Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Shelby Measel | Clinical Mental Health Therapist & Diagnostic Evaluator

I wanted to provide cohesive therapy to my clients. As a therapist, I am here to support and walk a journey with my clients. I view my clients and I as a unit. To best function the unit must master working together. In therapy, we hold our clients responsible for their progress, as humans we can not evolve without trial error and support. In order for me to be able to give each session the attention it deserves I needed to make sure I was taking care of myself. We can not pour from an empty cup. Read more>>

Adam Alderman | Chef and caterer

I knew as a kid I wanted to run my own business. I had no idea at the time what kind. At one point it was a oil change pizza shop, then there was an ice cream parlor. I knew it would be food related in some form. Read more>>

Amanda Gainey | Calligrapher & Live Event Artist

Honestly, I never intended on starting a business when I first started learning calligraphy back in 2016. I always wanted to learn the art of writing beautiful, and started practicing and learning new techniques. As time went by, I realized I really, really enjoyed the process from start to finish. After creating Christmas ornaments 2-3 years in a row, I slowly started to think this might be able to be a business. A bit more time passed and I decided to go for it! No one in my family has their own business, so this was new territory for me! I didn’t even know it was possible for ME to own my own business. Read more>>