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.

Lisa Rubio | Boutique Owner

The idea behind my business is actually followed through by a dream of mine. Since at a very early age of 6 years, I always loved anything and everything about fashion. I would design, draw and put together an outfit for certain events and what I would envision myself wearing. Growing up throughout my school years, I would turn my “boring” everyday black polo and khaki pant school uniform and turn it into something fun and unique by adding clothing pieces and jewelry together. Friends would tag along and join me in being able to express themselves and be different, I would never gate-keep where my items were from or where it can be purchased, I loved being able to help and build their confidence! Read more>>

Kathryn deBoer | Owner of Opal & Viv’s Boutique

The idea of owning my own business has always been a natural thought for me. I knew I would eventually have my own business and it would have to do with fashion is some way. I love fashion. Opal & Viv’s came about after a Wednesday trip to check out a wedding venue for a good friend of mine at Cedar Creek Lake. I had never been to the area before and ended up booking a solo stay the following week. During my stay that next week I discovered a need and decided I was the lady for the job to fill that need. It was time to leave my current job and go out on my own. Kinda a “now or never” deal. Read more>>

Jorge Munoz | Photographer

Since I was young I’ve always had a passion in photography. However it grew more in me when I had my daughter; capturing her milestones and every candid moments. It made me grow as a person, photographer and a father. I believe a picture speaks a thousand words and love creating stories through my photography. Read more>>

Audrey Broas | Self-Taught Baker & Restaurant Manager

While I was in junior high school, a good friend of mine and I thought we should open a bakery together when we get older. As time went on, the idea really stuck with me. I went to college and decided to major in hospitality and even some took pastry classes in Florence, Italy while doing a semester abroad. When I returned home, my sister’s friend asked if I would make her wedding cake. It was the scariest idea but I went for it. After doing so, I realized that this was actually something I could pursue and it could be more then just an idea. Read more>>

Swati Desoares | Software Engineer and Cake Designer

How did you come up with the idea for your business It all started with my daughter turning 3 years old and wanting a princess belle cake i couldn’t afford. Started learning cake decoration and experimented on my coworkers, friends, and daughters’ friends. Perfected my art through the years and then one of my friends forced me to start charging for my hard work and art. I was hesitant in the beginning as no one in my family had ever done a business and being a single mom, I had to have a steady primary income to pay my bills. So, I ventured into starting it small… made cakes for my friends and coworkers and as word of mouth spread, now I make cakes for total strangers! Read more>>