Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Elyssa Gerber | Stitch Witch

I’ve been making things my whole life and had always wanted to sell my creations, but had some bad luck when I tried before, So when I had the idea to try again at the end of last year, I envisioned The Stitching Hour as the most relaxed side hustle possible. Read more>>

Annamarie Gansheimer | Wedding Planner & Business Owner

The idea to start my own business came to me over time and as a result of experiences and time spent learning in the wedding planning industry. I earned my degree from Arizona State University in Special Events Management and Tourism, with a minor in Art History – so I always knew working in a creative space was what would fit me best. Read more>>

Yui Vega | Massage Therapist

My thought process behind starting my own business revolved around having more freedom and being my own boss. I wanted to customize my practice and help even more people feel their best after our sessions together. Read more>>

Joshua Rempel | Co Owner and Founder of Enduro Method

We decided that we had something to offer, and saw a space that we could bring some value to what we love to do. We have been professional fitness coaches for a combined time of over 20 years, and both love to ride dirt bikes. Why not try and combine the two? Read more>>

Janna Taylor | maker

I have always been an entrepreneur at heart. There’s nothing more rewarding than doing something on your own and making a “thing” out of it, whether that’s working on a small project, putting down roots, creating something, raising a family, or starting and running a business. In Cowgirl Clay Co’s case, the business aspect of things followed the art & creation, and that’s what makes this such a rewarding investment of my time and business sense. Read more>>

Joan Kelley Walker | serial entrepreneur

Do what you love! I am a serial entrepreneur and have worked in the media most of my life. You sort of act as your own agent so I have always had to manage my own business and career. Reflectively my media training was such an incredible foundation for everything that came after. Read more>>

Ana Candia | CEO of C.I BOUNCY RENTALS

As a family, we wanted to grow and be financially stable. I came up with the idea of starting a business. We decided to invest our savings to be able to start something new, something different. We came into agreement that renting tables/chairs would be the way to go., little did we know we were also going to be purchasing inflatables to go alongside the tables and chairs. Read more>>

Kimberlie Faybik | CCHt, CLC, Reiki Master

I started out doing Reiki and tarot readings but wished I could offer ways to help my clients process things that come up in the sessions. I felt as if I wasn’t doing my them justice by simply offering energy work and readings; I wanted to assist their healing journey, find closure and empower them to nurture their souls. Read more>>

Cynthia Meier | Theatre Artist

When Joe McGrath and I started The Rogue Theatre 18 years ago, we had been part-time actors in and around Tucson for many years. One day while we were waiting to go on stage for a play-reading, we turned to each other and said, Life is short. Why not do the great plays that we’ve always wanted to do and share them with the Tucson community? Let’s take the risk and start a theater company. Luckily, we were able to gather the talent and support we needed to begin. Read more>>

Airicka Green | WigMaker & Self Taught Skincare & Beauty Formulator

The thought process behind starting my business was the passion i had for the beauty industry and to show everyone how creative and fun it can actually be. I watched youtube videos for years watching and becoming inspired. I finally took a leap and starting creating masterpieces as well with creating wigs, cosmetic and skincare products from scratch. Read more>>

Radhika Kotwal | CEO at Courtyardly, Creative Director Kalaa Kendra, Ex-Intel Sales Exec

I have been juggling 2 careers for the past two decades, that of a performing artist and a technologist. Going through some of the challenges myself as a dance company owner, I knew I could solve these through technology. Read more>>