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.

Brandon Goehner | Printing & Design Specialist

I’ve always enjoyed artwork, creating and seeing things come to life. Spending many years in the print industry… I finally decided this is something I would love to take on how to start a family business. Read more>>

Dirk Haupt | Small Business Support

I’ve always been attracted to the lifestyle that is possible when having your own business. I call it the Small Business Lifestyle or jokingly w friends #smallbusinesslifestyle. The SBL to me is 7 things: 1. Freedom/Flexibility: I set my schedule. I work when I most productive. I take breaks throughout the day to reduce stress and anxiety Read more>>

Harp and Jaz Gill | Owners of Gill and co.

We (Harp and Jaz) wanted to come up with a brand which allowed customers to be more hands-on in their suit buying experience. Which means, we make made-t0-measure custom suits but allow our customers to design their own. By selecting their own fabrics, linings and buttons. We are also the only company in Arizona that is mobile, we bring the whole shopping experience to the customers location. Read more>>

Luisa Chavez | Clean Beauty and Conscious Living advocate

I had always been very passionate about the environment and non toxic living. To me that encompasses every aspect of our lives, from the beauty products we use, the clothes we wear, the food we eat, our health options, etc. I wanted to find a way to share more about how important it is to be aware of our impact, and how we could make that a positive impact. Read more>>

Sussan Olivera | Sussan Olivera – Bilingual Realtor

When I took the decision to go full time as a Real Estate Agent to build my brand and my name in this market was the most scary and risk taking decision for my situation at the time. I was working for a non-profit organization for over 11 years and when COVID hit, a year and a half ago, my department was laid off and I was only doing real estate as a part-time job. Read more>>

Emerson Birk | Artist

Into my senior year of high school my passion for music and streetwear collided. I immediately knew I wanted to design and make art full time. To achieve the dreams we saw of living off our craft, the only option is to sell what we create. Read more>>

Lizette Ng | Chunk n’ Snugg Co-Owner

The thought process behind the business was very simple and fun! My business partner Jenny who lives in Dallas and I are stay at home moms and we decided to create our own business making chunky blankets. Having a low risk business while still raising our kids was a major factor in our thought process of beginning the business even miles apart from each other. Read more>>

Jenn Baluch | Food Influencer

I was the type of person who worked a 9am-5pm corporate job. I never did anything for myself. All I did in life was work, go home, eat, sleep and wake up to do it all over again. In January 2020, I decided to come up with an actual New Years Resolution for the first time! I said I was going to create a food page, because I knew it was something I loved and would enjoy for myself. Read more>>