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.

Joel Hoffmann | Window Cleaning Entrepreneur

I’ve always been drawn to entrepreneurialism and despite never thinking I would work for a big corporation, I was recruited by Intel. Suddenly I was in the middle of Corporate American in a mega-sized environment with hierarchy beyond imagination. After 14 years of this, I was offered a “package” that sent me back to my preferred world of small business. Read more>>

Janica Sampang | Aspiring physician and Business owner

Checking it off my bucket list! I have always wanted to own my business as I am surrounded by entrepreneurs in my family. However, I just never had the light bulb shine on me… until recently. As an aspiring physician in the middle of the application cycle and a full time job as a medical biller/coder, there is no doubt my plate was full. There was a point I was not prioritizing my mental and physical health. Read more>>

Jacqueline Plano | Restaurant owner

I was definitely scared, so I went for it! I had always dreamed of having my own business. One of the scariest things I ever done but such an amazing experience in life. Working for something that’s yours is life changing and fulfilling. Read more>>

Jason Axtolis | CBD & Wellness Entrepreneur

I started my wellness journey in the early nineties teaching Chinese internal arts and meditation. I also trained and practiced various bodywork modalities and bone-setting. After completing Traditional Chinese Herbology School, I did a year-long internship at an incredible clinic in the Midwest. Even the name Celestial Stem is a nod to the eastern arts that I love and have enriched my life significantly. Read more>>

Yasmin Tajik | Professional Photographer

Photography was a long time hobby of mine, and it wasn’t until I finished my Masters in Business Administration that I started taking it more seriously. As I was learning more and refining my skill set, I was working a full time job as well as working 1 day a week for a local photography studio. I was really fortunate that the studio owner took me under her wing and became my mentor. Read more>>

Kathrine & Megan | Co-Owners of Bark Bois Co.

We were initially discussing our desires to be both entrepreneurs and do something we were passionate about for “work”. After contemplating hobbies, passions, and favorite pass-times, we discovered that deep down we both have a love for animals and more specifically, for dogs. We began brainstorming items we would enjoy making for people and their pets to share and Bark Bois was born shortly after. The decision was easy after realizing we would both be dedicated to creating high quality, fun, and useable products for the pet owning community. Read more>>

Connor Nannen | Connor Nannen and Isabella Digiovanni are CEO’s

Bella and I have always believed in doing something we love, and helping people in any way that we can. With both those things in mind, we created SAND Custom Designs. At SAND, we create custom canvas tote bags with various phrases, cities, states and logos. Our bag is your canvas! We want every customer to be able to bring their ideas to life! Along with creating the custom bags, we donate a portion of every sale to help empower women through education in India. Read more>>

Lindsay Pascal | Creative Director & Owner

When starting Casa Botanica Design our aim was to design a collection of planters and pots that brake out of the traditional designs in the marketplace. As Lindsay comes from a background in hospitality design, she knew there was an opportunity to create something new. Our original intention was always to do some kind of business that combined Mexico and design as Jorge is a native. We lived in Mexico for a year right after we married and that’s when we started to really solidify the idea of creating Casa Botanica Design and focusing on unique and high quality pots and planters. Read more>>

Heather Pitts | CEO of Reese’s Dog Treats

Reese’s Dog Treats was created when I brought home puppy Reese in early 2020 and she became an instant part of my family. With the COVID-19 pandemic keeping the entire world on lock-down, I could not have planned a better time to bring a puppy into my life. Reese is an energetic mini Golden-doodle, but most importantly Reese is a special family member who I want only the utmost for, delicious treats included! Read more>>

Joshua Merrick | Assistant Pastor & Voice Over Talent

For me, it really just came down to identifying a particular skill set that I possess that I could potentially fan into flame to help support local businesses. That skill set for me is actually my own speaking voice, and the idea of helping “voice the causes” of other folks seemed like a worthwhile venture! Read more>>