The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Sunny Paradeshi

Before starting Solace Media, I was already involved in supporting nonprofits in various ways – often helping out with creative projects, volunteering my time, and offering whatever skills I had to causes I believed in. I saw the incredible dedication these organizations brought to their missions, but I also noticed how many of them struggled to communicate their impact or reach the audiences they needed to grow. Read More>>

Danny Balli

This business has been an evolution! Danny was a saturation diver who had a traumatic injury while diving and lost most of the use of his leg. Through the CrossFit community he came back, and fitness was a huge part of his life. This brought him to open Iron Keel Strength, in Webster, a class based gym centered around building a community. After a few years he met Travis and Eve through the local Ruby team he sponsored and friendship was immediate. Travis had always been a fitness enthusiast. Read More>>

Mario Gerussi

The spark behind Pro360 Photos came from a simple but powerful realization: Realtors needed more than just pictures – they needed a trusted partner who understood the stakes. With a strong foundation in high-end photography and global multimedia experience, we recognized a gap in the market – and we set out to fill it with heart, precision, and relentless dedication. Pro360 Photos was built not just to capture properties beautifully, but to elevate the entire real estate experience. Read More>>

Astrid Patino

After my second daughter was born, I knew I wanted to do something for myself, but I wasn’t sure what. I wanted to stay present for my kids, have the flexibility to be home when needed, manage my own time, and still be productive, so starting my own business felt like the best option. Read More>>