Establishing your own firm or practice is an incredibly daunting task. From myriad of legal and regulatory hurdles to the financial and career related risks, professionals who choose to start their own firm have to overcome so much and so we wanted to reach out to those who’ve done it successfully for advice, insight and stories.

Georgi Stoyanov

It all started in 2013 when I designed and installed my own IKEA kitchen at home, which eventually led me to co-founding Virginia Kitchens LLC back in 2015. While this exceptional partnership allowed me to work with hundreds of local projects around Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads, I found a need to offer services with a higher attention to detail, customized solutions, and premium customer support. This need to evolve my business operations grew until I started Swedish Kitchens. As a completely separate entity, I took IKEA installation services to an even higher level. Me and my team provide meticulous attention to detail, always putting the needs and dreams of our clients first. That level of customer service is why we have made such a significant impact on the local market. Read more>>

Andrew Moresi

Starting my own real estate firm was a thrilling yet daunting journey. It all began with a strong desire for independence and the vision of building a practice that prioritized client relationships and community engagement. Early Days and Key Steps 1. Defining the Vision: The first step was clarifying my vision for the firm. I spent time considering my goals, the types of properties I wanted to focus on, and the kind of client experience I aimed to provide. This vision became my guiding principle. 2. Market Research: I conducted thorough research on the local real estate market. Understanding trends, pricing, and neighborhood dynamics helped me identify where my firm could stand out and serve clients effectively. Read more>>

Jonson Yousefzadeh

Starting Direct Orthopedic Therapy was both exciting and challenging. I began with a vision to improve on the conventional physical therapy experience, putting clients first and focusing on personalized care rather than a volume-driven approach. Early on, I had to establish a clear business model that was client-centered, navigate insurance complexities, and build a physical space that reflected our values of quality care and patient transformation. Some key steps involved: 1. Research and Planning: I knew the existing physical therapy model needed improvement, and I wanted to focus on providing a “WOW Experience” for patients. I researched industry gaps, formed a business plan, and outlined what an ideal practice would look like—combining outpatient, in-home, and virtual care. Read more>>

Kristy Cheney

When I began in the counseling field, I didn’t think I wanted to own a private practice. The idea of learning how to set up and run a private practice seemed daunting. I was very comfortable at two very different group practices. I loved the camaraderie with my co-workers and the easy access to the group owners, should I have a concern or need a consult. However, a colleague reached out one day and casually mentioned she had an open office for rent if I ever decided to open my own practice. As I considered opening my own practice, I realized I could have more freedom over my schedule and the clients with whom I choose to work. Read more>>

Semaj Zion

I started officially learning to read cards the summer of 2020— yes, that summer. I have a close friend, Venus Ayalani who had been practicing cartomancy for some time before that which is how I got interested in developing the skill of storytelling and making meaning of my life through this medium. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic absolutely created the container for me to radically question myself and experiences as a black non-binary and queer educator from the Southside of Chicago. My personal relationship with divination using Tarot and Astrology started to take shape in the latter half of 2020 after almost daily FaceTime calls with Venus Ayalani about cards, planets, their meaning and their implications in our real life and ancestry. Read more>>

Jeymarie Guerra

Starting my own practice was both an exciting and challenging journey. I was in a transition phase and knew I wanted to continue in private practice, but with the freedom to create my own business culture. I wanted a space where I had a say in how we treat clients—focusing on support, empathy, and building a strong community. That vision was my driving force. One of the main steps was figuring out the logistics—finding an office space, setting up the necessary systems, and connecting with other professionals in the community. I drove around searching for office spaces, sent out countless emails, and personally introduced myself to doctors and other professionals. Making those connections was crucial to establishing the practice. Read more>>

Audra Morelock

The journey of starting my own business was both exhilarating and challenging. The initial steps involved setting up the operational aspects of the business – filing necessary paperwork, managing taxes, handling accounting, and generating business reports. While these tasks seemed daunting at first, I found invaluable support through the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center and the Women in Entrepreneurship group. Their guidance made navigating these essential business functions much smoother. However, the true test came in the form of a mental challenge. The lack of immediate traffic and success was difficult to grapple with. It required patience and perseverance to understand that building a client base takes time. During these periods, the networking groups I was part of played a crucial role. They kept me inspired and motivated, constantly reminding me of the value I was bringing to the community Read more>>

Linda Renneisen

My journey into the world of health, nutrition, and wellbeing began from a deeply personal place—a struggle with my own health that eventually became the foundation of my career. Like many, I faced significant challenges with my well-being, and through trial, error, and relentless learning, I found a path that not only healed me but inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others do the same. I realized that a holistic approach to health, combining nutrition, mindful living, and simple daily routines, was the key to long-term wellness. This realization became my passion, and soon after, my career. The early days of starting my own practice were exciting, but also daunting. I knew that I wanted to take what I had learned and help others, but turning that passion into a business required careful planning and perseverance. The first step was to formalize my knowledge, so I became a certified nutritionist and holistic health consultant. I also pursued certifications in yoga and Ayurveda to broaden my expertise and offer a more comprehensive approach to wellness. Once I had the qualifications, the next challenge was building my brand and establishing trust. Read more>>

Neal Trotter

I’m an abolitionist. I believe in a world without police or prisons. Where does one start to achieve this world? How do we even begin to ensure safety and deliver justice with no police or prisons. It starts with education. Or more specifically, political conscious raising. Before we can begin to challenge the physical institutions that create the material conditions of oppression and discrimination, like the criminal justice system, we must first address the immaterial conditions of our thinking. In other words, we must decolonize our minds. First, we have to understand how and why police and prisons were first created. Policing in America was first developed to catch runaway slaves and to bust labor unions. The founding reason for police was to protect the property of the rich. Read more>>