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.

Heather Huften | Founder, The Branded Firm

I always knew I wanted to have something of my own, professionally. However, I never knew what that would look like and I was willing to let the road lead me there. When I exited my last job as a marketing and PR leader, I decided to not start handing out my resume right away. Instead, the next day, I decided this was the time to create a company (keep in mind, this was May 2020 and probably the most uncertain time to start something new, but why not take a risk!). My background is in media. I started my career as a broadcast journalist, working as an on-camera reporter for a local ABC affiliate TV station in Virginia. I was in a mid-sized market with amazing mentors who taught me to hone my craft of communications and journalism. Read more>>

Jeremy Boyd | Master Digital Marketer & King of Advertising

I have always naturally felt that being in sales is just like running your own business, so really the ins and outs of it were essentially covered. Managing schedules, people, time, operations, customers, and initiatives. It’s a natural progression really, and those in my field can seem to juggle many things – whatever comes at them. Read more>>

Rashaundra Murphy | Business owner/Entrepreneur

I seen so many people around me making money and tapping into their creative side of life. I had to ask myself why aren’t you doing those type of things for yourself. I then started to think what could I possibly do to start making the same money everyone around me is making. Then I started to brainstorm ideas. That’s when it hit me what is something I’m good at. I came to the conclusion on making mixed drinks alcohol and non-alcohol. Read more>>

Rosa Lopez Santana | Level 3 Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher

After 3 accidental falls left me with back pain, I searched to understand why I had back pain. I went to various medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists. I got temporary relief. When I discovered Iyengar Yoga, the back pain disappeared. And so did the tension in my neck, PMS, and constipation. I was a stay at home mother, and decided I should open a yoga studio. I could take my girls to school, teach a couple of classes, pick them up, do homework and make dinner, then go back and teach an evening class. I figured, everyone has back pain. And they can heal it as I did, naturally. So I opened an Iyengar Yoga studio, and it grew by word of mouth. After a while I realized I needed more teachers, and our staff grew to 11 teachers. Read more>>

Brat Supply | Jewelry & Art

The thought process behind starting Brat Supply has been developing since I was young. Growing up, seeing my mom be an entrepreneur and creating her own business has always been an example of why I should pursue my own. She balanced her day job and her business until she gained the consistent clientele and perfected her craft to outweigh a 9-5 schedule. I saw the freedom that created for her, so why not try it for myself? I’ve always been very invested into art, design and fashion in general. Although, I think as I’ve gotten older and tried so many different things, creating my own brand has really been my true passion and given me the artistic freedom to bring all my ideas into real life. It’s just like my own world and I can make it into anything I want it to be. Read more>>

Dayane Lima | Doula & Newborn Care Specialist

When I started my own business, my main motivation was to make a positive impact on the lives of families during the crucial phases of pregnancy and postpartum. Having worked as a Newborn Care Specialist, Sleep Consultant, and Doula/ Perinatal Educator, I recognized the need for personalized support and guidance for parents. I wanted to create a space where I could offer not just services but also share my knowledge to empower families. Parenthood is a transformative journey, and my goal was to be a reliable ally for families, providing expert advice, and creating a supportive community. Read more>>