The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Nick Puchalski, Lmft | Couples Therapist & Integrative Mental Health Clinic Owner

When I decided to become a therapist, I envisioned myself doing couples therapy, training other therapists, and (eventually) running a therapy practice. I didn’t necessarily have a specific timeline for when I wanted those things to happen, but I knew it would happen when the time was right. After licensure, I spent several years working at other clinics in both Minnesota and Arizona, strictly focused on honing my craft and becoming the best couples therapist I could be. After getting certified as an EFT (Emotionally Focused Therapy) couples therapist and working with hundreds of couples for many years, I naturally felt it was the right time to make the leap and start my practice. Read more>>

Dr. Lara & Johnny Fernandez | Holistic Love & Life Coaches

The Feminine Radiance and Courage Institute came about in a really unique way. We never could have predicted it! Lara here– after I got divorced at a young age and then spent the next decade attracting commitment-phobes and players, I realized I needed to TOTALLY change my approach to dating if I wanted to attract true love that lasts. I was a professional woman who was doing well in most areas of life… just not love. Read more>>

Tara Radoian | Licensed Esthetician

My thought process on starting my own skincare business stems from my passion for beauty and wellness. From being in the esthetic world for almost 24 years, combined with many years of ongoing education and experience, I felt inspired to not only enhance the skin health of my clients but focus on a more customized approach. I envisioned creating a relaxing space where clients can escape the stresses of daily life, while also promoting skin health and mental well-being. Educating each client is also at the core of my business. I want to empower each client with knowledge about their skin and the best practices to embrace their natural beauty. Read more>>

Lori Madrid

I’d love to say I started Everybody Matters because of rainbows and unicorns and so on, but Everybody Matters was inspired out of anger! As a school social worker, I had become so incensed about the fact that on a daily basis I was managing four or five crisis situations with students while in my periphery there were more waiting in line that I couldn’t get to. Once I’d helped with the students in crisis, I couldn’t circle back to follow up because the others in line then got my attention. It was a no win situation. I was outnumbered by the people who needed me. Read more>>

Karen Podrasky

First, thank you for this opportunity! One sunny Arizona morning, I walked into a venue as a set up assistant for a friend of mine who owns one of the premiere wedding floral businesses in the Valley. As we were setting up, I could see the mother of the bride pacing while on the phone. I could hear bits of her side of the conversation, and it appeared that the cake was delayed. Poor gal was frustrated and upset, and I knew that the photographer was waiting for her to resume photos. My heart went out to her. It was awful timing to realize that she needed a help. Read more>>