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.

Jason Mudd

When we started Cindy Raney & Team, it wasn’t about building just another real estate firm. It was about creating something deeply personal—a brand that felt different from the traditional brokerages in Fairfield County. We wanted to reflect our roots in the community and our belief that real estate is more than just transactions; it’s about relationships, trust, and guiding clients through pivotal moments in their lives. In the luxury real estate space, we saw a clear gap. Buyers and sellers were yearning for a bespoke, client-centric experience. Larger firms were often too focused on volume, leaving clients feeling like numbers. We believed there was a better way—by focusing on quality over quantity and delivering a more personalized, hands-on approach. Read more>>

Ashley Dail

I knew I wanted to create a dynamic approach to therapy from the very beginning when taking my first psychology course back in undergrad. I dreamed of having my own private practice to make those visions become a reality. I wanted to create a space where people could explore themselves actively, artistically, and intuitively. Moving my body has always been an effective outlet for me to process my thoughts and emotions, so I wanted to share that experience with others one day in an eclectic way. Read more>>

Alesha Trimble

The idea of starting my divorce coaching practice emerged from my own personal experiences. I was a child of divorce and after going through a divorce, I realized how isolating and overwhelming the process can be. Despite feeling lost, I found solace in understanding my emotions and learning to navigate the complexities of this life transition. Driven by my own journey, I decided to turn my passion for helping others into a profession. I obtained certifications in coaching, ensuring that I could provide clients with the tools they needed to heal and rebuild their lives. I wanted to create a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals could express their feelings, gain clarity, and rediscover their strength. Read more>>