Going from idea to execution isn’t easy. Part of the difficulty is that often there is no playbook to follow and while we can’t offer a playbook either, we wanted to create a space where aspiring entrepreneurs could read the stories of how some very smart, very thoughtful entrepreneurs form the community got started.

Lindsey Overstreet

Moonlit Productions is a family owned and operated music venue that was first started in August 2024 by myself (Lindsey Overstreet) and Dell Simms. It is a creative space that is accessible to all ages and welcomes all genres. Although similar venues exist in Tulsa, It is the first of its kind in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Read more >>>

Emily OBrien

The idea for what became Comeback Snacks started when I was inside, during the Super Bowl actually. Popcorn was one of those snacks everyone liked. I used to buy the kernels from the canteen and mix them with spices from the kitchen. It was something small that brought a bit of comfort. Read more >>>

Paige Hubbard

What I would like your audience to know is how things can come together unexpectedly and why they need to remain open to new possibilities. I was invited to lunch by my clients when I worked as a property manager for a large real estate firm. Read more >>>

Jaime Highfill

There are a lot of steps involved in my process of putting out professional events for my studio or band or baking business. I have to make sure I have payment links, sign up forms all attached to my canva. Read more >>>

Blake Stewart

After graduating from the graphic design program at West Virginia University in 2007, I knew I wanted to build something of my own, so I launched Stewart Design right after graduation. At first, I focused on print design and production because it felt like a natural way to start using my skills to help local businesses. Read more >>>

Saira Sufi

I was consistently the events person at my previous jobs-non-profit, political and corporate. In addition, I was the one friends turned to when they needed someone to organize their events. It was often said to me, ‘You should start your own event management business’. One day, I decided to take the leap and started North Star Events. Read more >>>

Mark Noorivaziri

There are a lot of people who look at where I am now — the projects I’m winning, the way my company is competing with GCs that have been doing this for decades — and they think it’s easy. They call it luck. That word? It’s an insult. What they don’t see is the years before this. Read more >>>

Dennis Littley

I started my website as a resource for my culinary students, and after a lot of trial and tribulations, I finally became a food blogger. Back in 2010, it was like the Wild Wild West. I started sharing my website with groups and got turned down because it was too ugly. Read more >>>

Diana Jensen

For more than a decade, I have created paintings and installations inspired by vernacular photography. My fascination with ephemera and relics of the past began early, while exploring thrift stores, flea markets, and junkyards with my father. Today, my process still involves searching these places for photographs that hold a strong emotional resonance. Read more >>>

Erik Mesikäpp

It all started during a simple conversation about how hard it was to order bulk materials. Everyone was used to ordering food, groceries and even furniture online – but if you wanted gravel or mulch, you had to call around, wait for quotes and hope someone showed up. It just didn’t make sense. Read more >>>

Alexis Audette

Developing my own line of textiles and wallpaper was a long-held goal for me, but I spent many years working for other companies in the textile industry before I charted my own course. It was only when I felt confident that I both understood the business of textiles and had the financial stability to start my own business that I took the leap. Read more >>>

Chris Houston

In 2018, I left a job in Dallas, TX, working for a small design/fabrication firm. This sort of work was something I thoroughly enjoyed and taught me a great deal about building and taking pride in working with my hands. I moved to Truckee, CA, in the Lake Tahoe area. Read more >>>

Charlene Dong

cdBeanz was inspired by a trip I took to Guatemala, where I had the incredible experience of touring a coffee farm. I learned about the country’s history with coffee and experienced the entire process of how it is made. From separating the beans from the pulp to tasting them in a latte, I was able to see each step firsthand. Read more >>>

Lorraine Eloms

My husband- Corey and I are ex track and field collegiate athletes. Prior to 2018 when we started our business, we spent many years coaching football, basketball and track and field (Corey) and track and field for me. In 2018, Corey raised the idea of us starting our own performance training business for all sports based on the most common needs of athletes. Read more >>>

Donna English

“My journey really began with a second act. After more than 35 years as a nonprofit accountant, I was still working my 9 to 5 but also writing my first novel, The 9 G’s. Becoming an author opened a creative door for me, and I started thinking about a financial literacy book for families and especially children. Read more >>>

Arica Davis

I’ve always had a love for food, but my path to becoming a chef wasn’t exactly traditional. I went to school for business and marketing, and after years of working in sales, I found myself craving something more fulfilling. I grew up in the restaurant world, so the kitchen always felt like home—but I knew I didn’t want the long, grueling hours of restaurant life. Read more >>>

William Askew

Living in New York City, I worked on everything from conceptual fashion designs to marketing materials. During my personal practice as a painter and illustrator, I focused on portraiture of family and friends that told personal narratives. That practice led me into freelance work, where I was commissioned by independent contractors, local gyms, and luxury fashion companies. Read more >>>

Courtney Loughridge

I didn’t set out thinking I was going to start a business. It began in a very personal way — with my son. Jack discovered pickleball when he was only seven years old, and very quickly he fell in love with the game in August 2020. Within months, he was not just playing but winning medals in adult tournaments. Read more >>>

Courtney and Derrick Copeland

My husband and I are recovering meth addicts. My husband had 20+ years experience in the moving industry. I had a background in retail and restaurant management. When we first started talking about a moving company we were both unemployed and in active addiction. We weren’t married yet and I remember Derrick always talking about his ‘moving’ days. Read more >>>

Tetiana Anderson and Sonia Kennebeck

We both come from journalism. Sonia is from an investigative background and has directed and produced several award-winning feature-length documentaries that have streamed on platforms including Netflix and Hulu. Tetiana has worked around the world covering news and politics for print, radio and television outlets. Read more >>>

Payman cash Moughaddas

I was a buyer of bitcoin when it was $800 and saw the opportunity in the crypto industry. That led me to NFT’s. After diving into the digital art, I became a full time community member of Killabears NFT (killabears.com). I became the space host on twitter for the project and also ran a meditation space for a while 1-2x a week. Read more >>>

Mandie Rodriguez

I never thought growing up that I would one day own my own business. While I was in design school, I decided to attend a vision board workshop and the idea of owning my own design firm kept coming up so I put it on my board. I knew nothing about running a design business and they really don’t teach you that in school. Read more >>>

Cyndy Ratliff

Taking Over the Program – Cyndy Ratliff July 2013, I began work as the program coordinator for ReadWest. I thought it would be a great place to work while going to school. While at ReadWest, I quickly realized I had many ideas for updating the program. As the ideas kept flowing, I knew I had to get busy. Read more >>>

Monica Schultz

My story is unique because I never set out to start a business. There was no business plan, no real capital—barely anything at all. One afternoon, while scrolling Facebook, I stumbled across a post: a building in Downtown Farmington was available for lease. On a whim, I set up a quick meeting with the owner. Read more >>>