Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

SkyUnit Team | Videographers & Photographers

The thinking behind the creation of our filmmaking team was nurtured by a shared passion for multimedia and the desire to tell stories in a unique and impactful way. It all started as a hobby but evolved into something more due to the unique set of skills and perspectives each member brought. We aim to provide our clients and partners with a memorable experience, whether through a captivating narrative, stunning cinematography and immersive soundtracks. Every project we undertake is an opportunity to breathe life into new ideas and create something that resonates with people, allowing them to soar high and see the world with different eyes. We are your vision, your inspiration, your idea, we are SKYUNIT, with LIFE, COLOR, and MOTION! Read more>>

Eric J Rodriguez | Global Keynote Speaker & Advisor

Starting my own business was a culmination of observing critical gaps in the way we approach technology and human experiences. In the rush of the digital age, there’s a tendency to be dazzled by new advancements, often sidelining the human elements that these technologies are meant to serve. My diverse background, from my foundational years in Ecuador to navigating the complexities of tech and innovation sectors, equipped me with a unique perspective. I’ve seen firsthand how, when technology is applied thoughtfully, it can complement and enhance our shared human experiences rather than overshadow them. This realization formed the foundation of my venture. Read more>>

Amanda Pederson | Licensed Esthetician & Spa Owner

I’d known for a long time that I wanted to be self-employed, but I had no idea how I wanted to accomplish that. My career at the time was in the IT space, doing technical support, network and server administration, and then later project management. I didn’t see how I would transition that to a business, and it wasn’t something I loved anyway, so the idea of entrepreneurship simmered on the back burner for many years. Meanwhile, my sister, Dayna, went to esthetician school in Wisconsin, where we’re from. She ended up moving here to work for the esthetician that I was a client of at the time. Read more>>

Linda Kieu | Travel Content Creator & CFO/Designer of The Wakilisha Collection

My passion for both industries fueled the decision to start my fashion and travel businesses. Initially, I thought I could ONLY have and focus on one business, but in this case, both opportunities presented themselves simultaneously. Thinking about it now, from a young age, my mom instilled in me the value of creating my own lane when I couldn’t fit into an existing one. After spending time in Kenya and being exposed to stunning patterns and high-quality fabrics, I wanted to amplify beautiful, bold African prints worldwide. I was tapped in by my Kenyan partners (one of them being my fiancé) to bring in my years of experience in marketing and the entertainment industry. Read more>>

April and Justin Chodkowski | Leads, The Flying Royals

It was easy really… The show we were performing on closed, so to keep doing what we love (and what we’re really good at!) we had to create our own troupe! Justin and April have been professional trapeze artists for 15+ years and had worked for a few troupes before joining Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba in early 2014. That show closed Dec 31, 2017 and we had the equipment for this completely unique criss crossing apparatus. The team from La Nouba helped with some initial creation, but eventually they went to work for other shows around the world. ‘The Flying Royals’ was born and it took months to recruit enough flyers to really build an act. It took even longer to book our first gig, despite our deep connections in the industry. Read more>>

Chantel Miladinović | Aesthetic RN & Founder

I started my business with the desire to spend more time with my family. I had been in the nursing field for 12 years, I was exhausted, burnt out, sad about how broken the healthcare system was, disturbed by the Covid situation, I decided to venture out on my own. With the support of my husband, I was able to leave the hospital and begin pursuing my own goals. Read more>>

Shino Talbott | Tattoo Artist

My main goal with starting my artistic adventure was to cut away from the mundane 9-5 and actively seek something that made me nervous, but excited to get up and do it in the morning. I wanted a reason to get dressed for the day- a spark back in my life that had felt missing for quite some time. At the start of Covid in 2020, I took the plunge and threw myself more into my artistic endeavors- there is never a good time when the world is on hold though, you know? It was hard starting out, but I pushed through that. I knew I couldn’t keep the same pace I’d been repeating for years, and I wanted something challenging, but fulfilling to my own needs. Read more>>

Denis Kotlyarov | CEO of a construction company

Starting Continental Housing LLC was a decision born from a deeply held desire for independence and a passion for making a positive impact. I wanted to chart my own course, be the master of my destiny, and not be confined by the decisions of others. Building Continental Housing LLC allowed me to take full responsibility for my actions and decisions, which was both liberating and empowering. The inspiration behind my business venture extends beyond personal ambition. It’s about giving back to the community and making a meaningful contribution. Read more>>