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.

Queen Kais | Owner & Maker

Honestly, I didn’t set out to start my own business when I first started looking into making my own candles. Like everyone else, the pandemic left me with a lot of time on my hands, and scrolling through TikTok brought me to the world of candle-making, hooking me instantly. Read more>>

OnesAll Band | Funk Rock Band

From John & Kathi Stafford: Our son, Jordan, asked us (his parents) to be in his rock band when he was 17 years old. We asked him if he wouldn’t rather have a band with friends his own age, and he replied that he didn’t know any better musicians than we were and he would like for us to be in his band. Read more>>

Brandon Wallace | Real Estate Specialist

Starting my own business wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision at first – it was almost a calling that aligns fully with my values as a person. I believe enough in my unique abilities that I knew I would eventually want to be my own boss and to take on the role of a professional Realtor. Read more>>

Patricia Petralba | Holistic Women’s Health Medical Doctor and Life Coach

The vision of Thrive Life Center had been brewing for years. I had envisioned a wellness practice where we get to help people heal fully that is always root cause informed. Using best of both eastern and western medicine. Read more>>

Robyn Dirk | blogger

Immersing myself in a different culture and traveling to new countries have always fascinated me. This world has so much to offer, and I have been extremely lucky to have made my dream a reality. Read more>>

Joe Brown | CEO, Marketer, Designer, Photographer

Being in a creative industry, I always felt the need to have the freedom and flexibility between business and my personal life. Since I graduated with an AAS in Graphic Design and a BFA in Illustration from the University of Arizona, the rigid constraints of a 9-5 never made sense to the right side of my brain. Instead, I work 24/7 on my own business haha Read more>>

Sarah Simmerman | Fine Artist

I have been painting for my entire life, but until recently, lacked the confidence to share that part of myself. Art is very personal, and it can be intimidating to open yourself up like that to the world. Last year I decided that it was time to put myself out there. If I am successful, wonderful. If not, at least I will not wake up one day regretting not giving it a try. Read more>>

Melissa Rosenthal | Owner FH560

I never expected to start a souvenir and gift business; one thing led to another and FH560 was formed. I’ve lived in Fountain Hills, Arizona for roughly 6 years. When friends and family have come to visit over the years, I ‘d look for Fountain Hills, themed gifts for my guests. Read more>>

Jeannette Garcia | Motivational Speaker

My thought process came in different stages. First, I shared my experience with domestic violence with one person and then another and I realized one day that if I shared my life experiences with more people I could have a huge impact, even if it’s just one person. I shared my experiences and began to blog about how I went through domestic violence, sexual assault and war. Read more>>

Aaliayah French | Fashion Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my business was was to give myself a broader creative outlet to express myself aside from style blogging and social media. I was always very present online when it came to fashion and I knew I wanted to break into fashion business once I finished school. Read more>>