Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Jocelyn Sparkles | Fiber Artist & Costume Maker

I started IndyCraftivist, as a result of theater being closed, during the pandemic. I had spent my entire career, almost 2 decades, being a costume maker and a backstage wardrobe attendant. While we were waiting to hear, when theater might open again, I had to get resourceful. I thought really hard about what supplies I had access to and how I could monetize my creative mind. I started with a few upcycles and quickly decided I needed something smaller and more moveable. Earrings were an easy solution, but they had to be different. I tried and quickly fell in love with Freestanding Lace, which is machine embroidery that is stitched in such a way, it creates its own fabric. Read more>>

Patience Edwards | CEO/Founder of BrainBuzzed Tutoring, INC

For over 17 years, I dedicated myself to the field of education. My deep passion for fostering learning led me to aspire to create engaging, enriching experiences for students. My goal was to not only enhance their academic curriculum but also to ignite their interest in STEM subjects, potentially sowing the seeds for future career paths. Read more>>

Axel Tuckwell | Cosplayer Educator and Wig Maker

Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, I had a successful business doing hair and makeup for photoshoots, events, and weddings. I had to close my business down after the pandemic hit. So I have previous experience owning and operating a business. What I am doing now also uses my vast knowledge of hair that I have gained over my decade of experience in Barbering and Cosmetology. After getting more comfortable with the cosplay wigs I decided I wanted to jump in and do commissions! I have enjoyed it thus far, and I am proud that I can offer my tutorials for free. When I first started making cosplays and wigs I had a difficult time finding tutorials, I want to make it easier and fun for everyone with my tutorials and videos! Read more>>

Adriene Billet | Gift Shop Owner

Prior to starting my business, I was social media coordinator for our local Main Street non profit. My job was to encourage more people to visit our small town and even open businesses. E are currently in the midst of a revitalization. I had lots of grand ideas and plans that just weren’t what the organization was looking for. So after two years of working with them, I thought it would better suit the community if I opened up my own businesses and put my ideas to work. It took a year of planning but I turned the front of my home into a store front, that sits along the Main Street in town. I opened during the 2nd year of the pandemic and wanted to bring joy to our community. A place to laugh, buy a unique gift that you can ‘t find on Amazon or Target. I wanted a shop that would pull people into town and make them want to explore it and the other businesses. The way to make our town successful is for all the businesses to work together. Nowadays, shopping has to be an experience. A small business has some huge competitors like Amazon, that we need to make it worth shopping at our stores to override the convenience of online ordering. I use my background in floral and event design and my love of pop culture to host pop ups and events to draw people into town. I’ve thrown a birthday party for Harry Styles, a Pep Rally for Taylor Swift before she played her show in Philadelphia and more! I also like to bring in other vendors to host pop ups in our spare room like a local henna artist, aura photographer, a tea leaf reader and sticker designer to draw people into my shop on days where they normally wouldn’t. Read more>>