Overwhelmingly, media coverage of team building, hiring, training, etc. is often geared towards the issues faced by HR at Fortune 500 sized companies. Even when it’s positioned as advice for small business owners it is often coming from an executive or consultant working primarily with giant corporations. We think it’s far more relevant to hear from small and medium business owners who have successfully grown their businesses – and so we asked some very talented folks to tell us the stories of their initial hires and the struggles and lessons they can share.

Ceka Kitami

When opening my studio (Yokatta Studios) I have thought deeply about the things I describe in the question I answered about a pivot in m career I wanted to create an environment at Yokatta Studios where an established artist could take ownership over their career but not be burdened with the responsibility of owning their own studio. I projected my expenses and copied a model from a studio I worked in briefly that had a rent structure. It was difficult at first to know how to even furnish the studio since the artists would be totally independent yet I wanted to have a cohesive aesthetic to the whole place that was pleasing for any of our clients to walk into. Read more>>

KC PCIT

Julie and Jennifer opened KC PCIT in June of 2020 with the goal of treating the mental health needs of families and children in a specialized center. Our vision has been to provide evidence based treatment models in the Kansas City metro and the surrounding communities through-out Kansas and Missouri. We strive to promptly connect with families and schedule appointments in a timely manner. With this goal we have expanded our practice in a mindful way. Read more>>

Danielle Rowell

I recently hired my first team of employees (sales/brand ambassadors and a manager) a few weeks ago corresponding with the opening of my second storefront, which has been very exciting…and truth be told, a little scary! It has been exciting because hiring a team was proof positive that my business was gaining traction – no small feat in light of the pandemic, supply chain blips, and slowing economic climate. Read more>>

Bria Harris

Starting your own firm is never easy. When I first started I started with no one. I started with just by myself and trying to figure out my way. The first year I wanted to see what it would be like before I bring others in with me. When I first decided to bring people in which is first set of people who are still here with me until this day it wasn’t easy. I didn’t know if I was being to harsh, was I not leading right am I being to friendly? All these questions came into play as I am learning to run my own company. Read more>>

Timothy Profitt-Jacobs

The Dragonfly lounge opened on August 8, 2020, with one employee. The hours of operation when established were focused on meeting the needs of Gen Y clientele. As the owner- operator I quickly learned there was a need for me to open earlier and close later, creating a welcoming environment for all ages. I would open on the weekends using Eventbrite, I offered gaming with snacks for our Gen Z customers. The doors would open at noon close and re-open at 6:00 pm for our more mature customers to retreat and enjoy the amenities offered. Within six months of implementation business drastically increased I could no longer manage on my own. Read more>>

Jahbri Merritt

My business had other partners before I began ChefwitdaLeft Kitchen. In fact, before my business there was Saint Paul’s Finest. A beautiful idea that burned before it’s golden hour. I had a wonderful idea during my 2 year course with Saint Paul College. I spoke to 5 other students/chefs in my class who were moved and inspired by the thought of our own kitchen and catering business. The fuel behind this idea thrived at the beginning of the pandemic. Seeing so many restaurants failing and others withering way due to old ideas and lack of staffing and transition, birthed our passion for changing the game in the food world. Read more>>

Sara Wada

Volunteering first started as a side hobby and soon became a career. I have a huge passion of helping the less fortunate. I believe happiness comes from helping others. I am the National Volunteer Manager at Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) Relief USA. ICNA Relief USA seeks to alleviate human suffering by providing caring and compassionate service to victims of adversities and survivors of disasters. ICNA Relief USA strives to build healthy communities, strengthen families, and create opportunities for those in despair while maintaining their dignity and advocating for their basic human needs. Read more>>

Taylor Shields

I love this question because I think about the beginning often. When I enrolled to become a Stylist, it was just me. Yes, I was an addition to a much larger team above me but in regards to my team that I would lead one day, it started with me. In my first full month, I didn’t recruit anyone. I was living in a state of self doubt, which I hear a good majority do when signing into the direct sales industry. That mindset can make or break the journey to becoming a great leader and/or business owner. Read more>>

Yvonne Rakestraw

I didn’t have any employees when I first started. Olivia (former co-owner) and I gradually began hiring people who already had the experience, which made our job a lot easier. We were able to focus on building clientele, participant in vendor events, and network with professionals. Read more>>

Jane Estes

When we first opened, it was myself and some of our founding partners who worked in the bookstore. We soon realized that we were going to need more staffing because we had a great response from the community from day one. It was important to me and the managing partners to use an equitable hiring process so that we could build our mission of creating a diverse space. We knew that not only did we need to have representation on our shelves with the books and retail items we chose, but our staff needed to reflect that commitment, as well. We took some time to research the best ways to go about achieving that and we were able to develop an application and interview process that could help us get there. Read more>>