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.

Kristen + Jill Hatfield + Griffin | Co-Founders

The thought process behind starting SNAPup! involved a combination of factors related to our passion for home design and sales as well as a desire to leverage technology for a more efficient and effective sales process. Starting this business required a certain level of risk-taking and a willingness to just go for it! Read more>>

Judith Melendrez | Graphic designer and photographer.

Before quitting my job and becoming my own boss, fear was the foremost thing on my mind. It’s not easy to forge your own path. This was my second attempt, but I also resolved to give it my all to make it work this time. That meant taking care of my emotional well-being during the inevitable setbacks and always seeking someone to talk to when I had doubts about navigating my new professional life. Read more>>

Theo Lee | NickLee Creations

Over the years, we always talked about creating a brand that focused heavily on our art. In 2019 the NickLee Creations brand was created and finally launched in early 2021. Read more>>

Evan Johnson | Physical Therapist

In terms of being able to help my patients nd clients solve the problem that led them to me, I was not able to offer them the best solution for the first 2 years in practice. I was working in private practice outpatient physical therapy clinics. I was billing insurance, which means that although my employer was the physical therapy clinic, I effectively worked for health insurance companies. Read more>>

Erica Basso | Licensed Psychotherapist for High-Achieving Women | Founder of Erica Basso Therapy

Throughout my journey to becoming a therapist and working for many different places, I knew I wanted to create a modern boutique therapy practice. I founded my group practice with the focus on changing the view of what mental health treatment looks like (gone are the days of a dull, windowless therapy room), who seeks therapy and helping eliminate the stigma and taboos of mental health in general. Read more>> 

Micko

After working in sales for almost 7 years I realized how my creativity had suffered from being so stressed, I couldn’t focus on anything else. For me the breaking point was going through a horrible PCOS flare and with the influx of emotions I realized I wasn’t happy where I was anymore, my mental and physical health had hit a low. I had a lot of self doubt but after some time I quit my job and signed up for cosmetology school. It was the best move I could’ve ever made. Read more>>

Lily Mathews | Be Still Candle founder

Be Still Candle was a calling for me. I knew that if I didn’t just DO it I would regret it down the road. I really couldn’t have picked out a crazier time to launch Be Still Candle when I did. We (husband and I) had our hands already full with our existing company, our 2 boys and so much more but I thought to myself…”I will figure it out” Sometimes the “starting” part of a new project is the hardest part but you have to just rip the bandaid off and simply give that idea life. Then (with focus and consistency) the rest will follow. Read more>>

Alicia Shapiro | CMO of AiNews.com

My business partner, Michael Mazzotta, had the foresight back in 2018 to buy the domain name AiNews.com, knowing artificial intelligence and getting AI news would be important & necessary one day. I met Michael in 2022 when I started managing his social media presence for his commercial real estate company, TenantReps. In 2023, Michael asked if I’d like to help him launch AiNews.com, and I immediately said yes! Read more>> 

Ryan Steinolfson | CEO & Founder, Accelerate Marketing

Fifteen years ago, I embarked on the journey of entrepreneurship driven by a desire for flexibility and freedom. Leaving behind a career in biotech sales, I ventured into the digital realm, craving a space where I could spend more time with family and explore the world. The catalyst? The departure from my corporate role propelled me into building my own venture. Read more>>

Amelia Murphy | Fashion Designer

I have always had a desire to be entrepreneurial. My parents are entrepreneurs and I looked up to the way they created businesses from scratch, have been very successful, and their own bosses. I have also had an interest in fashion design since I was young. In high school the idea of my own fashion line decided to flourish, and as I continued on through college, I realized that I can tie my love for the sea and the island life and love for fashion design into my very own swim line. Read more>>

Alena Apollonsky | Event Planner and the Owner of a Luxury Picnic Company

My name is Alena Apollonsky and I’m the owner of “Your Lovely Moments”, a luxury picnic company. From a very young age, I had a dream – a dream of creating magical moments for people to enjoy. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of picnics, how they can turn an ordinary day into something extraordinary. So, when the time came to start my own business, I knew I should be thinking about how to help someone solve their problem – celebrate in the outdoors, the fancy way. The happy way. Read more>>

Angie Hinojosa | Hairstylist & Sola Salon Suite Owner

Starting my own business was something that was a true rollercoaster of emotions but most importantly it was a change that made me so excited about the future. I had always dreamt of curating a salon that was truly a safe place for my clients as well as for myself. I am a big advocate for helping everyone who sits in my chair feel welcome to express themselves in any way they feel is beautiful and authentic to them. Read more>>