Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Nicole Holcomb | C0-Owner, & Event Planner

Nicole – Starting my own venture is something I have been contemplating for a long time. I recently had the pleasure of attending a 6-month Authentic Leadership program run through Queens University that forced me to take a hard look at what truly drives and inspires me. During this soul-searching course I started future casting what a dream career would be for me. I spoke with my longtime friend Richelle and asked her if she would be willing to start a new venture with me as we have similar visions and creative flair. Read more>> 

Brooke Habberstad | Esthetician & Owner of Studio Rylee

Ultimately, I wanted to create an atmosphere where people struggling with skin concerns felt welcomed. It can be overwhelming meeting someone for the first time and trusting them with your skin. As a previous acne sufferer, I’ve been in that position. The acne clearing process is a journey, so making sure you’re in the right hands is crucial. My goal in opening Studio Rylee was to have a place where everything was exactly the way I wanted it to be. From products to treatments, I test everything on my own skin before bringing it into the studio so that I can make sure clients will see the results they’re hoping for. Read more>>

Chandler Hiott | Hairstylist + Salon Suite Owner

Starting my own business was driven by my passion for hair and the desire for creative freedom. I wanted to create a space where I could fully express my vision and provide a superior, personalized experience for my clients. Being my own boss allows me to make strategic decisions about services, pricing, and marketing, fostering potential growth and success. Recognizing a local market demand for a high-end boutique salon, I believed my skills and business plan could attract a loyal clientele. Read more>>  

Jamie Bajgert | Marketing Strategist & Coach

I was in corporate marketing for 15 years and enjoyed what I was doing. I loved the creative and problem solving aspects of marketing, there is always something new to learn. During the pandemic I was left feeling a tad bored and wondering what else I could do to expand my skillset. I decided to take a course to learn more about digital marketing, something I hadn’t been super involved in with my day job. The course I took also touched on how to start your own business and the wheels started turning. I had always wanted to do something where I could help people, and I loved marketing. Read more>>

Helene Greenberg | Executive Director Vegfest Expos

I started Triangle Vegfest in 2014 because I had a few months between my practicum and internship to finish my masters degree. I reached out to our community to ask if they wanted a vegfest and they said YES! WE then set in motion to create our inaugural vegan festival. I had no idea this would become my full time job. Covid pushed me into this full-time when I lost my part-time job. I haven’t really looked back and expanded to five states and 10 festivals. I have self motivation and the ability to get things done. I would rather put 60 hours towards my own thing than kill myself for another person or business. Read more>>

Brandon Samuels | Professional Disc Jockey

One of my fondest childhood memories was while my peers collected baseball cards, I collected music. I always wanted to have the latest hit album or single at that present time. Over a period of time it grew into a massive collection and now, I have an entire room filled with different formats of music from vinyl, tapes, CDs, and now digital hard-drives. An old friend of mine was moving out of state and sold me his old DJ equipment. He basically said, “now that you have inherited all this music, you have to put it to good use.” Read more>>

Katie Walling | Freelance Marketer

I ran marketing departments for 10 years, with no end in sight—or so I thought. And then I found out that not only was I pregnant for a second time, but it was with triplets! And so I made the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to and quit the career that had defined me for a decade to take care of my family. Fast forward, and the triplets were a year old… and I was MISERABLE. I missed having the drive to do something brave or that made me proud of myself. I missed interacting with adults outside of my house. Read more>>