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.

Geri Good | Salon and Spa Owner

I have been in business since 1997. I had been a stylist for eight years and loved training people at the salon that I worked at. I enjoyed all aspects of leadership and encouraging people, and I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others. I have always been very passionate about our industry. Owning my salon was something I wanted from the time I was in high school. I jumped on it when I had enough experience, and the opportunity presented itself. Since then we have grown into a 3800 square spa/salon with 54 employees. Read more>>

Taneica Oliveira | Editor In Chief and Founder

My thought process for starting Cincinnati Stye Report is that it is SO NECESSARY to see representation in fashion, beauty and lifestyle media. We are all expected from day to day, to show up, and put our best foot forward. Look the part, believe in yourself, and exude enough confidence to be able to contribute to society in a meaningful way. Read more>>

 Sarah Nidek-Eberle | Medusas Stones (Lapidary) & Chicks That Rock (guided rock hunts)

Science and creativity have always been my outlet and I wanted to find my niche, this was a 10 yearlong dream in the making. As a female I was undermined most of my life and I wanted to do what brought ME joy. I believed in myself and my product and wanted to share it with others. I wanted to get paid to do what I loved on my terms being just myself. I have decades of knowledge about Geology since my undergraduate is in Biology/Secondary Education. I trusted the Universe and knew this direction is where I was to go. Read more>>

Naomi Rosenblatt | Book publisher

I was at a crossroads: old enough to be “aged out” of corporate jobs in publishing but far too young to retire—and too experienced to let it all go. Where could I take my skills, talents, and passion? To my own company. When I started Heliotrope Books in 2006, I hoped to sell a few books each year to larger presses. That model did not work, so I began publishing directly through print-on-demand and digital formats. At the outset, I had a partner. Now I am a sole proprietor. I’ve had to adapt my approach to meet new requirements as times and trends change. Read more>>

Jennifer Born Rachek | Chief Cookie Officer

I’ve been OBSESSED with cookies since I was a little girl. My Grandma was an amazing baker. I always dreamed of being able to create baked goods of the same caliber as hers. With COVID came less of a commute, and gave me more time in the cookie lab! After years of sharing my creations with friends and family, I was ready to share those delicious creations with the world! Read more>>

Rew Coleman | Fashion Accessories Boutique Owner

My passion for fashion accessories started as a child. I always carried a purse and loved to accessorize with bracelets and earrings. After years of getting compliments on my fashion choices in high school and college, I started to research how to start a business. At the time (early 2000’s) it seemed like something that was unattainable for me. I didn’t know any entrepreneurs to get advice from and I became fearful to start. After 8 years of having this idea in the back of my mind in March 2019 I finally Started Essential Things Co. Read more>>

Tyra Sledge | Sustainable Stylist and Designer

My business actually started as a hobby. I had moved back to Cleveland in 2009, after living in Florida for less than a year, and couldn’t afford to bring all my clothing back home. So I began thrifting as a means to initially have clothing for work. It was there that I began finding items that helped to define my personal style. Within 2 years of discovering my hobby of thrifting, I had amassed a collection of about 2000 items for my personal wardrobe! Read more>>

Louise Erdeljohn | Headshot/Portrait Photographer

Reinvent myself, My journey.

I started to write this about reinventing yourself since most of my clients are doing just that.

Then I thought that maybe it would be interesting to know that I did this eight years ago. Read more>>