Starting a business is hard because it’s a fight with yourself, an internal battle – gaining the courage to get started, etc. Scaling a business is different – the challenges you face are mostly external to yourself. Each challenge has a million mini-challenges. We wanted to create a space for conversations and stories around growth and scaling. Below, you’ll find stories and insights from successful entrepreneurs across a variety of industries and markets.

Joshua Gosnell

After about a year of working for another company, (as a massage therapist) I started to do home visits on the side. I was also still bartending part time to help pay the bills while I built up a client base. I was eventually able to quit bartending and turn my full attention to massage therapy. I worked for the other massage therapy business for about 3 years all along the way I was building up my own client base on the side. Everything within me right now is screaming don’t tell the truth don’t tell the truth gloss over it, make it sound magical and wonderful…but its not. Read more>>

Kristine Schwartz

It’s the times of transition that define our future and what our levels of success look like through those trials. I genuinely believe I was put on this planet to show you that no matter where you’ve been or what you’ve been through, your abundance is right around the corner and that your confidence, passion and purpose are waiting to be unleashed. In order to be that mentor, I needed to go through a lot first. Read more>>

Elise Sanchez

The real game game changer for me to scale up was selling wholesale. I knew I had a quality product and after getting my business incorporated and insured I was ready to start selling in larger quantities. There was one day that really stands out. I took my candles around to four local businesses and by the end of the day I had secured three out of the four as new (large) wholesale accounts. It was the validation I needed and confirmed that mine was a standout product, Read more>>

TJ Ojehomon

When I decided to finally go into business for myself, I had an uphill battle to climb. It was at the beginning of COVID, I had a second child on the way, and didn’t have a lot of business to jump into. On top of that, in the Nashville/Middle TN area, real estate has a very strong market. There are probably close to 17,000 realtors and agents in the area and everyone’s “competing.” There was the looming question of, “How in the world would I be able to stand out?” Read more>>

Megan Dobratz.

I never planned to own a business. I knew I wanted to work in the environmental field – and got a degree associated to that twenty years ago – but never knew what that would actually look like. After a few years at a non-profit, and a year at a start up, I lost my job. When everyone else did – and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I had great experience in a broad array of things – but wasn’t necessarily an “expert” on any one subject. I still say I know enough about a lot to be dangerous, and then come the specialists – the relationships I’ve built along the way that can really dig deep and support the work we do. Read more>>

Amy Wong & Matt Rosenblum

In 2019, we produced one comedy show a week in a small art studio room we rented out that was no larger than a luxury walk-in closet (max 15 capacity). Today we run one of the most popular comedy clubs in NYC (and especially in Brooklyn), which is called The Tiny Cupboard. We have 2-5 shows a night, and 4-6 open mics a night on top of that spread across two different rooms. The larger room fits 50-70 and sells out regularly. Read more>>

Kathryn Nelson

I began to customize by delivering exactly what the clientele were asking for, by stepping into their shoes, by keenly observing their experiences with and reactions to our services, by asking them directly for useful feedback – whether through surveys or informal conversations, by creating a community around our product, and by constantly pushing myself to reach the next level (which is my style.) Read more>>

Kurston Ghumm

Let’s start by agreeing that everybody desires success. We wouldn’t try new things if we didn’t. What happens once we’ve reached our goal? Do you feel the need to scale up? What happens after comfortable? What separates you from everybody else? I scaled up in my community with my dedication to continuing education. I didn’t want the same education that cosmetologist around me we’re getting though. I realized that I will always have a desire to be more. I strive to be the least experienced in the room, so that i can come back and be the best in the room. Read more>>

Mollie Jenkins.

MJP began while I was in college at Auburn University seeking a BFA with a concentration in Ceramics after noticing I had quite an interest in wheel throwing. With an ever-growing collection of pots in my closet, I continued to focus on furthering my skills by seeking out a few art shows and becoming a member at the local city pottery studio. While home in Columbus, GA for the summer, I began selling my pottery at the downtown Farmers Market on Saturday’s alongside my cousin who was selling fresh grown vegetables.Upon graduating from Auburn, I moved to Nashville and rented a small studio work space from a makers co-op, Fort Houston. Read more>>