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.

Alyssa Lusardi

I wasnt sure which topic to choose, and when I first read this one I thought, scaled up, do I really think my business has scaled? Do I consider myself successful in my craft? Then I thought, yeah, I have taken this baby business of mine that I started in 2017 into the 6 figure business it is today by hard-work, education and learning hard lessons. From photographing military ceremonies and cake smashes to now niching into a wedding and elopement photographer that is clear in her brand and confident in her talent. Read more>>

Elizabeth Suit

I started my professional career just like most, grinding a 9-5 working for someone else. I knew from early on in my life, that wasn’t going to cut it for me long term. At college age, it all seemed like a pipe dream to own my own businesses, especially because I had no idea where to start, or what I was doing. So, what did I do? I turned to what I knew being a student, I hit the books. I read every book I could get my hands on about leveling up inline overall. Mindset, entrepreneurship, investments, leadership, you name it. The more I read, the more I learned. Read more>>

FELICIA FENCL

I started my public relations firm after I retired from the US Air Force where I had served over 20 years. During my tenure of service, I learned a magnitude of skills and gained valuable experiences that helped me on my entrepreneurial journey. After becoming a civilian, I took the assets I retained and created the firm as a partnership with a close friend at the time. We created a small, but functional agency that met the needs of our targeted demographic. We serviced our clientele in an efficient way, but on assessment we truly lacked the necessities needed to operate that way for an extended period of time. Read more>>

Nicole Adefuye

My first advice is always RESTART! No matter how many times you have to go back to the drawing board do it! At the end of the day no one else is going to be able to bring your thoughts and ideas to the forefront like you! Read more>>

Scottie Johnson

Since starting my business in 2016 I have seen a tremendous growth in clientele and production. With the recent pandemic of covid-19 my business shut down for a few months but then turned for the best. As clients not wanting to go out, they brought me into their homes to prepare awesome dinners. I took advantage of the situation and focused on how I could make my services bigger and better once the pandemic calmed down. I reached out to several resources that helped keep the business going. I also wrote a couple of books “See Your Route and Run It” and “Devotions of a Chef” during this time which created a platform for people to learn who Chef Scottie is? It built intimacy with my clients for those elegant private dinners. Read more>>

Debby Tapia

The growing & exciting entertainment industry here in Central Florida has opportunities for all ages. The Maile Image, Modeling & Acting School prepares adult, teens & kids for all areas of the industry that include On Camera Acting for TV, Commercials & Film as well as Professional Modeling on the areas of Runway, Fashion Shows, Print & Brochure work. Read more>>

Elizabeth Dixon

I started Altar Space as a side gig in 2019 while I was working full time for another company. It was a big dream that I couldn’t imagine growing this fast. I was working from home in my free time and eventually, I left the job I had by divine forces. Within a year, I was operating out of an office at a co-working facility. In 2020, my online orders really picked up and allowed me to grow into a separate office space outside of my home. By dedicating myself full time to my business, the energy grew and I had more opportunities than I could keep up with- but I tried! I worked every single day (and still rarely take a whole day off). Read more>>

Jared Gilmore

In the world of photography, it is challenging for any creative to make a comfortable living, especially photography. It is imperative that we look at circumstances from a wholistic perspective that are beyond the control of a creative such as myself. I began my journey in photography while concluding my college career at Alcorn State University. It was there where I started to take the craft serious as I was taking photographs of the various clubs & organizations for the University yearbook. By the time I graduated in 2000, I had taken several fraternity brothers’ wedding photos along with many who had graduated including the campus Queens and fellow Student Government Association leaders. Read more>>

Jemerris Giles

Hello Everyone ! My Name Is Jemerris Giles Or Better Known As Jay The Goat In The Fitness World And I’m The Owner Of Gym 55 In Hampton, Ga. I’m 26 Years Old And I’ve Been Training Now For A Little Over Twelve Years. I’ve Been Blessed To Work With And Or Train Over Ten Thousand Clients If Not More Between Celebrities And Professional Athletes And Even Our Regular Day People. This Journey For Me Started Out In My Parents Two Car Garage In Hampton Were I First Started Getting My Feet Wet In Training Clients And Opening Up With People See Today As Gym 55. Read more>>

Jill Lewis

I ventured into a solo private practice in 2009, and full time private practice in 2012. I always knew I wanted to be my own boss, create my own hours, and be independent. I learned early on, that I had to be my own PR person. If I wanted my business to grow and thrive, I had to make others believe in my strength and what I could offer. After many years of marketing, networking, and collaborating with other clinicians I invited my first associate to join me in 2015. When I first launched into Private Practice I tried every marketing tool I could think of. I sent themed cookies to local centers, mailers to everyone I knew, networked with every therapist, dietitian, psychiatrist, doctor, dentist, and lawyer that I could. Read more>>

Justin Drummond

I scaled my business from one employee in 2019 to a total of seven in 2022. Scaling was a long process because we were moving into a new service which provides large contract amounts. One of the obstacles that I have to overcome was taking the leap of faith to hire new employees to ensure I had an infrastructure when the time presented itself. As my payroll grew to $15,000 every two weeks, it placed a lot of pressure on me as a CEO to continually bring in business to support our growth. As you scale, you need to acquire contracts that support your operation. So knowing when to scale and how to is always a challenge. Read more>>