Our community is comprised of some absolutely brilliant entrepreneurs and so we asked a few of them to tell us the story of how they came up with the ideas for their business.

Chayanta Spaniol | Chayanta Spaniol | Managing Broker & Real Estate Coach

I am the founder and CEO of my real estate brokerage Chayanta Spaniol Realty. I came up with this name because I have been in real estate for nearly 2 decades. Throughout those years I have worked for other companies but for the past 5 years I knew I wanted to open my own brokerage. Read more>>

Christon Bush | CEO, Artist &Licensing Director

Coming to Knoxville played a major role in not only launching our business but innovating our business model. While studying at UTK, the founders of BXSCO all observed visionary artists and talents year in and year out all sharing the same setback: a lack of space. Read more>>

Geoff Russell | Owner of The Original Campione’s Taste of Chicago in Gallatin, TN

The idea was quite simple, really. We had moved here from Chicago for a fresh start, and we quickly realized that the Chicagoland foods that we loved were nowhere to be found. We missed the taste of a good old-fashioned Chicago hotdog, Italian Beef sandwich, Chicago style pizza, and pastas. Read more>>

Micah Atkinson | Videographer

I have always been passionate about getting the shot. It’s something that makes me genuinely excited. Whether it’s an important interview, a gorgeous house, a speaker onstage, or a musician in a music video– finding the right angle and lighting, getting the framing just right, I just love that. Read more>>

Jodi Salerno | Founder & Creative Director at Tudaloo

The idea for my business, Tudaloo, was born out of a combination of family tradition and a serendipitous moment. Growing up, attending the rose parade in Pasadena was a cherished family tradition, especially with my father having served as the President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in 2009. Read more>>