Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Crystal Cotton | Bar & Restaurant Consultant /CEO Boozique LLC

My thought process in starting my own business was shaped by a combination of passion, experience, and intuition. While I had a secure job as a mental health professional, I also had over 20 years of experience as a professional mixologist, which I pursued as a side gig to earn extra income and as a stress reliever. Over time, I advanced in the bartending industry, managing several bars and training staff throughout the Metro Detroit area, and I realized how much I enjoyed it and how naturally it came to me. Read more>>

Lindsey Westfield | Portrait Photographer

I really wanted to do something that brought me joy. Thinking about the feeling I get when I take pictures that I love and am proud of, the feedback I get from clients after they receive their images and how I can make my own hours made it more of an appealing desire to have my own business. I love that I can (now) be home with my kids and still work and meet people through photography. When I first started it was just a hobby that I loved and I hadn’t put much thought into making it a business, but as I kept going and assisted successful photographers and saw how they ran their businesses, I knew it was something I could do! Read more>>

Kelly Toland | Small Business Owner

Small business has been my entire life. In 1965 my Grandpa founded the Colonial Bar in Lansing, Michigan. My Dad took over the bar and small business ownership is all I’ve ever known from the example of my Grandpa and Dad. Growing up I loved the freedom my Dad had to always be there for us. There is a sense of pride with business ownership and I always admired my Grandpa and my Dad for everything they did for the business and our family. After graduating from college I knew a traditional job was not for me. Read more>>

Brandon Toth | Online Marketing & Content Creation, Show Host, and Photographer/Videographer

Well, Tral Productions, the show hosting company I started, was somewhat of an accident! A few of my friends were DJ’s and were always looking for an excuse to play a show. I decided to host my first ever event called “Forever Friends Festival” which was really just a basement show for those friends to throw down some music. I rented some quality equipment from friends and business and made it happen! Lost some money, but it was all worth it after the show. By the end of the night, I knew it was a passion I had to pursue.  Read more>>

Abdul-aziz Ibraheem | Real Estate Specialist

My thought process behind starting my real estate career was driven by the challenge it presented. I recognized that real estate isn’t easy—it requires persistence, adaptability, and problem-solving. That challenge appealed to me because I’ve always believed growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. I wanted to be part of an industry where every transaction is different and where I could continuously learn and improve. The dynamic nature of real estate also offers the opportunity to build strong relationships and help people make life-changing decisions, which is incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Liz Kipfer | Photographer

I didn’t really have a thought process behind starting my own business in the beginning. I just did it, and looking back it was honestly the best decision I ever made. I started my photography business on a whim. I thought “if people like my work and want to book with me, great. If they don’t, well they don’t. And thats okay.” I just figured I’d try and do something I loved and see where it got me. Thankfully and luckily my little photography business has flourished and grown into something I’m extremely proud of. Everyday I strive to make a name for myself by being authentically me while taking beautiful photos that others will cherish for a lifetime. Read more>>