Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Anirudh Mazumder | Co-Founder of KidneyChain LLC

I co-founded KidneyChain LLC with the singular mission of preventing over 28,000 organs from being wasted due to the ineffective and inefficient donor-to-patient matching process. With the shortage of available kidney organs for transplants, handling each donor’s kidney with utmost care is crucial to preserve its health during transportation. Our platform utilizes blockchain technology to track the organ’s location and handling meticulously, ensuring its safe journey from donor to recipient. Additionally, we monitor organ health in real time, enabling prompt detection of any potential kidney damage. Our ongoing efforts include developing a matching algorithm to pair donor kidneys with compatible individuals in need, further optimizing the transplantation process. Read more>>

Stefanie Lazcano | Musician and vending machine owner/operator

Being a part time touring musician meant that I had to leave town and miss work for weeks at a time. I wanted some sort of passive income where I could set it and forget it during those times that I would be on the road. I figured having some vending machines could fulfill that role. While it sometimes feels like logistical gymnastics, starting this business has proven to work for me in the way I intended. Read more>>

Tommy Berretz | Comedian | Actor | Producer | Entrepreneur

Build your own dream or someone will hire you to build theirs. Working for someone else allows them to dictate your value in terms of compensation and to what level you can be promoted. I don’t want anyone telling me that my salary is capped or I am not fit to be a CEO. As an entrepreneur, the only difference between success and failure is perseverance. Read more>>

Zadie Brooks | Interior Designer/ Owner

As an interior designer, I founded my own business with a vision to blend creativity and functionality, offering clients personalized spaces that reflect their lifestyles. I aimed to provide a unique approach to design, prioritizing client collaboration, sustainability, and timeless aesthetics. Starting my business allowed me the freedom to implement innovative ideas and create inspiring environments tailored to each client’s needs. Read more>>

Jose Angel Vela | Shoe Artist & Designer

Back years ago, I restored an old pair of white Vans because I didn’t have any money to buy me a new pair. After that I designed a few more pairs for close family members, and that lasted about a year. I got caught up with life and I failed to keep up with the hobby. Fast forward several years, I got married, bought a home, and I was dealing with a lot of anxiety and depression, my wife advised maybe I should start painting shoes again to help keep my mind busy, and to have an outlet to help with my mental health. In full honesty, it really helped a lot, Plus I was growing closer with my relationship with God. One thing led to another and I received an email from Coca Cola with a big commission to design and paint some Topo Chico Vans for their company. A design that I had already painting many times before. I honestly don’t think there was a thought process behind my business, I was just consistent doing what I loved doing and God took care of the rest. Read more>>

Haley Papez | Antique Curator

We purchased this business so that I could be more present in our children’s lives as well as to be active members in our community. I have been a school psychologist for 19 years and I would say that other people’s children got the best part of me every day. So now that I have a business in our town of residence supporting the efforts of our hometown youth, I am able to serve my family and my community in a way that glorifies The Lord. Read more>>

Denise Jones | Teepee Slumber Party Planner

I have 4 grown children. Ive always enjoyed setting up their parties and sometimes went to the extreme with the party decor. I Fell in love with the tent slumber party idea after seeing it on the internet. The idea was stuck in my head And in 2021 after being laid off due to COVID, I decided to Give it a try. Read more>>

Shimberlyn Walker | Caterer, Party Planner, personal shopper, comedian

I initially began Chateau Shimmy’s because a coworker moved away. She would always make sweet treats for me and when she left I didn’t want to pay anyone else to do it. I have been cooking for myself since I was 12yrs and it progressed with age. Why pay someone to do what you can do on your own was my thought. Read more>>

Bernard Farrington | Student of Christ & Certified Chef

Well, I started my business back in 2017, but as well all experienced, Covid 19 struck. Originally it was structured for Active Adult Communities because I noticed a need to have better dietary options, that were scratch made for those that came before us, raised and helped take care of us as kids. However, when the facilities would not allow allow outside vendors to enter due to Covid, it was time for a pivot. A pivot I did not know how to make as a small business owner! Listen, I love GOD, but I didn’t understand “Why this, Why now?” However, because of prayer, listening, and paying attention to HIS voice, grouped with meeting the correct people, I have learned and directed my focus on wanting to make sure everyone eats healthy. What my thought process is now, focuses on clean eating for all dietary needs, not just the Senior Community! Read more>>

Trey Calhoun | Pitmaster/ Cater

My thought process was I have a love for bbq ing for people and seeing them enjoy the food and have good conversations does my heart good. My wife and I did that for 5 years, we would bbq and invite friends over; everybody loved My bbq and we had a really good time. Read more>>

Kasey Headley | Coffee Shop Owner

The idea of a coffee house is one that I fell in love with only after being at Palace Coffee Co. in Canyon, TX. I found this as a place that people need in their community. Whether you are meeting with clients, or you are all alone in college and you just need a place to be. The coffee house stands for not only a place to enjoy a delicious beverage, but it is a place for people to interact, converse, meet new people and even catch up with old friends. I wanted to be the catalyst by starting a coffee house in smaller towns that could really benefit from having a common meeting place. No matter the size of town, there is a community there that needs a place to call their home away from home, and I see that is what the coffee house is there for. Read more>>

Christine Sotmary | CEO of Anodunos (Greek for without pain) and Acupuncturist

People who are homebound and often bedridden are in no shape to navigate the community based Integrative Care that could reduce their suffering and restore their quality of life. The HHS 2019 Task Force on pain recommends our approach for people living with High Impact Pain. I am the co-leader of the US Pain Foundation’s CT/NY/NJ Support Group and have been hearing the participants’ challenges when it comes to finding and paying for Integrative Services. With my two partners, we developed a two pronged approach to getting people living with severe, ongoing pain the care they need. The first piece is to develop two Professional trainings that will act as the basis for an innovative Pain Navigator Program and the second is to do advocacy in NYS to get these services covered by insurance. Read more>>