Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Bryan Cody | Real Estate Broker & Investor

Since I was young I have always dreamed of being a business person. I love the idea of creating something that allows for efficiency and innovation in an area that clearly needs it. There is so much opportunity in the world to ‘make things better’ and I needed to be a part of that. When looking at the individual business sector, I didn’t necessarily know which area I wanted to enter. What I did know is that I wanted creative ability, a large network opportunity, and multiple streams within a sector. That landed me in real estate as there are so many different avenues you can be a part of without necessarily being chained to one part for the entirety of your career. Read more>>

Latrese Fedrick | Business Owner, Mother and so much more

When my daughter was about 3 months old she developed cradle cap and eczema. It became so severe that her hair began to come out in clumps. Seeing my baby suffer with uncontrollable dry skin and itchiness was heartbreaking. As a mother I was willing to do whatever it took to fix the problem. Read more>>

Noelle Williams | Hair & Makeup Artist

After gaining valuable experience freelancing for a bridal hair and makeup company for a few years, I realized my passion for the industry and my desire to create my own business. Working at weddings regularly deepened my love for this work, and I became confident in my ability to manage both independent artistry and a team. This venture allows me to offer clients the highest quality service and a memorable experience. Read more>>

Brenda Fineman | Artist, Certified Bob Ross Instructor, and Small Business Owner

I wanted to bring more of the arts to my community. While there are plenty of art venues/events/classes for people to take part in, they are often a bit of a drive for someone in this area (Chelsea, Mi) and quite expensive or not designed for the casual artist. I wanted to bring the joy and feeling one gets from painting and creating something to all skill levels and all age groups. Read more>>

Angeline Pratt | Owner/Founder

Starting my own lifestyle and beauty boutique was a journey that blended my passion for aesthetics with my desire for flexibility as a mom. With three little boys, I wanted to create something that allowed me to balance family life while pursuing my love for beauty and style. Read more>>

Dionel Lake | Photographer & Owner of The MittenTog

My journey to starting my own business was deeply personal and evolved over time. It wasn’t just about photography; it was about finding a way to balance my creative passions with the needs of my family. As a single parent raising a young family while growing my photography business, I realized how important it was to have a career that gave me flexibility while allowing me to connect with others through art. Read more>>

Sarah Doering | Yoga Instructor, Reiki Master Teacher, Sound Healer, Veteran

The thought process behind starting my own business is being able to reach as many people as I can and not be limited by someone else’s rules and tasks. Read more>>

Misty Renee | Esthetician & Business Owner

When I began my journey to become a licensed esthetician, I recognized a gap in the industry for a space where women could not only see noticeable results but also truly unwind. I quickly realized my passion extended beyond just providing treatments; I wanted to create a safe environment that embodied my vision of skin and scalp care, as well as self-care. My thought process was driven by a desire for autonomy and the opportunity to foster genuine connections with my clients. I aimed to offer a personalized approach that caters to individual needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all solution.  Read more>>

Amanda Debek

I’ve always wanted to own my own “pink cafe” and this is surly the most instagrammable pink cafe in Ann Arbor!! Mission accomplished!! It was a long process as this project took us a year and a half to complete, but grateful for all we’ve been through to get here. Read more>>