Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Zachary Kelley | Tap Dancer & Entrepreneuer

I wanted to take tap dance to a level that has not been seen before. Often times when you think of tap dance you think of many incredible legends like Gregory Hines, Gene Kelly, and more. They are absolutely talented, however, I want today’s generation to know that tap dance is modern, cool, and that tap dance can keep up with the times and be epic in 2024. I started Tap’d Out after winning the Gold Medal for Team USA. My goal was to get the top tap dancers from all over the country to be on one team and create cutting edge choreography. Read more>>

Erin Dittmer | Mom | Educator | Digital Creator

I started my business, All-Inspired Wellness, 7 years ago with a passion to help people improve their lives in a holistic, sustainable way. What started as one-on-one health coaching and workplace wellness services, expanded into recipe development and lifestyle inspiration for a community of over 300,000 individuals thanks to social media. Now, as a full-time digital creator, I love being able to share simple, delicious recipes as well as motherhood, family, and travel content to help my audience bring more joy into their lives. Read more>>

Marissa Roper | Digital Marketing Consultant & Freelance Contractor, CEO & Owner of M Riley Marketing

I have worked in digital marketing since college. I started as an intern in corporate in-house marketing at Intel & dove straight into digital marketing agencies right after graduating from ASU in 2019. Spending five years after college deep in the marketing agency space was challenging, stressful, and depleting. It was also extremely rewarding and taught me more than my four years at a University. As immensely passionate as I am about marketing and about the clients I worked with at these agencies, at the end of the day I noticed the same thing happening again and again, regardless of what agency I was working for. Read more>>

Tiffanie

If I’m being honest, being a business owner was never on my goal list in life. But isn’t that usually how life works? In 2022 I was working a full time corporate job in banking operations & never saw myself leaving that world. During that time, I took a class to learn how to braid as it had always been an interest of mine but not something I had ever learned. I ended up working part time for a company & when I unexpectedly lost my job, I dove into braider life while I searched for a new job. It was supposed to be temporary. A few months later, what I came to realize was I loved the work & the concept but was limited by the company I was working for-so I decided to take a leap & create my own brand, taking it a step further to expand services. Read more>>

Terrence Moore | Producer/ AM Skater

Starting a DJ/Producing career stemmed from my deep passion for music and my love for social interaction. I found myself drawn to the rhythmic beats and melodies that resonated with my soul, inspiring me to create and share my own sounds. Through DJing, I discovered a unique avenue for expressing emotions and connecting with others on a profound level. Producing music allowed me to delve into the creative process, shaping raw ideas into cohesive tracks that reflect my personality and musical influences. Embracing this career path has not only fulfilled my artistic ambitions but also enriched my life through the friendships and experiences forged in the vibrant world of music and nightlife. Read more>>

Nicole Schutzbank | Licensed Counselor, Art Therapist, Clinical Supervisor, & Educator

After years of working in diverse mental health settings, I started a business to showcase my skills and build on my niche. My passion for creativity and mental health is unique, and I felt inspired to grow my reach. I help people see their potential, encourage introspection, and heal through creativity. My business aims to support tender-hearted and creative individuals, providing them a space to process their struggles through an authentic approach. Clients often say that therapy with me feels different, and I thrive on that feedback. I believe in the transformative power of therapy and how support and encouragement from others can cause positive change and action. Read more>>

Richard Huante | Professional Artist

Being a creative type, I wanted to share my art to the masses. Although I was employed full time as a graphic designer, I also wanted to supplement my income. What better way to achieve both of these goals than to start an art business? Read more>>

Bobbie Modica | I am a lifestyle & event photographer who specializes in capturing candid moments & everlasting memories!

I always knew a generic 9-5 job wasn’t for me. Growing up with a chaotic schedule, I flourished most while doing things my own way to make sense out of the busy life I led. When it came time to pick out careers & talk about dreams, my wants & ideas were always outlandish. First I wanted to go to the moon, then I wanted to be an Olympic athlete. When my body failed & sports stopped being fun, I turned my attention to photography. Picking up the camera felt kind of like kismet. I learned & took on free shoots, I hustled & worked my tail off. All the while, I never hated putting forth the effort or getting up early for jobs. Read more>> 

Moni Gray | Proud Owner & Creator at Desert Dreaming OutPost

To be honest…there was really no thought process at all when I started my business. You see, this business grew from a conversation with my daughter when she was two. She was taking a bath and asked me to read the ingredients on her bubble bath, I struggled through the complex chemicals and just made a funny game out of how I was saying the words, that’s when she grabbed my face in her two little hands and said, “Muma! Why do you make all my foods and not my bubbles?!” Well when you’re call out like that by your two year old it really makes you think!! Read more>>

Christi Ahl | Intuition Development Coach~Speaker~Best Selling Author~Facilitator

When I created my LLC I was still working in law enforcement as a Probation and Parole Officer but knew I couldn’t service the community exactly how I wanted. I wasn’t able to have the important conversations my probationers needed. After serious thought I quit my job in 2011, wrote my first book and went into this work full time supporting my clients with readings and coaching sessions to embrace their intuition in their everyday lives. Read more>>

Hewan Tesfaye | Writer, Vlogger, speaker, therapist

To expose the raw, authentic core of human behavior and experience in a generation obsessed with masking perfectionism, I aim to create a sanctuary for truth through the power of genuine storytelling. By sharing my real, unfiltered experiences and hard-earned wisdom, I want to forge a space where vulnerability is celebrated, imperfections are embraced, and every soul can find refuge and connection. Read more>>

Derek Upton | Full Service Private Chef

To be honest it came to as I realized how limited you are working for someone else. Expelling all your energy for someone else’s dream isn’t for everyone, for me I wanted to build a long-lasting foundation as a chef that would work for me. I spent several years just building on that foundation, creating friendships and a solid network of industry professionals. So, my thought process was to get out from under the corporate thumb, prove to myself that I can do it, that I am skilled enough to make my life happen for me. Aside from proving anything to myself, working for myself opens up my ability to make more money, be in charge of my schedule and in the end be in charge of my life. Read more>>

Karen Harris | Owner/Curator for Blush Desert

Creating Blush Desert Women’s Clothing Boutique was born from a real excitement for fashion and a desire to create a unique shopping experience tailored specifically for women who appreciate style, quality, individuality and clothing that helps them dress more modestly in the workplace and any Occassion. Our goal was to curate a collection that celebrates femininity and empowers women to feel confident and beautiful in what they wear. We envisioned a space where each piece tells a story, where women can find pieces that resonate with their personal style and enhance their wardrobe. Read more>>