One of the most under-the-radar benefits of entrepreneurship is its ability to build fortitude and make the entrepreneur a more formidable person. Challenges – particularly the crazy, unexpected ones that take on a life of their own – build character and confidence. And the unexpected surprises to the upside, the crazy good moments offer a high that’s hard to reproduce elsewhere. The charm and the challenge of entrepreneurship is dealing with the crazy things that happen and so we’ve asked some fantastic business owners and leaders to share some of their stories with us below.

Michelle L. Haynes

My craziest business story taught me a very valuable lesson, although costly. So my entertainment company, DCLA Productions, LLC started out doing parties and social events, like happy hours, college fairs, etc. Read more>>

Annie Grimes Williams

I make most of my living from art shows. I do some online sales, some wholesale and consignment with galleries, and teach occasional workshops. Read more>>

Mandi Rodenbeck

When I wanted to work as a birth and postpartum doula I was absolutely convinced without a shadow of a doubt that I did not want to own my own business. Read more>>

Elyse Gilreath

We often say that She is Cheval was created out of chaos and camaraderie. This could not be more true. Cheval and I had spent almost a decade pouring our heart and soul into the Hayley Paige bridal brand, and suddenly that was taken away from us. Read more>>

Danielle Bentz

I never used to believe in the spiritual side of life. I loved hearing ghost stories and unexplainable phenomenon but I never experienced something like that myself. Read more>>