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.

Ashley Garrels | Owner & Operator of Happy Mama Candle Co

I grew up in a small farm town in Illinois. I was raised in a blended family and have a total of seven siblings. My parents always worked hard to ensure that us kids had everything we ever wanted or needed. They taught us the value of hard work and dedication our entire lives whether that was through their own work ethics or teaching us the value of money. They also taught us the importance of family. Even though they worked long, hard hours at times, they made sure to always show up for us kids. I don’t remember ever having a sporting event that one of my parents did not attend (and I was in A LOT of sports). I got my first job when I was 13 years old and clocked in for someone up until I started my own business in January 2021. I was a true worker bee until one day I realized that I had spent years putting all of my energy into other people’s businesses when I could be using that energy for my own. Read more>>

Cierra Hutton | Owner and Main Artisan of Earring Meadows

I don’t know that I pursued a creative career as much as it pursued me. Being creative has always been a part of me and Earrings Meadows gives me a way to release that creative energy into stunning designs that women get to enjoy. Read more>>

Celina Voelker | Senior Interior Designer & Co-Founder of Organic Love Interior Design

You see, I started out knowing that I had a strong love for people and how better to show that love than to care for them?

My passion was always design but my family encouraged me, with my strong background in Math and Science that I should pursue the medical field. Read more>>

Drisana “dru” McDaniel | Mother/worker/activist who is an author, researcher, and PhD student

I now have more work-life balance than before. Previously, I spent many years in the luxury retail sector, with an eight-hour workday outside the house and a long commute. This significantly affected my time with my family. Now, working from home, I have a different work style, not necessarily less work, but with more balance. I am home when my youngest daughter gets off the bus, and I can take many meetings from home. I work almost every day in some capacity, but it doesn’t compromise my work-life balance. My work and life are integrated, bringing me joy and purpose. For example, listening to a podcast or reading early in the day informs my writing and enriches my work. Read more>>

Cameron Kendrick | Owner

The people who come alongside me to work at Good To Go and make it what it is, and of course, the customers who shop with us. Read more>>

Carlos Loaiza | Owner & Chef

To me, respect is the most fundamental principle. Coming from a place of respect allows for a safe environment with your family and peers. Read more>>

Mary Beth Walters | Regional Business Solutions Manager

Honesty…transparency, this principle I can’t live without. I was raised to believe that honesty is the best policy, but knowing the truth can cut both ways. You can be honest about something and destroy someone, especially if you speak insensitively, or you can empower and challenge someone by boosting confidence or giving credit for a job well done. I wasn’t always honest or transparent early in my career. I was uncomfortable telling my managers or co-workers how I felt about things, especially when I didn’t agree with something being implemented, or a change that affected my role or the company I worked for (change isn’t always good). However, as I gained confidence in my career, I started sharing more of my thoughts with co-workers and managers, and many times, they had the same concerns or issues that I had, or I was bringing up something that hadn’t been thought of and was something that needed to be addressed. My advice on this subject is this, you have to become an expert in “reading the room” to be honest or transparent and be a champion of your own vocabulary and verbal delivery. As they say, you catch more flies with honey than vinegar. If you’ve been asked to share your opinions, by all means, do, but that doesn’t mean be as blunt as a spoon. You want to be respectful of others, but, at the same time, also want to be heard and get your point across while not being perceived as aggressive. Supervisors should also be transparent. I can speak from both sides of the fence on this, and as the subordinate, I have always appreciated when my supervisors have trusted and respected me enough to tell me the real deal. Again, honesty is the best policy, whether there is good news or bad news to share; supervisors should let their subordinates know. No one likes being blindsided. Whether it’s a policy change, new employees hired or a company closure, people should be informed about what’s happening at work. It’s a sign of respect and trust. As the supervisor, I won’t betray any confidential company information that I have been specifically told not to speak on, I can respect that and comply with that type of request, but I always share with my team anything that may be impactful to them so they are aware and prepared. Read more>>