We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Mary James Ketch | Artist

I think a lot of artists would just like to be “discovered” and have someone else handle all the sales, marketing, etc. But I’ve seen time and again that if you want something to happen, you have to make it happen. Read more>>

Nataliya Solace | Resin Artist

It was terrifying! Unfortunate circumstances made me change my career drastically. Being a fashion designer and a seamstress for 28 years, was all I knew how to do best. I desperately tried to figure out what else can I do. At the moment, it seemed that I didn’t know how do anything else. Read more>>

Julie Montilla | Dog Trainor

I have a long and successful career in dog training and agility. I earned my MS degree in animal science with a focus on dog behavioral studies and have been training and competing with dogs for 47 years. Read more>>

Jazzmin Yoshieko | Business Owner and Yoga Instructor of 14 years

When starting my business in 2018, I was finishing my two degrees at Grand Canyon University and knew that I wanted to create something lasting that I could utilize to scale and create jobs for others who also offer wellness services. Read more>>

Jada Calaman | Portrait & Wedding Photographer

I have always wanted to become my own boss. I fell into Photography accidentally believe it or not. Three years ago I had the opportunity to do a couples model call for one of my photographer friends. Read more>>

Anthony M. Thompson | Psychotherapist/Counselor

I wanted to provide psychotherapy to a historically underserved population as a member of an historically underserved population. In my career, I had noticed the underutilization of mental health services by Blacks, especially Black men. While I serve all, I have a special place in my heart for serving Black people. Read more>>

Rhonda PallasDowney | Herbalist & Formulator, Flower Essence Practitioner, Educator, Author, Intuitive Guide, Owner of The Center for Plant Studies & Healing Arts

As a child I was captivated by nature and plants, which stirred my passion. In m late 20s and 30s, I learned about plants in a variety of rural settings. The plants taught me much about myself and how to survive in nature. Read more>>

Shelen Scout Boyes | Fly Fishing Guide

For me, I just grew tired of feeling like I was in a never ending cycle of starting new jobs and then quickly realizing I had no passion for them. That is until one day I was walking along a river (fishing by myself has always been my means of therapy) when a couple of Australian fisherman started walking downstream towards me. Read more>>

Nita June | Independent College Counselor and Mentor

I was inspired to establish June College Counseling after spending many years as a full-time teacher and in the school admissions world, I saw more and more high school students anxious, burnt-out, frustrated and confused about their future and current state of education. Read more>>