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.

Jessica Mendoza | Co-Founder @ Be a Butterfly & Acute Talent

Starting a business, for me, begins with something I genuinely love doing, something I’m good at, and something I feel deeply passionate about. That’s the foundation. From there, it’s about layering in the rest—understanding the market, identifying the people who would benefit from what I offer, and figuring out how to meet their needs in a way that feels authentic to me. Read more>>

Tim Orscheln | HomeLyfe Founder & CEO

HomeLyfe was conceived through necessity. My wife and I had just purchased a new home with an over-15-year-old asphalt shingle roof. After one of our beautiful Arizona monsoons, I discovered that my roof system was starting to fail, and it led me on a journey to find a solution other than an expensive roof replacement. That is when I found Gonano, a proprietary and patented nanotechnology that will extend the life of an asphalt shingle roof up to 10 to 15 years at a fraction of the cost of a new roof. My own necessity turned into an opportunity to help others maintain and protect their homes, starting with their roof. Read more>>

Sheldranice Newton | Tshirt Business Owner

I started my t-shirt business back in 10th grade, and it’s been a journey I’ve loved ever since. For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for arts and crafts. Growing up, I was always drawn to creating and expressing myself through different mediums—whether it was painting, drawing, or DIY projects. When I discovered that I could combine my love for art with fashion, I immediately knew I had found my calling. Starting my business at a young age felt like a natural progression. It gave me a way to channel my creativity into something that could not only reflect my personal style but also connect with others who appreciate unique, custom designs. Read more>>

Pierce Jeske

Initially, I wanted to begin DJing outside of my hometown (Chicago). I took advantage of the extra time offered during the COVID era and converted a 72 passenger school-bus into a moving club with a large stage built on top. From there my goal was to look for different event groups in need of proper staging/production. Things started with referrals of friends, but within about one year I started getting staging and DJ gigs throughout the Midwest all the way to Wyoming, and eventually Arizona. Read more>>

Laura Bianchi

I have always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and owning my own business was a dream I was committed to making a reality. It was never a matter of “if” but simply a matter of “when.” So as our practice continued to grow and expand beyond Arizona—and even internationally— we saw our clients’ needs evolve as well. To keep pace and continue providing the advice and direction our clients (current and future) required, we quickly realized that meant rethinking our approach to business, adapting our services, and embracing new ways of working. So we made the leap and started Bianchi & Brandt. I can honestly say my worst day owning my own business is still unbelievably better than my best day working for someone else. Read more>>

Jessica Gonzalez

Starting my Own Business gave me a positive impact to move smart and dream big. I started my braid shop because I saw a need for a high-quality, professional space where clients could receive skilled braiding services in a welcoming and empowering environment. Braiding has always been a passion of mine, and I wanted to turn that love into a business that not only provides beautiful styles but also creates a positive, community-focused atmosphere. I carefully planned everything from the services offered to the shop’s design and branding, ensuring it would be a space where clients could feel comfortable and confident. My goal was to provide a space that not only enhances people’s appearance but also helps them feel more empowered. Read more>>