The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Tyler Fisher | Photographer/Videographer

The thought process behind starting my own business, was asking myself “Do you want to do this long term? Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?” After getting my start six years ago, I told myself that I do see myself being a longtime creative, with an end goal of being a traveling photographer/videographer. The process is hard, but the reward(s) at the end are what will be the best. Read more>>

Mary Kay Ziniewicz | Founder, CEO

Bus Stop Mamas was conceived at the bus stop. While I stood with other moms, waving to the kids on the bus, I realized that I was surrounded by people who want to do something after their kids hop on the bus. I also recognized that there are a lot of employers, right around the corner, that would benefit to gain access to these super peeps, who happen to be super mamas too! Read more>>

Morgan Zimmerman | Co-Owner & Hair Stylist

I had been in numerous weddings where we got ready in a really small bridal suite, a hotel room, in someone’s living room, or we had to go to the salon the morning of. It was never enjoyable because we were extremely crammed or we had to drive all over the place. It always ended with everyone being stressed out right before the ceremony. On top of that, the getting ready pictures (that the bride spent so much money on) never turned out good because these spaces were not designed for weddings. That’s when the idea of a mobile salon came to my mind. Our mobile salon solves all these problems! It can comfortably fit bridal parties up to 12 people, we bring it to the bride, and it’s designed for the occasion so your getting ready pictures turn out amazing! Read more>>

Comfort Witcher | Owner of Comfort Photography and For the Horticulture

When I graduated from college, I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do. I feel like I picked a major sophomore year, because I had to, but I had no clue what I wanted to do for the rest of my life at the agte of 19! My degree is in Psychology, so I contemplated becoming a school counselor. Then I decided to take the GRE and apply to grad school for elementary education. I got into OSU’s grad program, but thought about it and I really didn’t want to go that route. I knew that I wanted freedom and felxibility and I began to think about starting a business. I thought of all of the things that I enjoyed doing and photography was on the list. I decided the summer after I graduated to assist a local wedding photographer, and from there I decided to start my own business. The rest is history! Read more>>

Miranda Alexander | Baker

I am the type of person that does not like working for someone else, I am definitely a team player but I love the freedom of making my own schedule and being able to work on my own time. Before I was a baker I babysat kids in my home. It still wasn’t the freedom I really wanted so when I found baking macarons made me happy and money it was really a no brainer I absolutely love what I do and will continue to do for many years. Read more>>

Kaley Tocco | Yoga Instructor & Energy Worker

Life has been challenging for me and during the 33 year course I’ve taken, I’ve experienced many ways to heal and provide myself space to move forward. The sessions I offer through my business are intended to provide that space to others who have also had a challenging path and are looking to create that same space. Whether it’s through movement or energy work, I’ve found deep healing in both. The thought process being my business is simply, everyone deserves to experience freedom and joy, the techniques that I offer within my business have helped me to find that and I simply want to share. Read more>>

Maggie Fekete | Experienced & Registered Yoga Teacher 500, Certified Health Coach, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, & Retreat Specialist

Professionally, I started providing health and wellness guidance within hospitals. I serviced large state-of-the-art facilities and small community hospitals for a total of 10 years (2002-2012). The time and attention that I was allowed to provide to my clients was dictated by corporate executives. This reality did not sit well with me. I valued my time at each and every facility, no matter how big or small. I loved the multidisciplinary team approach. I loved learning from everyone on every team. I knew I would stay as long as I could, for the learning experience, but ultimately would need to open my own Private Practice to provide a quality of care that resonated best with my being. Read more>>