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.
Igor Beyder
Hi, I’m Igor Beyder, founder and CEO of Beyder & Company, a luxury real estate firm based in Bergen County, NJ. We’re a one-stop shop for high-end real estate, offering not just sales and marketing, but also design, development, and construction. Our clients range from Wall Street titans to A-list celebrities and professional athletes. You name it—we’ve probably helped them buy a house, redesign a kitchen, or build a dream estate from scratch. Read more>>
Meridee Hlokoff
One of my clients initially came to me to quit smoking—or at least, that’s what she told me at the time. As we started working together, it became clear she was also silently struggling with much more. She had a condition that caused her to compulsively pull out her hair, and she suffered from agoraphobia, rarely ever leaving her home. Read more>>
Madison Lewandowski
One of the craziest — and most heartwarming — things that’s ever happened in my business took place at a local event where I was offering face painting. A mother approached me gently, explaining that her 9 year old daughter had special needs and had never allowed anyone to paint her face before — not even for Halloween. She wasn’t sure how her daughter would respond but asked if I’d be willing to try painting a small design on her arm instead. Read more>>
Aniabell Valentin
During Haitian flag day this year, organized by Haitian Austin hub, We had a wonderful experience like usual but this time there was a very particularly funny customer. Usually there is always a bit of chitchat between customers and myself but this one had been looking for us for a while with no luck, they have heard of us from multiple people that has raved about Bon Nan Bouch! and our delicious and authentic “Ayitien kreyol lakay” flavor in everything we make but always missed our time of service. while preparing the tent for service that day he came as soon as he was informed Bon Nan Bouch! Read more>>
Lucy Medrow
Picture it! Your favorite cannabis-friendly nurse arrives in Minneapolis Minnesota on April 20th, at 4:20pm, to their sun-filled home rental. It’s just starting to softly rain, and as I finish bringing stuff inside, it starts to rain harder. Read more>>
BROOKE DRASSAL-CREIGHTON
When COVID hit, I was in Florida working. At first, like many, I thought this strange virus might pass quickly. But it didn’t. My husband was supposed to fly down later and drive back to Minnesota with me, but when lockdowns and stay-at-home orders were looming, everything changed fast. Read more>>
Hannah Park Lusterman
I’ll never forget the day everything changed. I was working as a caregiver, an often unrecognized, underappreciated role, yet one that requires deep empathy and heart. I had been caring for an elderly gentleman for quite some time, building trust, creating comfort, and showing up wholeheartedly the way I always do. But nothing prepared me for what he said one afternoon, with a calm voice and a gentle smile. Read more>>