Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Sarah Voris | Copywriter & Content Creator

My priority from day 1 has always been to stay at home with my kids, so we’ve been pretty creative over the years with trying out different types of businesses that would allow it. I’m a 5x MLM drop out, I’ve run my own bakery from our home, I’ve taught preschool from our home, and I’ve taught English lessons to kids in China (without knowing a lick of Mandarin). Read more>>

Sean Normoyle | Absolute Vacation Rental Services Owner

I saw a need for this based on the amount of short-term-rentals “str’s” the valley has seen. I also own several personal strs in Scottsdale which I’ve owned and operated for years. It didn’t take long for friends to ask if I could manage their properties as well. It has all been word of mouth and I’m currently managing 40 properties. This all happened in a span of just two short years. The business has all been word of mouth thus far. Read more>>

Raeven Bayron | Photographer

I was pregnant and thinking about the future. I knew I wanted my child to see me do something that genuinely made me happy and that I loved. I always loved photography but always made excuses as to why I couldn’t do it as a career. After the birth of my daughter, I did her newborn photos and fell in love with photography all over again. Read more>>

Brad Scott | Photographer,

I’ve always loved the flexibility of having my own business. The last time I had a regular 9-5 job was when I was in my early twenties. I didn’t like the constraints of working for a corporation that puts a cap on how much you can earn and the time flexibility with 9-5 jobs makes it hard to travel and follow your passions. Read more>>

JoAnn LoBracco | Table games instructor

I have been in the casino business for 25 years. I have always loved helping my co-workers grow in their dealing skills while I was a supervisor. I decided to open my own school when the new gaming compact allowed Craps and Roulette. There were not a lot of dealers in the Valley that knew those games, so I was constantly helping them learn. I enjoyed teaching and realized that this might be a new path to go down. Read more>>

Angelica Santillano | Owner of Rooted Hair Company

A quick background of me: I attended cosmetology school my last two years of high school and graduated both right around the same time in the summer of 2015. I received my cosmetology license then started college at Chandler-Gilbert Community College the fall of 2015 because for me, college wasn’t an option. I worked small salon jobs for a bit and eventually started taking clients from home while later attending ASU. Then in December of 2019 I graduated with a Business Administration degree. Read more>>

Lea Diamond | Owner, The Cellulite Rx

I have owned my own aesthetics medical business selling to medical practicers, plastic surgeons, dermatologists, injectors and aestheticians for a few years and have a passion for aesthetics and everything scientifically new and cutting edge. One of my laser companies has a few unique devices — one in particular, Sentient Sculpt which is the best non invasive body contouring device — getting to 80% of fat cells (most other devices reach 30%) and more importantly the reduction of cellulite. Read more>>

Yolanda Correa- De Franco | Esthetician & Founder of Bombshellz Beauty Bar & Ink

There was a friend who owned a beauty studio back in California that I was fortunate enough to work for. She was a single mom who created this successful business and brand. I really admired her and knew, if she can do it, so can I. That is what got me in the mind set of wanting to own my own business someday. Read more>>

Dani Carloni Schulze | Wedding Pet Attendant, Dog Mom, and 3rd Grade Teacher

Ever since I was a young girl, I have had an entrepreneur spirit. That spirit has stuck with me well into adulthood. My husband can confirm that I am always pitching him new ideas and becoming passionate about the possibility of creating my own business. This time felt different. I really felt that there was a need for Pet Wedding Attendants in Phoenix. Read more>>