Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Omar Auzenne | Photographer & Hearing Aid Specialist

I started my photography business because capturing moments has always been a passion of mine. I love the feeling of freezing a moment in time and being able to relive it through a photograph. Photography allows me to express my creativity, challenge myself, and constantly learn new skills. I also love the idea of being able to provide people with memories that they can cherish for a lifetime. Whether it’s a family portrait or a wedding shot, I take pride in knowing that my work will be treasured by my clients for years to come. Starting my own photography business has allowed me to turn my passion into a career and share my love of photography with others. Read more>>

Crystal West | Permanent Makeup artist/ specialize in Microblading

Honestly I was excited and my mind was racing of course but I kept thinking How will I stay productive? Will everything go as planned? I’ve always had a knack for beauty and when I took the class for Microblading I knew instantly I was going to master it and one day teach others like I do now. Read more>>

Allison Asthana | Flutist & Photographer

Working as a self-employed artist is a very natural route for a musician, especially if you do a combination of teaching and performing. I run my flute teaching studio as an independent contractor with several school districts, and freelance as a performer throughout the state. The flexibility of scheduling was a big draw for me as well – I’m able to schedule lessons when they work for me, and accept performance opportunities because I know I’ll be able to move things around when necessary. If I had a typical 9-5, this wouldn’t be as feasible. On the photography side of things, running my own business developed very gradually out of being a musician. Musicians need photos to promote their recitals, websites, and applications, and being a musician friend who is also a photographer means you get lots of work opportunities! Read more>>

Eric Lee | Coffee Cupper | Roaster | Brewer

Simply Coffee was born out of a desire to introduce coffee lovers to the unparalleled wonders of single-origin specialty coffee from around the globe. We firmly believe that black coffee is not just a simple beverage; it’s a canvas of flavors waiting to be explored. Our mission is clear: to serve coffee as intended by the skilled hands of its producers, preserving the unique characteristics that each region imparts Read more>>

Yetunde Ośo | CEO of The UpperRoom Events

Embarking on my journey into event planning, my primary focus was centered on the thrill of establishing an international brand. As an inherent entrepreneur, the spirit of business has been ingrained in me since birth, shaping my childhood dreams and persisting into adulthood. This entrepreneurial drive has led me to successfully initiate around 10 businesses, showcasing my ability to sell diverse products and generate substantial profits. The excitement of making an impact in the event planning industry is not only a professional aspiration but also a continuation of a lifelong passion for entrepreneurial endeavors. Each business venture I’ve undertaken has not only contributed to my success but also fueled my unwavering commitment to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship. Read more>>