The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Marissa Swavel | Founder, MSLB

When I was in going through school at Ohio State I regularly went to the thrift stores to pass time and find new unique clothing I knew not many others would have. Personality is always represented by unique clothing. The more people started complimenting my finds the more I would want to find pieces for them that would bring them joy. Not only would this bring them joy, but it would bring me happiness and an extra source of income through college. I never really intended for my business to be what it is now. I really just enjoyed styling other people and reliving my 90’s childhood whilst doing it. Read more>>

Tammy Fellows | Publisher and Owner of two Luxury Magazines

I have always thought of myself as an entrepreneur. I come from a family who has always owned their own businesses, so it was never intimidating to me. I knew quickly when I entered the professional world that I would always rise to the top. I had a hunger to always do better and succeed. That is, to me, the best formula to running your own gig. It takes drive, dedication and a ton of hard work to run your own business. When you have these traits and you are using them for someone else’s gain, it’s time to get going and get into for yourself so YOU can begin to help others through your own business. Read more>>

Spencer Tatum | Founder & Performance Director

I saw this big need in the market for a model that really expressed what fitness and performance training is, as I felt like there were a lot of key elements missing that didn’t validate our industry. I wanted to change that by delivering a performance-based model that explained the whys, hows, and whats of people’s fitness and how it will not only improve their health, but that also improve their quality of life – ultimately to allow them to achieve their goals and improve their performance in life and sport. Read more>>

Minnie Cruz | Polymer Clay Jewelry Designer

Honestly in the very beginning I just started making earrings for myself with no focus in business whatsoever. I wanted to do something to keep me busy during quarantine. I’ve always considered myself an artistic person and have always had a love and passion for anything art related from a small age. I started seeing clay earrings pop up a lot on my Instagram feed. So that gave me the idea to start making the earrings to sell. Read more>>

Taylour Andrews | Mobile Bar & Beverage Catering Owner

I started Old School Tap because I wanted something like our truck for my own wedding, but I couldn’t find anything like it. So I convinced my husband to turn his love for cars and my love for working with people and service industry experience into a business. Read more>>