Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Grace Carrillo | Photographer & Licensed Massage Therapist

I first started dabbling in photography in 2015 with nothing but my iPhone 5c (throwback!) and a raw desire to memorialize little moments and feelings that surrounded whatever scenery I chose. This continued for about a year, and it was in this time period that at the suggestion of my sister, I started an Instagram account to share these photos along with writing. Only a few months into doing so, I had gained a solid little community of friends, some of whom I still talk to today, because something about my work, however inexperienced and unprofessional, seemed to mean something to them in addition to just me. Read more>>

Christopher Finley | Owner/Operator of Finley’s Towing and Recovery

My wife and I have always wanted to own our own business. We never could nail down exactly what we wanted to do. I have a strong mechanical background so I naturally gravitated to anything in the automotive industry. I started paying attention to all the other tow companies in our area. There was one common trait I noticed about most of them; they had all been in business for 20+ years. That prompted me to further research and watch the industry, especially in Central Kentucky. Read more>>

Cara Perkins | Certified Nutrition Consultant – Master Level

I’ve always been fascinated with eating healthy, observing healthy habits and wanting to learn more about how the body processes foods, whether they are healthy or unhealthy. After witnessing years of a variety of health concerns within my family, and wanting all options, as far as healing and feeling better, I decided, in 2019, that it was time for me to formally study nutrition. In 2021, I became a Certified Nutrition Consultant – Master Level through American Fitness Professionals and Associates, AFPA. Read more>>

Kitra Thomas | Owner&CEO, Medical Assistant, Massage Therapist

The idea of my business was actually my husband. I owe all the credit to him. When Covid happened and we were all in our home on lock down in was on FMLA from my medical job and wanted something to do. I love candles and my daughter had come to me with her business plan so my husband suggested to me to start my business. I had already purchased an candle kit previously from an candle supplier but never used it so I decided why not try it out to see if I would like it. Read more>>

Juauna Lewis | Master Certified Life Coach for Infertility

My business came about after struggling with infertility for over 10 years. At the time I went through it, I was closed off and didn’t know what to do or who to go to for help. I wasn’t big into social media and I was alone, ashamed, angry, disgusted, depressed, and angry all over again. I got stuck in that negativity. I started Hannah’s House Life Coaching to help support other women on this journey who are like me. While it’s natural to feel all those feelings on an infertility journey, getting stuck there serves no one—especially yourself. Read more>>