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.

Mackenzie & Kaitlynn Halley | Co-Owners & Nerds

Final Boss Con was born out of long, sleepless nights as a new parent. Mackenzie couldn’t shake the idea, and with the support of Kaitlynn, he approached the University of Rio Grande about using their gymnasium for the event. Two weeks later, their friend and now business partner Matt Addis joined the team. What started as a fun idea with no concrete goals or financial expectations surpassed all expectations, with 1,017 attendees at the first event in July 2022. The overwhelming interest led them to establish an LLC and start researching how to grow the event further. Read more>>

Robin Kane | Nonprofit Owner

I am the mother of a 21 year old daughter with Koolen De Vries Syndrome. This is a very rare chromosomal disorder that affects her development and cognitive ability. She graduated from high school and there wasn’t much for her to do. This idea came about one night when my family and I were playing board games. Together we decided it would be an awesome business where we could help individuals with different abilities find a place where they could be appreciated, safe and included in their lives. Read more>>

Tammie Renee’ | Licensed Personal Stylist & Creative Director

Being the only daughter, the youngest and the daughter of a Pastor, I found happiness in styling hair. My mother would always have such wonderful hairstyles to match her elegant fashions as we attended church. My father & my older brothers are musicians so creativity flowed through our blood. I was a charismatic singer in the choir but was not blessed creatively in the music category however I found my passion for design and innovation in hair. My father supported me in attending cosmetology school as long as I agreed to attend college afterward. Read more>>

Don Kody

First. Just wanting to something I could say belongs to me. I’ll share anything I have and know with you but I still want a little something just for me. In addition to that, it’s the willingness to fail. I know that sounds crazy but I understand that I don’t know everything and no plan is fail proof. Read more>>

Steven Seay | Mobile Detailer

The thought process behind starting my business was creating a safe space for me. I wasn’t happy with working a 9-5 and a lot of that had to do with knowing I was much bigger than a day job. I was the neighborhood kid that grew up shoveling snow, mowing grass, washing cars, taking the trash out etc. I knew God had a higher calling for my purpose and it wasn’t sitting at a desk for corporate America. Read more>>

Jim Nilson | Sneaker Artist

I initially created custom sneakers for a Wu-Tang concert we were flying out to in 2019. I wanted to paint the logo on a pair of Jordans, so figured out how to do that. It turned out way nicer than it should have. So my buddies traveling with me asked me to do Wu themed shoes for them. I recreated Ol Dirty Bastards album cover and again turned out way nicer than it should have. I posted the sneakers on IG and one of the Wu’s engineers reached out to me and said that they were a fan of my work and he shared with the Wu guys and they loved it. Read more>>

Kailyn Croston | Business owner and mother

Well, I have wanted to own my own business and “be my own boss” since I can remember back at 18. I like to think all that I have done since then had been preparing me for this moment now. The thought process or the why for Berried N Business felt simple to me at the time before I even knew this would become a business. That was to allow my children to be able to Experience the world of desserts and confections. Three of the four of my children deal with severe food allergies. Which makes going to birthday parties stressful on them and isolating for them. Read more>> 

Matt & Kristen Gray | The Gray Family

We love all things family, community, design …old buildings so we tried hard to think of a way we could tie all of those things into one! At The Chouse, a 1903 church converted to our home as well as a venue we get to enjoy all of those items in one place. As our home it is a place we get to live together, make memories & relax…a place we truly love! As a venue it’s a place where we get to work together and help others make incredible memories for themselves during their event! In any building we build or design for a client we do it together and all while building not only a building or home but a forever relationship with the family or business. Read more>>

Erica Boose | Ohio Girl Bakes Owner & Operator

When we moved back to Ohio in 2018, I was ready to start my own company. I wanted to have my own rules and decide what my product offerings were going to be. I really wanted to teach our children business ownership. It was important for me to show them you can make your own income, without someone limiting you. I tell them all the time there is always money on the table anytime you work for it. My grandfather told my mom this as a kid and I share the same thoughts with our kids–you can have anything you want in this life, as long as you work hard for it. Read more>>