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.

Sarah Oliver

I didn’t start with a business plan—I started with a pattern. People kept asking me how I was getting opportunities and creating my own lane without waiting on permission. At first, I didn’t think of it as something I could teach… but I realized I was doing certain things consistently that other people weren’t seeing. Read More>>

Denise Reese

When the idea for Grace The Collection first came to me, it wasn’t from a business plan, it was from a moment. I was on a beach vacation, reading an article where Melinda Gates talked about extending grace to others. That word—grace—stayed with me. I chose it as my word for the year, not knowing just how much I would need it. Read More>>

Kilian Camp

Élan Design House was founded by myself, and my amazing partners, Alison Green and Kadie Chiera. The three of us met while working at the same interior design firm. About a year after hiring Kadie and Alison, the owner decided to close the business and focus on her family. I was informed early of the closure, which gave me time to explore other opportunities. Read More>>

Marielle Randle

Going from idea to execution is like manifestation to materialization. My business, MCR Ventures LLC, primarily focuses on promoting overall wellness through inspiring acts. I am the Creator of 𓋹Th𓂀 Remedys𓋹 Wholistic Care, a Henna/Jagua Artist and Teacher of Meditation and Astrology. MCR are my initials and my sectors serve as the adVentures of my business. Read More>>

Nico Soto

For me starting came down to no longer waiting for the perfect moment. Understanding that I’m not gonna be perfect and that the best decision is to simply fail faster. Get it out of the way and execute, learn and adapt. Read More>>

Gregory Jones

I had already spent years working with youth, pouring into their lives and doing what I could to guide them forward. But one moment shifted everything for me. I was invited to a meeting focused on supporting young foster youth facing homelessness. It sounded like the kind of conversation that could spark real change. But as the meeting went on, it felt heavy… stuck. Read More>>

Lorane Rhoden

I often say my journey started in what I call the MTV generation, a time when pop culture shaped how we consumed content. I was an avid viewer of The Hills, and at the end of each episode, there was always a call to action: “Check out the MTV Blog.” That single line sparked something in me. Read More>>

Sophia Myer

I didn’t start with some big, perfectly mapped-out plan—it was much more organic than that. In the beginning, I was simply helping people. Friends, connections, and eventually clients would come to me with ideas—whether it was a website, marketing piece, or something they had been wanting to do for a while—but they didn’t know how to actually bring it to life. Read More>>

Carli Abiuso

Let’s talk about my latest offering (an artistic, physical product) which is quite the pivot from what I was previously known for: online manifestation and Hero’s Journey coaching. I knew I wanted to return to my roots as an artist, and I felt a clear pull to bring medieval fantasy to the forefront of my work. Read More>>

Leah Munson

Glory Floral Designs was conceived from the simple question posed by a friend in 2008, ‘What would you do if money were no obstacle, and you could not fail?’. I had just done the wedding flowers for a friend of mine in CA. It was a somewhat random request from one of the most free-spirited friends I had at the time. I LOVED it. Read More>>

Ryan Laessig

Being the owner of The Milwaukee Makers Marketplace has been an honor. Although I do still wear many hats including the East Side BID20 director as well and others, being the Creator and owner of the Milwaukee Makers Market is my favorite hat and has changed my life! Read More>>

Kyla Collins

For a long time, this idea lived quietly in the back of my mind. I had been thinking about starting my own business for years, but if I’m being honest, I talked myself out of it just as often. The imposter syndrome was loud. Read More>>

Latoshia Lawrence-Martin

It really started in my classroom. I remember sitting during story time, watching my students, and thinking, “They need more books like this…books that look like them, teach them, and truly connect with their everyday lives.” That moment stayed with me. At first, it was just an idea. Read More>>

E Simone Scott

I had the idea for Early Bird Notary Services LLC and my wedding officiant business, Marry You? I Do!!!, I recognized opportunities to serve my community in meaningful ways. For Early Bird Notary Services, I researched the market, completed all legal requirements, formed my LLC, and built a strong online presence to attract clients. For Marry You? Read More>>