Starting a business is often a life-altering decision.  It can affect you in so many ways beyond just financially.  We asked some of the smartest entrepreneurs we know about their thought-process around starting their own businesses.

Lauren Palmer | Publisher, Creative Director, Comma Over-user, and Bacon Enthusiast

When I decided to start The Art of Living Beautifully it had three initial purposes. 1.) To inspire myself to take part in life again and to rediscover the elements of life that I loved but had abandoned in order to focus on my two young children. 2.) To become a better writer by giving myself weekly writing goals to keep the blog up to date. And 3.) To take me to the next step in my career whatever that was. Read more>>

Marianna Zimmerman | Interior Designer

The thought process around starting my own business was simple, Find what you love to do most in the world & then make it your business. If you find your gift that your blessed to do, if its a gift that you are excited about & cant wait to wake up & do, then its never really work. Its using your God given talent and sharing it with the world while making money from it! I named my business its name because I feel that no matter the situation, better days are ahead. Read more>>

Kristy Bolin

I’m really at the beginning stages and I believe that each time I learn a new painting or mixed media technique, that is a small success. I believe that getting oneself credit for the small things and staying humble are huge contributing factors to success. I try not to compare myself to anyone else, but to get inspiration from others by attending art shows, art museums and festivals. I never duplicate anything. I have my own unique style. Read more>>

Cali Stewart | Photographer

As the daughter of an entrepreneur, I never had hesitations about starting my own business. In my mind it was just a matter of when and how. I knew from childhood that I would pursue photography at some level. Before I set out to start my business, I sort of became a sponge for knowledge. I spent countless hours listening to what industry professionals were saying and trying to gather as much information as I could to get going in the right direction. I learned that there is really no one right way to be successful. Read more>>

T. Autumn Mae Crocker | Artist

I’ve always believed in Murphy’s Law: plan for the worst bust expect the best. And although I wanted to be an artist from a young age due to my enjoyment in the process, I also knew it was unlikely for me to succeed in such a difficult arena. However, I absolutely LOVE a challenge. While hoarding prerequisite courses for an Art Degree, I stumbled into an survey Art History course taught by Dr, Charlesworth at the University of Texas at Austin. Read more>>

Karla Walz | Glass Artist

My thought process behind starting my own business was to ultimately do what I loved-creating glass art and sharing it with others. Once I made the decision, I found out that it is a constant battle to get your work seen, be in the right shows and galleries and just fining your customers. Read more>>

Dana Brock | Artist and Jewelry Designer

I love to create and work with my hands. Shapes, color and texture draw me in. I came to a place and time in my career in accounting that I wanted something more soul deep satisfying. I had been creating jewelry for myself and family and loved it. I wanted to do more of that and decided to launch my business: D’zyn By Dana (18 years ago this August). I could easily work my business around my job hours and give it time to grow. Read more>>

Trey Seofon | Owner, Admonish

Starting Admonish was started with the idea that it would be fun. If it ever started to be a pain or was not fun, we wouldn’t do it anymore. Read more>>