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.

Dr. Nati Schnitman | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Strength and Conditioning Coach

Deep down, I think I always knew I wanted to start my own practice at some point in my career. I’ve worked in clinics where 3-4 patients per hour is the norm, and I’ve helped countless patients who have received horrible care within our medical system for solvable musculoskeletal issues. Read more>>

Jenell M. Jones M.Ed. | Author, Educator & Entreprenuer.

In reflecting on my journey as a childcare owner, it all began during a pivotal moment when I recognized a pressing need within my community. As a stay-at-home mom, deeply devoted to raising my children, I observed the challenges faced by friends and family members as they sought trustworthy childcare options while they pursued their work commitments. Read more>> 

Eric Ruiz | Phoenix, AZ Area Realtor

I have always admired my successful friends and colleagues who have jumped with both feet first into the world of Real Estate. The opportunity has always been in the forefront of my mind and when life recently handed me a certain set of circumstances, which included my sudden relocation to the Phoenix, Arizona area last year – I decided it was time to take the leap myself. Read more>> 

Bailey Fillmore | Wedding + Elopement Photographer

I say this often, but my business chose me. I had no intent to start my own business. When I started photography I was in school studying to become a Dental Hygienist. My aunt was selling her cheap, little camera, and I decided to buy it for fun. I kept shooting photos often and decided to start taking on clients to help pay for my college. Read more>> 

Esperanza Pope | Beauty Artist & Designer

My thought process behind starting my own business is if I’m going to put in that work for someone else’s fulfillment, why shouldn’t I do it for myself? When I’ve worked for other businesses, it was almost like running my own small business inside a larger business. The experience prepared me for where I’m at now, I’m currently in the beginning stages of starting my own business. Once the dream comes to reality, I’ll be a traveling makeup artist helping others embrace their unique and bold beauty for any sort of event out there. Read more>>

Imani Varker | Owner, Grandeur Lathers LLC

“Made from scratch” is my love language. When I realized anyone could make their own soap instead of having to buy it from a grocery store, I was fascinated and had to try it. I immediately wondered if anyone would want to buy my soap because I knew I wanted to make way more than my family could use. A couple of years ago, I wound up in a situation where I was concerned about the future of my finances and figured since I had already thought about making and selling soap, I should just go for it. Read more>>

Mads Motush | Multi-Media Artist & Entrepreneur

I’d always been enamored with Mesa’s street vendors and all of their fun events and thought I need to get in on that! I’ve always been an artist, dealing with all mediums from digital to sewn, and I wanted to be able to spread my art to others. What finally pushed me to starting my business was leaving my old job. I saw it as a “one door closes, another window opens” opportunity and started working with Jarrod’s Coffee to start vending outside of their store in downtown Mesa. Read more>>