BOSS Interviews
BOSS stands for Business Owner Success Stories. Every business owner that I have interviewed was once an enterprising individual who had an idea, an invention, or a creative endeavor. They embody what it means to build something from the ground up. Below they have graciously shared their insights to help you in your own business.
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2024
Morgan started selling her Macramé art just four years ago and she is well on her way to build a successful business. She has recently added hand-lettered printing as well and that has proven to be an excellent decision.
Meet Christina and Ashbear, her print store inspired by her shiba inu. She has a wealth of knowledge to share about her experience running a printing business.
Meet Rene and Mystical Merchants Realm, a small startup where she and her family make truly unique iridescent, articulated 3D printed figurines.
Jennifer Main has been a full-time artist for over 20 years selling colorful paintings, prints, and drawings. She also has a boutique side-business where she sells fun, unique jewelry, purses, and novelty gifts!
Hailey Popma makes unique jewelry with whimsical themes and this goes right along with the friendly smile that draws customers into her booth…
Dulce Naturally bakery is not just a wonderful place to enjoy sweet treats that are also healthy, but Laura is a such a kind and resourceful business owner, that you’re sure to learn something from her insights.
Meet Kim Peirson, who makes beautifully ornate frames using seashells and frosted glass. In this interview, she shares a bit about her journey as an artist and a business owner.
2023
These colorful and crafty bookmarks, paintings, and bracelets by artist Corey Le make perfect gift ideas for the holidays.
Presenting Ruth and her business: Elizabeth's Inspired Creations. She makes truly unique all-natural candles, scented oils, and related accessories. Her secret to success is her enthusiasm, her passion and her drive, but her success speaks for itself.
For truly high quality hand-made notebooks from an amazing artist, look no further than Amethyst Atelier.
Introducing Pam Rettig & her new business, Pam’s Cookie Pantry. Her delicious and healthy cookies are popular with everyone!
Jesstyne is a local artist who creates watercolor paintings. Whether they are on a wall or on a small vinyl sticker, they are bold, colorful and full of meaning.
Emily Deitz is the owner of Gratitude Tea House, a provider of wonderfully relaxing teas and tea-brewing accessories.
Justin Huang invented the amazing Cup-a-Bug. If you hate creepy crawlies around you as much as I do, then you need to check out Justin’s story.
Introducing Sarah Quifille-Duler and The House of Canelés, where she sells her delicious and unique French pastries.
Dr. Nakisa Nowroozi started her business because she believed there needed to exist a better, healthier option for breakfast and daily snacks…
Tahera Christy has been so successful growing her health and beauty products business, Amour Propre, that she is looking to expand and…
Ameer Malkosh is a local artist who’s artwork spans from the dramatic to the whimsical. He even creates animations. Here he shares some of his insights on being an artist.
What is it like to build a tech reseller business? Since 2003, Jesse has done just that: grow his business providing electronic products and software to schools, organizations and also other small businesses.
2022
Drawing on her background and artistic talent, Paulina makes truly beautiful and complex macramé designs for clothing, handbags and decorations for the home.
Sarah is a talented painter, illustrator, and designer. She also makes truly unique sketchbooks for other budding artists. She shares with us her thoughts on being a business owner and an artist.
A maker of candles and related products, Kamari finds success for her business with passion for her craft as well as clean, professional design and branding.
Romi runs a successful Etsy shop, and she does it all as a side-hustle from home. This is a typical example of how a hobby turned into a business.
There is a secret to success when you’re a startup, and Sheena has figured it out. Read about how she uses her experience, her contacts, and social media to grow her business.
Jessica is a talented and engaging health life & wellness coach. She shares with us her experience growing her consulting business and balancing a busy life.
Introducing illustrator and graphic designer Kelly McMahon, who works out of Australia. She shares with us her insights on being an artist and a small business owner.
Lindsey brings a wealth of knowledge about food quality, allergens, and healthy alternatives with her Pralines & Greens blog. She shares with us her years of experience building a well-designed, popular and informative website.
2021
Introducing Dr. Koo, author, consultant, public speaker, business coach, community leader and social media personality. She is also the Chief Visionary of a successful consultancy called Project SPICES.
Angel Mosqueda is a talented lifestyle and family photographer who’s portraits make you want to hug someone. Based here right in Orange County, CA., she has some words of wisdom to share with all the budding photographers and artists out there.
We are very pleased to introduce Nina Franqui-Hollomon, owner of BootieButtah, LLC, a successful distributor of all-natural butters, balms and oils that leave you with “Baby Bottom Soft Skin.”
Introducing prolific artist Esmoreit Koetsier. He makes both large and small industrial abstract artwork exhibited in both private collections and in public places, from the Paso Robles Wine Country in California to the Fluor Corporation building in Irving, Texas.
An educator and researcher, Dr. Jones provides individualized support for students at any stage of the graduate school process, from application to graduation. She is also a public speaker and conducts workshops and trainings to support universities and organizations.
Introducing Marcus Brown, owner of Professional Detail Service, a six-year old auto detailing business. Marcus built up his business from scratch and it is now a successful and thriving company servicing customers in South Orange County, CA.
