Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

William Campos

My thought process behind starting Sophisticated Marketing Solutions stemmed directly from my experience working at a large marketing agency. I noticed a significant gap in the market and a clear frustration with the status quo.

In that environment, the approach was very cookie-cutter. Every client, regardless of their unique size or industry, was given the same one-size-fits-all strategy. There was no real room for customization or the ability to test and adapt strategies, which stifled creativity and critical thinking. Read More>>

Andrea Isfan

My thought process behind starting Lash Rebellion was about more than just doing lashes — I wanted to create a space where women feel empowered, confident, and cared for. I’ve always loved beauty and the way it can completely change how someone feels about themselves, and after years of working for others, I realized I had my own vision. Read More>>

Valyo Calvert

We’ve always felt that when it came to travel, people often ended up overpaying — and we knew there had to be a better way. After extensive research, we discovered that becoming travel advisors was the perfect path. Travel can be expensive and stressful, and we wanted to create a business that made it more affordable, seamless, and enjoyable. Read More>>

EMoney Millions

When I started Sparkle EMoney (www.sparkleemoney.com), my vision was to create a one-stop shop brand that represents me and my lifestyle. I’ve always been a hustler, into beauty, fashion, and music — so I wanted to merge all of that into something bigger than just myself. Sparkle EMoney isn’t just a business; it’s an empire in the making. Read More>>

Jennie Richau

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family, so I learned early on about the heart and hustle it takes to build something of your own. Over the years, I’ve worked for others and for myself, and I kept coming back to the realization that when I poured my energy into building someone else’s dream, I was left wishing I had invested that same effort into my own. Read More>>

Michael Beck

I started producing and being a recording engineer in the mid 90s. It started as a way to basically make money while I wasn’t on the road being a full-time touring musician. Once I move to Phoenix in 94 I started sound vision recording in 99. And stayed. On that side of the glass until some opportunities became available for me to tour again with my own band. Currently called Escape the Hive.. So I’m back to touring as a vocalist and musician, but still running and producing at SoundVision recording in Mesa. Read More>>

Susan Mack

After graduating from Arizona State University, I spent most of my career working for large corporations. In the beginning, I appreciated the structure, the extensive training opportunities, and the camaraderie with colleagues. But over time, things began to shift. Budget cuts, layoffs, and the inevitable corporate politics made it harder to feel truly valued. The environment that once felt stable and supportive became more uncertain and impersonal. Read More>>

Stephen Campos

My father Art Campos was a pioneer in the Mexcian Food Industry. He was one of the first to manufacture tortilla’s in the Central Valley of California starting in 1947. I grewup watching him in business and wanted to be involved in his business. I started to work when I was fourteen years old. In 1964 he also pioneered a Mexican Food franchise called “Senor Campos”. Everyone called him “Senor Campos”, anyway. Read More>>