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.

Sophie Rainer | Founder and President of The Donkeys of the Heart

I knew that it would be challenging to reach success. In the industry of Equine Assisted Services, working with standard size donkeys is very rare. I listed all the difficulties. The major ones are: almost no network, very little financial resources. Read more>>

Nicholas Wilkinson | Author / Small Business Owner

Well, the optimist in me would love to tell you that I’ve always dreamed of owning my own small business. Something that can rise and fall by my own hands. However, the realist in me just needed a job. I have some autoimmune related health issues and sometimes find myself in a wheelchair unable to stand for long periods. Read more>>

Andrew Howell | Father, Woodworker, Business Owner

Canary Workshop started a bit unexpectedly. I never really decided to start a woodworking company, it just sort of happened. It began when I made my own entertainment system and shared it on Instagram. I got a positive response along with a handful of people wanting something of their own. Read more>>

Jacob LaFrance Entrepeneur | Entrepreneur | Founder of Instinct Card

Growing up I always had the Entrepreneurship spirit and I loved everything business. I would participate in startup competitions, do research across broad industries, and constantly try to figure out what I wanted to do in the business world. I decided at a young age that I wanted to create a path for myself, rather than work under someone for the rest of my life. Read more>>

Justin Singer | Principal Sale Rep/Founder of Synergy Reps LLC

My goal was to reside and raise a family in Truckee, CA. I moved there 20 years ago in my early 20’s and was determined to find a way to make life work in an expensive mountain town with limited job opportunities. I had worked in the outdoor industry for numerous years prior to this in the form of guiding, retail sales, and ski patrol. Read more>>

Patty Kelley | Food truck owner

The food truck is my passion, I love to cook and please others. Read more>>

Sheila Knies | Sedona Tour Company Owner

I had been employed by other tour companies working night and day with few days off. After receiving over a hundred 5 star reviews, I decided to open up my own business. That way, I could work less and earn more. In addition, when Covid hit, the company I worked for lowered my salary stating they couldn’t afford to pay me my full rate. Read more>>

Kameo Monson | Author & Editor

For me, the thought process behind starting my own business was two-fold. As an author, I decided to self-publish my books because I wanted to control the creative rights to my work. That makes me sound a bit like a control freak, and in some ways, I am. I choose who I work with, how I market my product, and when my release dates are. Read more>>

Jesus Leyva | Photographer, Small business owner & Automotive Journalist

I originally started a brand called “Homeless Street Wear” my senior year of high school out of my bedroom that caught the interest of those around me. I eventually renamed the brand “Alien Ego” a name that comes from a mentality of being great and to do great things for the betterment of others. Read more>>