Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Dr. Bridget Cole Williams | Family Physician, Cannabis Specialist, Author of Courage in Cannabis Series

I found a great need for patients to be seen and understood. More diverse medical options are needed that empower patients versus enabling them. Cannabis is one of those options. Particularly for our senior community struggling with pain, anxiety, sleep issues, cancer and dementia. I work hard to change the current dynamic in healthcare regarding the physician and patient relationship. Doctors used to know their patients well and patients actually used to know their doctors. That personal approach encouraged a more beneficial interaction for both. I attempt to bring that back in medical practice, coaching and educational opportunities. Read more>>

Pete Mossman | Craftsman & Business Owner

I remember when I got my first job as an entry level carpenter in 2013. Not too long into it, I had friends who would ask “do you ever think about starting your own company?” Up until about 2020 the answer was always a quick no. I would hear people talk about self employment like it is a prison, that you are stuck in, that robs you of all free time and family time. That didn’t interest me at all. Read more>>

Deependra Dehariya | Jolly Gamer & Fictional/Non Fictional Historic Author

Embarking on my gaming venture wasn’t just a decision; it was a passion-driven journey. The thought process was simple yet profound – I wanted to create a space where gaming enthusiasts could come together, share experiences, and, most importantly, have a blast in the virtual realms. It’s about turning a personal love for gaming into a community-driven adventure, connecting with like-minded individuals, and fostering a sense of belonging in the gaming world. Starting this business was about turning a passion into a shared experience that transcends the pixels on the screen while connecting to the humans looking at them! Read more>>

Dr. Jeff Menzise | Human Enhancement Specialist & Founder of Mind on the Matter, Ltd.

My company organically developed from the culmination of my professional & academic training, and my diverse, and internationally-influenced life experiences. I have a unique blend of skills and competencies that merges aspects of wholistic wellness, traditional psychological models, and ancient and spiritually-based healing traditions. This special skill set has afforded me opportunities to contribute to some of the most progressive organizations and agencies as an employee, but often left me with a sense of being highly-effective but grossly underutilized in the limited roles of my various job descriptions. Read more>>

Rebekah Weiss | Cafe owner, Attorney, Mom & City Council Member

I had two small children and had been working as an attorney off and on part-time for a few years. I found it difficult to balance a legal career, even part-time with young kids. I enjoyed working though, and decided if I was going to work it would be for myself, and doing something that I was much more passionate about than the law. Read more>>

Gage Luce | Talent Agent / Artist Manager

Starting my own business, especially in the music world, was tough. I don’t have a degree in music or business or anything like that. I was a line cook when I decided to go down this road. I don’t know that I thought it through completely when I decided that I wanted to be a talent agent. I saw friends who were self-booking their tours and doing all the work themselves, and it was hard for them. So I talked with them about it a bit and just said screw it, I’ll give it a try, and had zero clue really what I was getting into. I learned with each step and figured out the process of things as I moved on. On my first tour, I did with my friends Resolute, June Marx, and DJ Ambideckstriks, I had zero clue as to what I was doing. I did not know contracting, routing, marketing, or anything. It was a shitshow, to say the least. But it happened, and I learned a lot from it and moved on to the next one and just kept moving from there. Read more>>

Rae DiPaolo | Community Herbal Enthusiast | Physical Therapist Assistant

I have had a long relationship with trees, herbs and all good things that grow over the past eight years. I’ve played with making herbal soaps, salves, tinctures, elixirs, oxymels and more. I really became focused on skincare starting in 2020. As a healthcare professional, I was wearing a mask daily. This was causing terrible breakouts and wrecking my skin. I became determined to substitute the harsh chemical skincare products that haunted me from high school with all natural alternatives. Slowly, over time, my skin started to replenish and heal! I wanted to share what I had learned through this process with the world. This experience only reinforced what I have always known, we are meant to live in relationship with plants. Not only does this make us feel good (ask anyone who loves gardening, houseplants or hiking) but it also can help us heal. The root of my thought process in starting this business was to offer supportive, affordable, and practical body care to my community while working with the healing capacities of plants. It has been an honor to share herbal skincare and knowledge with others and hear their stories on how plants have affected their lives! Read more>>

Benjamin Rockow | Freelance Artist & Musician

My thought process behind starting my own business was simple really. I wanted to create art and imagery for the people and the world around me. More specifically I wanted to make acquiring these images easy, affordable and eye catching all while sticking within the specification my clients set for me and my creative choices, I attended art college and I improved on my understanding of art forms and the presentation of my talents. Around 2008-2009, just a year after graduating college, I started performing music live and I have continued to do some form of music to this day. When pushing my brand of creativity, be it music or another form, I wanted to stand out and help others stand out. Logos and imagery promotion came in handy, connected me closer to the performing art scenes and helped make me a bit of side income while I fine tuned my business model and client base. This mindset has never changed and I have continued helping repeat clients and new creative faces for years now. I may not perform as much as I once did but my art style can still be seen live through the creativeness of others! Read more>>

Devoe Sherman | Business Coach

Devoe Sherman’s decision to embark on the entrepreneurial path was driven by a multifaceted thought process rooted in personal aspirations and valuable mentorship. In 2015, the spark of entrepreneurship ignited within him, fueled by a profound desire to be his own boss. This innate drive for independence was further honed and shaped by a serendipitous encounter with a seasoned 30-year veteran in the business industry. Read more>>

Kyle Otto | Music Producer / Audio Engineer

I always wanted to work with artists and create records. I couldn’t find employment with major labels with no experience, so I created my own Experience. In return my business grew from that. Read more>>

Taylor Gorby | Owner & Creator

My focus behind starting my business was to help people. Providing a natural way to aid the body, with minimal side effects while also being able to keep products affordable in an already struggling economy. All of my products have been formulated because a family member suffered an ailment and needed it. From the research done, to the dedication of creating a recipe, and the love to perfect it. Knowing that it was created because someone I love needed help but couldn’t achieve it from mainstream sources. I knew others had similar experiences and set out to share my knowledge, that is where the idea sprouted from. Read more>>