Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Brittany Darga | Writer

About a year ago I started writing a children’s book called, “If a Petoskey Stone Could Talk.” I have a journalism and corporate communications background but took some time off when starting a family. I always had the idea of writing a book but never felt it was the right time. Well, last year my two youngest (twins) started preschool I had some time to simply breathe and think and felt the time was right! And I even had a great idea to start with. My business is called MBBooks, LLC, which I formed soon after. Read more>>

Grace Scheumann | Professional Photographer

My thought process behind starting my own business was that of I could not imagine doing anything else in this life. Photography has always been a great passion of mine so I just thought I might as well make it into a full-time career. Read more>>

Alyssa Grosman | Dog Trainer and Walker

Hi, My name is Alyssa Grosman I own and operate Tilted Ear Training and Walking LLC. My thought process behind starting my business was quite overwhelming. I had a lot of feelings while moving through the process. When I started to get serious about it and decided to make it come to life, I made the choice to contact someone from a small business consulting office my school provides. My consular helped me go through all the legal documents to make sure everything was filed correctly and on time. In reaching out to them eased my anxiety. I also brought on board a CPA because messing up on the financial aspect of owning a business scares me as well.  Read more>>

Chris Villaire | Financial Advisor

Finances impact everyone, no matter where they come from, what they do for work, where they live, etc. The issue is financial literacy is at an all-time low, especially among the younger generation. This is where Villaire Financial comes in – the thought process behind starting my business was helping those who need it most. The decisions people make with their finances in their 20s and 30s will determine the life they get to live in the future. Unfortunately, most financial advisors do not prioritize the small investor who is early on in their career and does not have that much money. We want to serve those who need it most. We want to meet people where they are at, walk with them, and educate them along the way. Read more>>

Tyler Hampton | Record Label & Event Company Owner

Starting my own business was not something I just decided to go out on a limb and do one day. I had many thoughts, ideas, and challenges, that lead me to think I could start a viable business of my own. I did not believe that I could create a business and run a business, until the people around me believed in me first. Read more>>