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.

James Alire

For years, I maintained a business setup for freelance projects in video, audio, and web design while working full-time in the corporate world. I enjoyed the variety that freelancing brought, especially compared to the repetitive content I created in corporate settings. Still, with a wife and two daughters, the idea of giving up a steady paycheck always made me hesitant. Read More>>

Christopher Polcyn

I knew that I could create more opportunities working for myself. The hair industry is very dynamic. Working behind a chair in a salon is rewarding and pays the bills, but there are so many more opportunities beyond the salon. Teaching my craft to others is something I’m very passionate about. Collaborating with other creatives is also very important. Read More>>

Shari Sims

Experience Amara grew out of both study and lived experience. I’ve spent almost twenty years teaching yoga, guiding breath and movement practices, and creating spaces for reflection and connection. Along the way I trained in the Sivananda and Ashtanga lineages, studied Ayurveda, and somatic movement, and lived through my own transformative experiences of loss, resilience, and spiritual seeking. Read More>>

Kathy Angerami

I couldn’t wait and was filled with excitement when I opened Pleasantly Plasma. I first experienced this treatment myself as a client in 2019 when it became available in the United States. (It was very popular all throughout Europe for about 10 years prior). I was so pleased with my results of the tightening of my forehead, glabella and eyelids I became obsessed and wanted to learn more about the technology behind this treatment. Read More>>

Courtni Clay Aka Coach Court

My journey to entrepreneurship was gradual. It actually started in HR consulting, I wrote employee handbooks, policies, and advised small businesses on ER/LR issues. While it was valuable work, it didn’t light me up. One night, sitting in my kitchen, I asked myself: “What do I really enjoy?” The gym came to mind. I’d trained friends for fun before, but I also knew many people struggled to stay consistent. That’s when the lightbulb went off; I realized it wasn’t about the workouts, it was about the mindset. Read More>>

Jim Porter

I grew up in a musical family and have played guitar since I was very young. After raising three boys, I devoted a little more time to music.Writing, recording and getting together with friends to have fun and play. In 2008 I started a group called ‘digital blues band” and did a few shows in town. In 2011 it evolved into outside the line band, and we played a variety of cover tunes and originals. It was a fun thing and we did 25 shows a year. Now we do 175! I never thought it would become a business! Read More>>