to therapist in a group private practice. I learned so much from each of those experiences. Read more>>

Jason Mansfield | Small Business Owner

The thought process behind starting my own business was that I wanted to do something I was passionate about and I wasn’t getting that from the job I was at. I also figured if I am working this hard for a company that I have no stake in why not just work for myself. Read more>>

Deborah Guidarelli

I was a special education teacher for 4 years before becoming pregnant with my son. I knew my limitations and was keenly aware that I would not be able to do both jobs well. I had my son in 2004 and chose the hardest job there is…being a full time mom. As he was nearing the end of high school, I began wondering what was next for me. What skillset did I possess? How could I make a difference? What was my passion and what was I going to do with my time? Whatever it was, it had to be something that was meaningful to me. Read more>>