When businesses are covered in the media, often there is a lot of focus on the initial idea, the genesis moment. Then they almost brush over the middle part – the scaling up part – and arrive at how big and awesome the business is today. It makes for a fun read or in the case of a movie or show an entertaining watch, but it’s also a missed opportunity. The middle part – the scaling up part is where so many small business owners get stuck. It’s the part so many of us need more guidance with and so we wanted to get conversations going on the topic of scaling up.

Justin Clarke

When I first started exploring the world of the theatre industry, it was on the stage as an actor before exploring what went on behind the scenes as a stage manager and director. A lot of this was done in the independent and community theatre sector. But I always had a desire to see more and support more. I wanted to be a voice in the industry itself. In creating Theatre Thoughts, I wanted to be seen alongside the big names of theatre reviewing and critique. I admit, there was an inherent evidence of ego at the base of this, probably stemming from my love of acting and all that comes with seeking that rush of applause. Then, my thoughts shifted towards amplifying the voices of those telling their stories.  Read more>>

Isaiah Scroggins

When it came to my photography it took alot of patience on figuring out what I want to focus on shooting. Starting in my freshman year of high school fortunately I had plenty of time to explore those options. I knew I loved this art even back then and gradually took in any knowledge about it. Wheather it was learning from fellow classmates, to my teachers, to photographers that made a living of this I just made mental notes everytime, the good & bad. I first started out shooting sports photography for my school to still be connected to football, basketball & track & field cause I loved those too. I built up a audience over that cause of my Dedication to showing up at every game getting everybody pictures. Read more>>

Mallory & Mariah Sterrett

First and foremost, starting up and operating any business venture is HARD. Mallory and I (Mariah) started to really take our craft of photography seriously during COVID and the pandemic which fortunately gave us ample time to fuel our creativity. While we had already grown up taking our friends senior portraits, and capturing special events for our friends and family, we always knew we had a bigger vision for ourselves as creatives, however it has not been an easy journey. As we are sure many photographers can relate to, it was a slow burn to get where we are today. Read more>>

Tammara Maher

After 8 years operating my rural-based farm, the pandemic arrived. This was a very busy time for local food – with supply chains breaking down and people realizing the importance of local food my farm was busier than ever. I had been growing outside, in a greenhouse and in an indoor grow room during the winter months, and I no longer had adequate space to meet the demand I was seeing. Simultaneously, my young child was experiencing loneliness and depression and it became evident to me changes were necessary to meet his ongoing emotional needs to be closer to peers. Read more>>

Chuck Taylor

Grind! I am serious! I have been in business for myself since 2006. It started small and slow but business picked up quickly. I added different services and broadened by client base even quicker. It wasn’t long before I realized I needed to work 7 days a week. I made myself available in every way possible to my clients for field work and any advisement they needed on a daily basis. Currently, I have over 50 clients, most are out of state and trust me with their property portfolios to maintain and keep them secure. You need to go above and beyond to set yourself apart from your competition and do not remind your clients of it. If you are doing it naturally, they will remind you and keep you full of positive affirmations! Read more>>

Norman Graham

The beginning of my notary journey was stagnant because I was once anxious about messing up a client’s documents. As I was walking in my house, I noticed the material and things paid for to become a successful notary and realized I haven’t used it. This was the day I took it upon myself to finally say enough is enough and get to work. I started signing up with signing companies, I started creating my own marketing material (being that I didn’t have the money to hire someone to do it for me) and I started passing out my materials. I used postal mail, emails, google business page, social media and my community (friends and family) to get my business noticed. I’ve received inspiration from fellow notaries on YouTube and other forms of social media and learned on the job. I will say speaking to notaries that had more experience was helpful in terms of avoiding some mistakes. Read more>>