2020
Introducing Albert Roberson, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clerksy, a company specializing in human resources services. His company focuses on the “human” in Human Resources with particular attention to emerging issues like diversity, the gig economy, and navigating the current pandemic.
Introducing Dr. Sayeh Beheshti, a successful medical director who recently decided to take up writing as a side-gig. She is currently in the process of writing her memoirs. Dr. Beheshti’s education, professional experience and life story are all part of her success.
Introducing Lisa Hu Chen and her photography business. Lisa specializes in documentary photography. She has a great eye for large group shots and action photography. She also has a very successful business that is well represented in social media. Below Lisa shares some valuable insights about her art and her business.
Featuring a dear friend and colleague, August Minke, Esq. He is a translation consultant. Translation services have become very competitive and use a lot of high-tech tools today. This requires a business that evolves with the technology and provides highly specialized services to business clients
Introducing Dr. Argelis A. Ortiz, Founder & Principal Consultant of Silegra, which has grown from a small part-time operation into a well-established organization with several team members on board.
Introducing PeTika Tave, a successful author and owner of BayaBooks & More. She exemplifies what it means to be a gig worker because she started her side-business while continuing to work a day-time job.
Introducing Wilhelmina Grant, who makes beautiful mixed media artwork and also teaches art - the world needs more teachers. Her wonderful artwork and life experience are an inspiration to everyone.
Introducing Amanda Allen, a full-time mom with a full-time job, and who still found time to build a successful side-business as a fitness and nutrition coach. I think her secret is her enthusiasm and positive energy. Hmmm, come to think of it, I could probably use some fitness training myself - these winter months have not been kind to my mid-section, ugh!
2019
Introduce successful entrepreneur, business consultant, and owner of SeekingVision.com: Janet Rivera. She teaches others on how to best leverage their own skills with their own unique business ideas.
Need to move technical equipment across the country, send high-value gear to a client, or sensitive materials to a manufacturer? Consider hiring Killen Logistics, the company founded by this month’s gig worker, Michael Killen. He has a wealth of experience to share building up a successful logistics company and some important advice for our readers.
We always like to feature successful bloggers - being bloggers ourselves and all. Christina Giglielmo-Maggetti and Gina Haresco run a blog for Disneyland fans. If you enjoy going to the park as much as they do, then their story should definitely be one not to miss.
We are very happy to introduce Shereen Sabet, a successful academic, entrepreneur, business owner, and public speaker. She exemplifies everything we mean by the term Collegiate Gigster.
Meet Edward Valenzuela, a very talented videographer who has been assisting us with our video production. We were very impressed with his insightful videography skills, but he also let us know that he runs a successful side business …and he’s a college student!
Meet EveLyn Gutierrez, elementary school teacher and tutor. At Colégas we are all about education and passing on knowledge to the next generation. Ms. Gutierrez brings her passion and enthusiasm for learning to her second grade classroom everyday and also to children’s homes through her tutoring business.
Meet LaQuisha Beckum - Educator, Entrepreneur (or as she prefers, Edupreneur) and Author. LaQuisha and Marie crossed paths on Linked In and have been supporting each other in their entrepreneurial goals by sharing resources and insights.
Meet Dr. Nona Djavid, a successful entrepreneur who founded her own practice, SoulScale, that also manages to do quite a bit of good in the world. Not only is she an inspiration to so many people, but she also exemplifies the Collegiate Gigster.
2018
We are very pleased to introduce fellow Collegiate Gigster Cristina Garcia-Versteegh, owner and director of LangoKids Irvine Language Academy. She is a strong proponent of teaching children more than one language, believes in continuing one's education throughout life, and is also an amazing positive influence for children and Gigsters everywhere. We could not be more pleased to share her story.
We are very pleased to introduce you to Silvia Ivelisse Perez, Life & Leadership coach, speaker, writer, producer, director, and actress based in Miami, Florida. With so many accomplishments, she is definitely a Collegiate Gigster.
Meet Albert Koetsier, a highly successful engineer, photographer, artist, entrepreneur, and now also a lecturer. Albert is best known for his X-Rayography artwork, which is now sold world-wide, one of the top selling artists on Art.com.
Meet Arnie Bernstein, an accomplished writer, editor, teacher, and public speaker. He shares with us valuable tips and strategies about the writing process. This is useful not just for writers, but also for anyone who needs to put ideas in writing for a larger audience, from leaders to bloggers to teachers, these are important skills to develop.
Meet Máximo Anguiano, “actor, activist, athlete, creative, entrepreneur, public intellectual, personality, organizer, and thought-leader out of San Antonio, Texas,” as stated in his Linked In profile.
We are very happy to feature Lynette Correa-Velez, M.Ed. She is Co-Founder and CEO of a non-profit to help underrepresented students attain graduate degrees. Her experience and insight will likely be valuable to many Collegiate Gigsters here.
We are honored to have a fellow Gigster, Lauren Frances Guerra Ph.D., share her experiences with us. She also happens to be bilingual in English and Spanish, another fantastic asset.
Meet Scott Elgram, a landscape photographer with breathtaking colorful and thought-provoking photographs. Hear his thoughts on the the photography business.