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.

Ciana Salisbury

Adventure has always been in my bones, and it’s something that has been evident among my family for generations. My great grandmother’s immediate family immigrated to the United States from Italy in the early 1900’s. My Nonna would go on to live an extraordinary life over the course of 103 years, traveling often and creating a growing collection of photographs from her escapades around the globe, that I would later inherit. This sets the basis of the most fulfilling, full-circle moment I’ve had in my business thus far. Read more>>

Julie Albertson

A crazy story that has impacted us was being contacted by a reality show to have us on an episode. I decided to present our Pie Dough Puck for the interview. We weren’t selected, I was sad but not deterred. I tried several times with our Pie Dough Puck idea for several reality shows. In 2016 I was shopping and saw the call for HEB’s Quest for Texas Best Contest. I gathered my courage and wrote my essay hoping this would be “the one” that noticed us. We got the call from HEB Grocery that we were selected as a finalist. Read more>>

Claudia Deutsch

In the realm of business, there are moments that stand out as truly extraordinary, leaving a lasting imprint on the memories of those involved. One such incident took place in our art gallery, where the convergence of a famous celebrity and a loyal customer led to an unforgettable spectacle. What ensued was a whirlwind of attention, art appreciation, and a delicate balancing act to ensure everyone’s needs were met. This incredible story would become a source of joy and laughter for years to come, showcasing the unique challenges that can arise in the world of art and celebrity. Read more>>