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.

Claudia Gibson

The most unexpected, craziest, and wonderful thing that led me to start my own business was motherhood. Becoming a mother made me rethink my priorities and move mountains to accommodate the new responsibilities that came along with it. Read more>>

April Snyder

Back in October of last year I did two amazing charity events with BakeSpace’s BakeCamp LA to raise money for Paw Works. Babette Pepaj founder of BakeSpace asked for a few of us volunteers to provide some of our cookies for promotional use. Read more>>

Tom Dull

We are farmers in central Indiana. We have been growing Christmas trees since 1985 and have grown (pun intended) that business way beyond what we were anticipating when we planted those first trees. Read more>>

Amora Coles

Embarking on a journey into rescue presents numerous challenges and rewards. Witnessing a dog on the brink of euthanasia due to shelter overcrowding transform into a beloved member of a forever family is undeniably gratifying. Read more>>

Madison Ryan

Taylor Swift liked TWO videos featuring my merch in one day. It was the opening night of The Eras Tour in Arizona and I had impulsively decided two days before that I wanted to fly my girlfriend and I across the country to see the opening show. Read more>>

Houa Vang

I am very open and honest and I share stories about my mental health so that others don’t feel so alone, especially in the Hmong culture. Read more>>

Kelly Straub

The Covid 19 Pandemic changed everything for me and my business, when it started I honestly didn’t know if we were going to make it through to the other side. Read more>>

Anthony Keys

In the beginning of my DJ career, I was searching hard to get myself out there, taking anything that came my way. I stumbled upon an ad looking for a DJ for a festival. Read more>>

April A. Hibler

A major chunk of my life was spent in the world of Education, 18 years to be exact! I served in various capacities from classroom teacher (PreK-12th grade), Career and Technology Instructional Coordinator, Student Services Coordinator, Librarian and Professional School Counselor to name a few. Read more>>