Do you remember your first hire? There is so much that goes into building a company, but few things matter as much the quality of the team you assemble. Given the immense importance of team building, we wanted to create a series where we ask entrepreneurs who have been there and done that, to share their stories and lessons with the community.

Levi Kirby

My business partner, Jake Huber, and I launched SplyceHouse on January 1, 2022. From day 1, we knew Jake’s brother, Adam Huber, would be a huge part of our success, and he has been integral ever since. We thought it would be just us three for the entire first year, but as business came in faster than expected, we knew in order to sustainably grow, we had to expand the team ASAP. Since then, we have hired a full-time editor and a project manager, and we’re in the process of bringing on more team members before the year is over. Read more>>

Lenese Griffin

When I started LC Apparel Consulting it was just me in my tiny Bronx apartment in 2017. My business didn’t take off until the end of 2019. I hired my first intern in 2019 and it was someone I knew that actually asked me if she could intern for me to get school credit at FIT. In 2020, the business started to grow rapidly and I end up hiring as my first employee. 2 months later I hired another intern and 3 months later I hired 3 more employees and 2 months later I hired 4 more employees. Read more>>

Kelsi Lewis

I had two employees once my doors opened. I began the hiring process about two months before the office opened. Putting ads on Indeed/Facebook/Instagram is my main source for finding my employees. Recruiting the first few team members was tough because everything was all so new to me. Being a business owner for a startup dental office is no easy task. Not only was I making sure I was going to hire the right people to represent me and my practice, I also had to make sure the people I did hire had similar goals in mind- putting our patients first. Read more>>

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My salon is a unique concept and I technically don’t have employee’s. I own a hybrid co working salon where I help women starting out in the beauty industry to build their own business from scratch. I have built an open concept space where everyone works for themselves, along side other motivated entrepreneurs. From day one tho, it was just me. In a small studio suite part time building this empire solo. I’ve since opened multiple hybrid concept salons and my first “hire” and team mate was an assistant that I helped, worked along side until she was busy enough to rent a chair from me. Read more>>

Jimmy Yen

I didn’t hire my first employee until 4 months after I opened my clinic, which hindsight was a mistake, I should have hired someone after 1 month. I think it’s important as the owner to work all positions in your company if your company is a startup. Recruiting is the most important and most difficult part of owning a business. In order to help more people you need a team, staying solo and small limits the number of people you can help and the impact you can make. Read more>>

zay penny

Creative face started with me, liangela jones , david johnson Read more>>

Zane Landin

I started PositiveVibes Magazine with a good friend, Michelle Allende, when we were both university students at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Even though the digital magazine was born from a school project, we were both passionate about literature and mental health. As the magazine began to grow, with leaders, influencers, and advocates reaching out to us faster than we ever anticipated, Read more>>

Jason Fajkus

Starting out it was just me full time and my family supporting all the time it took each day and night from me hanging out with them. Read more>>

Charice Hayes

When I started my business at the end of 2011, I was the only employee. My business first started out as a remote business that mainly helped clients improve their English-speaking skills. As anyone can imagine, I wore multiple hats just like any sole proprietor or small business owner. This includes me conducting business operations such as accounting, marketing, strategic decisions, and human resources. Read more>>