It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Beth Baumgartner

When I started my blog, The First Year, I wasn’t thinking about branding or long-term success. I created it during the first year of my marriage as a hobby to keep myself busy while my husband pursued a PhD. He was working 80+ hours a week, and I needed a creative outlet—something to pour my energy into. Looking back, I see how that season was such a gift; I never imagined the blog would grow beyond that first year, let alone become my full-time job! If I had known where it would lead, I probably would have picked a name more related to desserts, but The First Year will always be a special reminder of where it all began. Read More>>

Lamonica Cunningham

Ive always had a passion for baking, and I wanted to create something that not only satisfied sweet cravings but also brought people joy. I saw an opportunity to put a unique spin on classic cookies and turn them into an experience, not just a treat. That’s how Got Dough Cookies & More was born—out of a love for creativity, quality ingredients, and the desire to share something special with others!! Read More>>

Ethan Bright

When I was growing up in the 90’s, I remember fondly the place Stickers had in our lives. It was how you personalized your school stuff. Last year, I was watching one of my All-Time Favorite Creature Features, “Gremlins” and thought to myself, “man, I wish I had some stickers of Stripe”, the titular Gremlin.  Read More>>

Erick Palacios-cruz

It all started with a sticky note and a dream. To create a positive change in an attempt to #GLU3theWorldTogether. Erick and Hunter met in 2018 attending the same University, shortly after they realized they shared similar goals and dreams.
They both understood the importance of a team dynamic to achieve these goals and thus the GLU3 Collective was born. Read More>>