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.

Alicia Navarro

I started my own business for several reasons. First and foremost I am passionate about helping others. Sharing products that fit into my brand will do just that. They are selected to make others feel beautiful inside and out. The goal is to inspire others to create beauty in themselves. We are all beautiful, sometimes we just need to dig deep and be creative to pull it out of ourselves. A bonus reason is for the future. Eventually I will retire from my day job, but would love to continue working in a smaller capacity. Read more>>

Chromatic Lemons

Chromatic Lemons originated as a spur-of-the-moment burst of creativity, initially centered around art. The integration of cutting-edge artificial intelligence technologies enabled us to create conceptual masterpieces, giving life to our ideas, emotions, and boundless creativity. Our vision was to inspire others through art, encouraging them to venture beyond their comfort zones and embrace spontaneity in a world filled with randomness and absurdity. Read more>>

Freddy Krem

The catalyst for starting my own business was rooted in my personal journey toward a plant-based diet. I quickly realized that many of the available products contained soy and other ingredients that can cause intolerance or allergic reactions. This was a significant barrier for me, and I saw this as a broader gap in the market. I recognized the need for soy-free plant-based meat, not only for those with dietary restrictions like me, but also for those who wish to transition to a plant-based diet without compromising their health or taste preferences. So, I embarked on a mission to develop a product that could serve as a compelling alternative for meat-eaters, without the worry of consuming soy. Read more>>

Alla Driksne

Starting my own business in the cakes and food industry, and teaching women to become independent and free by selling cakes from home, has been a journey of self-discovery and fulfillment. It all began with a burning desire to break free from the traditional 9-to-5 routine and create a life that resonates with my deepest passions. Read more>>

Jordan Martinez

The idea of starting a garage door repair company actually came from my dad, Tony Martinez. After visiting a couple of different business networking events he recognized that there was a need for a reliable garage door company in Phoenix. After talking with my brother, Tyson Martinez, we started putting together a business plan and Tyson got trained as a garage door technician. So all three of us are owners of State 48 Garage Doors and we each bring different strengths and skills to the table, but ultimately we are all hard workers and we love giving back to our neighbors in Phoenix, AZ. Hence why we named our company State 48 Garage Doors after our beloved home state of Arizona, the 48th state of the USA. Read more>>

Luca Bertaglia

In the world of arts, the business aspect has always been the other face of the coin, but I don’t think it has ever been a specific thought or a point in time that it became official for myself, as well as something that it’s not definitive or final. Rather more of a situation that constantly adapts and that will probably keep evolving as the whole world does. Read more>>

Fatimah Amer

I have always been very passionate about volunteering and the healthcare field. From a very young age I learnt the significance of civic engagement and community. My passion for using leadership skills to improve public health have been bolstered by my involvement in the Scottsdale Mayor’s Youth Council, where I work closely with Mayor Ortega on ways to improve our community. I also serve as secretary to HonorHealth’s Medical Explorer’s club and am president of my school’s student council. Read more>>

Steve Corney

When I was a teenager growing up one of my favourite things to do was read non fiction books and have an exercise book filled with business ideas. My first business was using my high school home economics kitchen and hiring some of my friends to make gingerbread houses and sell them to the teachers at my school. Read more>>

Leah Locke

My thought process behind my business was freedom. To be able to focus on my craft, have more time with my family, & connecting more with my clients. Read more>>

Chiara Caballero

It started with a realization during my time as a Digital Specialist at Kinko’s. I couldn’t help but notice the vast difference between what the company charged customers and what they paid me. It got me thinking about the whole wage scenario in various fields. After diving into the tax structure and understanding the potential for better wages and work-life balance as an entrepreneur, I decided to take a leap and channel my art & design skills into my own venture. I am also currently learning how to market and grow online sales for a coffee company in Portland, OR remotely from Tucson. Read more>>

Melissa Zink

I always knew I wanted to explore a creative path, but for a long time I did not know which avenue was the one I wanted to pursue. I’d worked in my prior career in the restaurant industry for quite awhile, and knew I desperately wanted to find something to connect my love of food and beverage while allowing my creativity to flourish. I also wanted to work for myself, set my own schedule, and be free to create. I’d been slowly building up my business skills, assisting, and learning about what would be needed to make that leap. Once Covid hit and everything shut dow, I decided it was time to let go of my previous career for good and jump head first into my business. Without my full attention, I knew it would never prosper into anything successful. Read more>>

