We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Malak Oda | Wedding Photographer

I have always had a deep passion for creativity that’s always been a part of me, even when I was following a more conventional path in my career. Being the “family photographer” growing up reflects my natural eye for detail, aesthetics, and storytelling, and that side of me has always been alive. Read more>>

Trey Conner | Chief Operating Officer – Real Estate Investor

I was. supplement support to the start of Grand Rapids Drive in 2014- I left my respected teaching occupation understanding that I would always be able to come back to it if the NBA D-League team does not work out. Read more>>

Shea Ferguson | Certified Commercial Drone Pilot and Environmentalist

Since I started working my first job at 14, I’ve always loved the idea of starting my own business. From observing my mother, who runs her own hair salon, to the many employers I have worked for over the years I knew it required a lot of time and effort, but I love the creative potential of building something from scratch and making it what I want. It was a daunting task, but since having recently returned from a couple of months of backpacking in Europe, I was in the mindset that anything is possible and had a “why not?” attitude. So I jumped right into the dream I’d had for so long. I’m still at the beginning of this process but it’s been a fun adventure and I’ve already learned so much. Read more>>

Candace Estwick | Licensed Esthetician

My thought process behind starting my business began with my daughter. I started making soap from scratch because everything even the sensitive and “natural” soaps irritated her. I pondered on what to do, and I said well let’s make it ourselves. That lead me to think about what else I could make naturally without all of the things that could irritate skin but also help nourish, moisturize, and heal the skin. And viola! Body butter came to mind and I dove into research. That research also led me To many failed recipes which led me to esthetician school to understand skin and what we need but naturally! Read more>>

Marylyn Jewett | Blogger, Podcaster, and full time Asker of Questions

I’ve always had a love for words, and wanted to share my words and thoughts with the world. When I was younger, this manifested itself through blogs I used to share fiction and writing many novels. As I got older, I was drawn to the mediums of podcasting and blogs, as I saw a need for authentic Christian content offered in compassion. In an online world that is loud and eager to cancel people, I strive to be honest and gentle in my views whenever possible. Read more>>

Nicolle Talley | Cosmetologist and a Keratin Complex National Educator & Platform Artist

When covid hit in 2020, I was put in a situation where I had to choose to either be demoted from a corporate salon manager position, to an employee hairstylist or become an independent hairstylist and lease an individual suite. I only had 2 1/2 months to make this decision and I decided to take a risk and become a business of one, salon owner. In November of 2020, I opened De’Von Emages Hair Salon, knowing I had the knowledge and the skill set to open a salon and make my dreams come true. Even though I had many friends and family telling me I would not make it, I chose to listen to my Lord and Savior and have Him guide me through the process. This is when my life would completely change for the better and I am not looking back! Read more>>