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.

Justin Hamilton | Creator & Artist

My thought process behind my brand was that I wanted something that people could relate to and something that could be universal and have meaning behind. I wanted something that would deal with love and being able to spread it around. Read more>>

Scott Strayer | Venue Owner & Real Estate Expert

For me starting my own business was to chase my unbound creativity. I find it fascinating to grow a business that only I’m responsible for. The 1833 specifically came after nearly a 10 year search. It’s a venue that focuses on intimate weddings of less than 100 guests. Read more>>

Mandy McGuire | IHeart Media Sales Rep and Farmer

Truly, it’s to start monetizing off of a lifestyle I love very much and knew could grow based on what I’m seeing has a turn/shift with agriculture, farming and homesteading as a view point from other people. Beyond just my love for animals, and living a more simple life, there is money to be made from people who love it too! Read more>> 

Brittany Braunling | Owner, Britt&Butter Co.

Starting my sourdough business was a fairly easy decision for me. I went to culinary school and graduated in 2014, after working in various restaurants for the past decade, I decided to explore opportunities that better supported my lifestyle. Read more>> 

Tamara Sykes | Content Creator & Brand Communications Consultant

I started my business as a creative outlet for artistic and cultural expression. From 2014 to 2017, the mission was simple—to show women how to incorporate scarves, colors, and prints into their everyday style. However, in 2018, when I experienced financial hardship, navigated immigration, and became a mom, my mission expanded. Read more>>

MMR

Well, there is a bit of an age gap between us three siblings, but we always connected over our love of movies. We were at our parents a few summers ago and in our conversations, we tend to reference movie quotes. We then thought up the idea for Mixed Movie Reviews. Read more>>

Jessica Doyle | Owner

I gave birth to my daughter in August of 2019, with my first child being a boy there were so many more doors opened when it came to clothes shopping! Covid hit in 2020 with Ohio shutting down in March. Covid hitting slowed everything down including taking my daughter shopping for all the cute things! Read more>>

Jordan/Colleen Ouellette/Bailey | Registered Dietitian and Co-Owner of Nutrition Empowered

We started Nutrition Empowered with the goal of bringing accurate and attainable nutrition information to our clients. We both struggled with disordered eating/eating disorders in the past and wanted to help those struggling with their relationship with food or their bodies in similar ways. Read more>> 

Katie & Ali

We individually have always had aspirations of owning our own business but were never quite sure of what that looked like until we met. We both worked as Event Coordinators for a venue and instantly became friends bonding over our shared similar interests and outlooks on life. One afternoon, we went on a hike that led to a deep conversation about how it is easy to get bogged down by the weight of the world and how we want to focus on the positivity in our lives. Read more>>

Merrill Mangalasseril | Energy Procurement Professional

Freedom, flexibility, simplicity. Beginning the journey of entrepreneurship was driven by a desire for freedom, flexibility, and simplicity. Freedom from the constraints of traditional corporate structures allowed me to pursue my passion and vision unhindered by external agendas. Read more>> 

Tasia Hall | Esthetician & Jewelry Designer

If I were to be asked “Where do you see yourself in 10 years?” 10 years ago, I would of never thought I would be a licensed Esthetician specializing in all-natural skin care & and hair removal. Read more>>

Kyra Jones | Founder & Visionary

Friends of Finance was created in response to the 2022 mandate requiring high school students—in the state of Ohio—obtain 60-hours of financial literacy to fulfill graduation requirements. Our mission is to empower educators and community stakeholders with an inclusive, and impactful financial literacy curriculum. Read more>>

Breanna Allen | Consultant

All-En Consulting LLC was born out of a decade-long commitment to anti-violence advocacy, realizing that oppression still permeates many anti-violence organizations, hindering the progress toward true inclusivity. Read more>>