“Plan and learn as much as possible to prepare you for ownership, then develop a key group of support partners to assist with funding, accounting, legal representation, and more.” – Margaret Stoika “Approach business ownership with purpose and understand your strengths and weaknesses – you can’t be everything for everyone.” – Doug Brown Grand River Office … Read more
Fall down seven times, stand up eight Zena Patillo is a survivor. She’s also an educator, a serial entrepreneur, and the next best thing to sliced bread. She is a strong woman; six feet tall and bold, “But you’re not gonna find a better employee. Every place I’ve been, I leave it a better place,” … Read more
“If your gut is telling you to do something counter to what the current culture of your business is doing, do it. Don’t be afraid of being different, because that’s where you can find success.” Urban Jonny’s Salon recently celebrated their one-year anniversary, and in their first year, salon owners Jonny Farman and Jon Frantz … Read more
“We truly want people to be healthy. We are family and we work hard to create community.” Chris Woods was at a crossroads. After spending the last twenty years as a personal trainer helping clients achieve their goals, he had yet to achieve his own and time was quickly running out. When the gym Chris … Read more
“Begin with a solid business plan, but remember things don’t need to be perfect for you to launch your business. Don’t over-analyze or you’ll never fully take the leap.” Gold Coast Doulas is a birth and postpartum doula agency serving Grand Rapids and the Lakeshore communities, founded by Kristin Revere and Alyssa Veneklasse. They support … Read more
“The most important thing I have learned as a business owner is to ask for help. You don’t need to have all the answers to every challenge. There are people who have been down this road before and can provide valuable insight to help you on your journey.” In 2010, Amy Furman began her entrepreneurial … Read more
“If it’s in your heart and soul then just take the leap. It’s not always easy but it is possible” – Destinee Sargent Things were not going exactly according to plan for Destinee Sargent when her husband boldly proclaimed, “Babe, we’re gonna start a barbeque business!” Destinee, a warm, bubbly woman who holds a master’s … Read more
“Do your research. Follow your heart. Believe it’s possible…” Theresa Mosley In the early 2000s, Theresa Mosley went to a local salon. There she was told, “We don’t do hair like yours.” Although she harbors no hard feelings toward the salon’s employees—they simply lacked the knowledge and skill to work with her hair—this experience planted … Read more
“You gotta go where your heart is.” – Lisa Shaw Lisa Shaw has been a sole proprietor for over a decade, and a photographer since she can remember. Through her photography business, The Bigger Picture, Lisa has artfully captured hundreds of weddings, families – and now, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Refocusing her business on photography … Read more
“Victoria didn’t just change the Grand Rapids area with articles, inspiration, news, and events for women – she changed it throughout the state.” Victoria Upton, founder of Women’s Lifestyle Magazine and fierce supporter of countless Grand Rapids organizations recently passed away from brain cancer. One of our proudest success stories and dear friends, we’re honored … Read more