Sara Martin

“Starting my own business has been a realization of a heartfelt dream to offer our community an accessible and affordable place where individuals can receive high-end services provided by real people. I recognized the need for a space that not only focuses on beauty services like hair and nails but goes beyond that by addressing functional care and holistic well-being. Read more>>

Sandra Ally

The decision to start my own business was a clear nudge from my soul and my mind followed along. Growing up in a mixed religion household, I had an understandable curiosity of what made people the same, and different. Big questions about beliefs and feelings and a calling to help others to led me to study psychology and work in mental health and social services for close to twenty years. Read more>>

Joan Claire Gilbert

After a successful legal career and the birth of my second child, I struggled for about a decade with autoimmune spinal arthritis. Thankfully I had my faith to fall back on and some great dietary practices that helped me survive with two young children, but extremely painful flares were still fairly regular. Read more>>

Brenda Heckert

There Is No Normal started because my son is on the Autism Spectrum, and I wanted people to know that there is no normal. Each individual has their unique gifts. If we look for normal in everyone, we will be disappointed. I also wanted to help parents to understand that “something is not wrong” with their child because he or she has a disability. I was always looking for my son, Grayson’s unique gifts. Read more>>

Jenna Leary

I’ve always had a bit of a creative side, but wasn’t a “maker” and didn’t want to have to dedicate a whole lot of time to building a business. I work full-time and am also a wife and a mom too, which is my most important and favorite work, so I didn’t want something that would keep me away from my family. When I heard of permanent jewelry, not only did I want it immediately for myself, but I thought it would be the perfect outlet for my creativity and a great way to bring something fun to craft fairs and markets in the valley! The extra money on the side certainly doesn’t hurt either! Read more>>

Julie-Rae Steinmeyer

Life presents us with opportunities everyday. Many of those days I have seen people shy away from making health a priority in their life. I have dedicated myself to educate individuals and communities in an effort to promote, maintain and improve healthy lifestyles. My efforts in opening this franchise contribute to my skills as an innovative executive in an expanding organization that is dedicated to helping dogs by providing a safe environment for them while the owners are away and given the opportunity to educate the owners as well. Read more>>

Edgar Vargas

I have always considered that the impact that a person can generate in society with an entrepreneurial impulse will be greater than that achieved by being an employee of an institution or company since being an entrepreneur will always push you to do things and being an employee will not. Read more>>

Cameron Seoane

Baseball has been an integral part of my life, igniting my soul and shaping who I am today. As an ex-college baseball player, I experienced firsthand the transformative power this sport holds within each player. I believe that greatness is not limited to a few chosen individuals; it is accessible to all who dare to dream. MorningBaseball serves as a catalyst, encouraging players of all ages to unleash their inner potential by embedding the values of early rising, relentless work ethic, and audacious dreaming. I wanted to give all athletes a way to stay motivated and to never give up on their dream through high quality clothing that relates to the game of baseball. Our overall goal is to create a brand that not only empowers the one wearing our clothing, but as well as those around them. Read more>>

Iliana McKee

Who doesn’t love the idea of being their own boss? I love being able to create and inspire without being told what’s right and what’s wrong. I feel that it brings a ton of stress and weight off your shoulders. I love having my own creative freedom and capturing what makes me, me. Read more>>

John P.

The idea for starting Redwire Gear came from a discussion about softball. A friend was explaining a game where a team had a comfortable lead and was no longer trying hard. It essentially came down to no one swings for the fences any more. As I was driving home from that I decided to swing for the fences and start my own business. Read more>>

Craig Filicetti

I went school at ASU to become and electrical engineer and then got my MBA. I worked locally at Microchip Technology leading many of the new product development teams. I dreamed of having my own shop one day where I could design my own products and consult. I also had a passion for performing magic. Read more>>

Samantha Elsenpeter

In the age of entrepreneurialism, why not us? Read more>>