Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Ashley Richards

When I started E Squared Marketing in 2018, I was at a real crossroads in my life. I had just become a mom, and while I was completely in love with my new role, I also felt this deep pull toward my professional passion — marketing. I knew I wasn’t ready to leave my young toddlers at home for a traditional 8-to-5 job, but I also knew I wasn’t done building something meaningful in my career. Read More>> 

Amanda Cho

I never thought I would be starting my own company, but after relocating to Arizona from the east coast 6 years ago, I began to experience an unraveling of many of my belief systems and values, which led me to question everything I was doing. Much of what I had focused on over my career – helping to operationalize sales and marketing support teams – was no longer fulfilling. And on top of that I felt like a constant failure as a wife and as a mother to my two young sons. I knew something had to change.  Read More>> 

Giuliana Frye

I created my podcast – Self Meets Soul – as I was really growing in my spiritual practices and wanted to share my journey and advice with others. There are many spiritual and self-development podcasts out there, but I wanted to offer people practical ways to start or nurture their wellness journey. I wanted people to know that it’s possible to pour into yourself and grow even when you are grounded in the world around us, and part of the “go go go” culture that is very prevalent nowadays. Read More>> 

Bret Smith

I’ve always carried this deep desire to own my own business. It was just there—this persistent ambition that stayed with me even while I built a successful corporate career in procurement and infrastructure. Eventually, in November 2018, I hit a point where I said to myself, It’s time. I didn’t want to look back someday and regret not taking the leap. Read More>> 

Caleb Walls

After moving to Arizona in 2016, I became a clinic director in an outpatient physical therapy setting, gaining experience in treating various conditions and managing business operations. However, I recognized limitations in the traditional healthcare model, which led me to establish Wall 2 Wall Sports & Rehab in 2021. My company prioritizes patient-focused care, free from insurance constraints, offering comprehensive and individualized treatment. As an industry leader in sports rehab, myself and my team emphasize evidence-based, progressive therapy tailored to each client’s goals, ensuring optimal recovery and performance. Read More>>