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.

Rachel Thomas | LMFT, Owner of Therapy With Heart

I come from a long lineage of entrepreneurs from my great grandmother to my grandparents, uncle, parents, and my brother so I wonder if it’s in my genes?! When I moved from California to Arizona it became clear to me that I was going to be specializing in couples and relationship therapy. As I fell in love with the model I work from, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) created by Dr. Sue Johnson, I became excited about the possibility of creating a center where we can offer the most effective couples therapy as well as a space for therapists to work where they receive extensive training and supervision to support their learning and growth as clinicians. Read more>>

Mary Gretsch | Human Design Reader

For me, starting my own business was about creating a life that I desired, doing something I love, that makes a difference, and serving others. I have been on my own personal journey of healing, growing, and self-empowerment- creating the life I want, including more joy, time freedom, and ultimately empowering others to do the same. When I made the choice to start my own business, it was a big leap for me. I felt the inner calling to do so and knew that it was the right move for me. Starting this specific business, was one I was essentially invited into. Prior to this, I was in corporate banking- and while I was good at what I did, I knew there was something else on the horizon for me. Read more>>

Colin Hanley | Founder of Kottos Clothing

I decided to start Kottos Clothing because while I had always liked luxury brands, I didn’t like the high price tags that often come with them. This motivated me to create affordable clothing that is accessible to everyone, without sacrificing style or quality. My goal is to offer designs and messages that reflect the values we see in society, providing people with a way to express themselves through clothing. Ultimately, I wanted to make fashion inclusive, ensuring that anyone, regardless of their budget, could wear items that resonate with their individuality and beliefs. Read more>>

Clara Terrazas | LCSW/Psychotherapist

There are a few reasons why I decided that I needed to start my own business. I have been a social worker since 2008. I completed my bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2008 and my master’s degree also from Arizona State University in 2013. I have reached a point in my career where I feel that I need to take the “reins” of my work to continue to grow and develop as a professional. I have been very lucky over the years to have very good mentors who have helped me grow and develop as a professional, but at some point in my career, I started to become the mentor and the person helping others grow. Read more>>

Terra Welch | Sourdough Baker

I ended up as a full time baker simply because I decided to take a risk. This career path was honestly never my plan. I had been comfortable in my career in the dental field for 20 years, I had worked for the same place since I was 19 and I just turned 40. The fiery passion I once had working in my field was dwindling, and I knew it was time to pursue something else. I needed a change. Read more>>

Jennifer Sinconis & Laura Hernandez | Co-owners & Founders, Turquoise Wine Bar

Owning a wine bar was never a part of our career strategy! That is until neighbors Jen & Laura, realized what was missing in our community. Not just a great wine tasting experience, but community; a true “Cheers” environment, that is inclusive and connected during this strange post-covid society. Read more>>

Minon Maier | Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

I decided to start my own therapy practice after working for other therapists in their group practices for nearly a decade. I made this decision in June of 2020 to leave the group practice and started Maier Counseling and Wellness. At that time, I was the only employee of the business but it has now grown into a group practice of talented female therapists. I wanted to have my own business and brand that was a better representation of my style of therapy. Read more>>

Marisa Hohaia | The Anti-Hustle Coach®️

I spent a decade as a top Executive Recruiter, speaking daily with women who were seeking career changes. While on the surface their reasons seemed to revolve around money, leadership, or flexibility, I began to notice a deeper, more personal struggle that I had faced myself—finding balance, meaning, and self-worth outside of work, or escaping from toxic environments only to repeat the same patterns. Read more>>

Maria Wolford | Wedding Coordinator and Business Owner

I was determined to leave my corporate job so that I could raise my adopted-son. My husband and I wanted to be able to continue to do foster-to-adopt and we knew I needed a more flexible schedule to do so. Raising a family while also giving our kids the best life has been my primary goal. So I decided to follow my heart and passion for the wedding industry and start my own wedding business. I was a little scared, yes, but I was determined to create a business where the rewards far outweighed any trepidation. Read more>>

Pierce Azlin | Chef & Owner

I’ve been in the restaurant business for about 18 years now and i’ve worked for some incredible culinary leaders and amazing restauranteurs and had the privilege to learn everything from all of them. Getting to learn the ins and outs from each and everyone of them was amazing and putting in the long hours was worth it but at a certain point you wonder if putting in all this time and effort for someone else if you should take the leap and try to do it for yourself instead. I can’t even count how many restaurants i’ve worked at and been a part of but being able to walk into this one knowing its mine and as much effort I put into it and everything else that comes with it is 100% on me and I couldn’t be happier and terrified at the same time.

John Malko

After college, I gained experience in various sales roles and spent 15 years at my previous company, where I consistently delivered value to a Fortune 500 organization. While I had a stable career, I always harbored a desire to own my own business. After years of research and exploring countless franchise options, my wife and I finally decided on Mighty Dog Roofing—a decision that allowed me to pursue my entrepreneurial dreams. Read more>>