Previously to opening her own business, nothing in Tabitha Mund’s work-life seemed to be working out. From graduating during the recession to working at a startup that was burning her out, she was struggling to see the path forward. At the end of her rope, she had a realization that would change the course of her life — at her e-design job, she saw a gap in the market for high-quality curated rugs. From here, she developed Swoon Rugs with “no inventory, no money, and no clue.” Read more about her journey to accidentally finding her dream career after years of searching, and how it’s evolved to running her own brick-and-mortar shop.

Back in 2008, Karla Larson-Miller saw an opportunity: the salon she was working for was closing, and she’d just accomplished great success in her secondary career as a real estate agent. An entrepreneur at heart, she recognized this moment as her chance to finally have a salon of her own. Since taking this leap, she’s navigated long hours, opening two additional businesses, and even employee theft. With her newest business less than a year old, there are no signs of her slowing down!

Angie O’ Brien and Heidi Bell were both at a turning point in their lives when they decided to take a chance on opening their own business. With careers they were ready to leave behind and kids they wanted to spend more time with, in 2010, they decided it was time to finally take their idea of opening a yoga studio seriously. With a dream, a friendship, and a new business partnership, their idea was hatched in August, and doors to Harbor Yoga Studio were opened in November.

After becoming a new mom, Phoebe Tricket was struggling to find the work-life balance she desired as a third grade teacher.  She had been instructing at the Butcher Shop Fitness for two years and one day noticed a lock pad on the door of the fitness studio. She assumed the owners, who were working remotely, were looking to sell. This wasn’t the case at that moment but it led into her first conversation about acquiring the company, which she later did. Learn how Phoebe has grown the Butcher Shop Fitness into a two location studio with 30 instructors that serves 135 clients per day.

After almost 8 years in the financial services industry, Erin decided to pursue her passion for interior design and make it come to life. With a continuously growing company, Erin functions as the marketing department, the bookkeeper, the project manager, the salesperson, the account executive, the office manager and the HR rep on top of being a designer! The future looks exciting for Erin as she continues to expand her knowledge in the industry by working towards two new certifications.

Margaret, who moved from Toledo to attend Ohio State, acquired On Paper in January of 2020. Having come from a family of small business owners, Margaret had always dreamt of owning her own business. Because she took over the business just before the pandemic, Margaret has faced some of the most difficult obstacles an entrepreneur could endure. As she continues on with her business, she looks to expand On Paper with different locations in areas around the Columbus area.

Growing up in the Diamond Cellar family, Jesse was determined to combine his knowledge in the jewelry industry with his passion for vintage guitars to bring the idea of STORE 5a. The business grew out of STORE 5a’s selling and buying circle and now is an excellent place to find one-of-a-kind jewelry. As they approach their seventh year in business, Jesse and his team are excited to expand and open up their second store in Nashville, Tennessee.

What started out as a discussion over dinner has now formed into a fast growing business in central Ohio. Mel & Danielle created Haven Collective with the purpose of supporting those flying solo in the business world. With just over three years in business, Haven Collective has grown to multiple offices and eventually hope to expand beyond central Ohio becoming a leading entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Growing up in Mansfield, Ohio for 20 years, Bob moved to Columbus and has made it his home ever since. He could think of no better city to live in than Columbus, Ohio! In 1980, Bob joined the Scarborough East Tennis Club as a staff member. Little did he know that he would eventually go on to be the owner of the business in 2010. Being apart of the business for so long, Bob has seen trends come and go within the industry and even has the largest indoor PlaySight technology facility in the world!

Moving to Columbus in the 90s, Vickie Nortz and her husband fell in love with the city and have been here ever since. After tweaking the old family recipe, Vickie found just the right balance of ingredients to make a perfectly fresh and delicious salsa. Ridiculously Good Salsa now sells in many different stores and bars across Ohio including what Vickie claims to be her biggest game changer, nine Whole Foods. Her wonderful story and huge heart have made the company what it is today!

Born and raised in Kent, Ohio, Dr. Rudi As-Sanie chose Ohio State for her undergraduate and graduate degrees. From there, she fell in love with Columbus and the area around it. Dr. Rudi As-Sanie started working for this practice as an associate back in 2012 and would later on buy the business, turning it into a family practice from a multi-specialty office. Having never thought she wanted to own her own practice, Dr. Rudi As-Sanie views it as one of the best decisions she’s made.

Bob Webb Group has been building quality homes in Ohio for over 60 years and they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Becky Webb took over her fathers company but has been involved in the business since she was a teenager. With one of the most impressive model homes in Ohio, Bob Webb Group continues to utilize quality products as well as work with excellent people. They are now looking forward to even more exciting things in the near future!

Jordan Helman’s passion for the service industry sparked while opening Zest Juice with his wife. With 4 locations, Helman’s success in the service industry didn’t stop there. After working with Adam Hines on Zest Juice, both men decided they wanted to start a business together, except dive into something deeper- micro distilling. In 2018, they opened High Bank Distillery, a full-service bar, restaurant, and distillery serving casual, high-quality food using locally sourced ingredients.

Samantha decided to pick up a culinary minor during college for fun. One class, she had to make a fat free cheesecake, which was “terrible.” That day, she went home and whipped one up, full of flavor. Before she knew it, people started calling her “The Cheesecake Girl.” After looking for jobs after college and not finding anything ideal, Samantha decided to open a little catering business based on her cheesecakes. Now, she has 2 bakery locations, going on 3!

What started out as a hobby between friends is now a fast growing retail company. Andrew VanderLind and Ryan Napier started Where I’m From as a way to pay off their bar tabs however, it’s formed into much more than that. Since the initial opening in 2014, Andrew and Ryan have taken the business from small kiosks and outlets to 7 storefronts all across Ohio.

Debbie, “a small-town girl from Springfield,” moved to Columbus to attend cosmetology school. Little did she know, she would become the CEO and President of 6 award-winning salons. For over 28 years, Debbie has worked in several different functions of PENZONE Salon + Spa, from stylist, training director, to Vice President, and now President. April 21, 2021, marked 52 years since Charles Penzone obtained a $500 bank loan and launched his first salon!

After working for and with companies like Tesla, Uber, Kroger, Apple on the construction, real estate and development side, Justin Curatola and his business partner, Liam Smith, decided to start Ryzer Capital for their investors. The firm’s principals have over 30 years of combined experience in the acquisition, development, and management of multifamily and commercial real estate. 

Dr. Winchester is the founder and owner of The Winchester Institute of Chiropractic Health and Wellness. Located in Dublin, Ohio, they offer more than just regular chiropractic care. They offer Rehabilitation, nutrition counseling, and much more. As they expand with services and employees they never abandon their key wellness principles because that’s whats best for the customer!

Jamison & Bexley was founded by Jennifer Sanger with a purpose of making clothes for the everyday child. After moving to Columbus from Philadelphia for fashion, Jennifer has managed to call Columbus home and even started her business here. A big motive for her determination is her daughter.

DaNite Sign Co. is a company committed to producing signs that attract new customers while keeping existing ones. The company has been up and running since 1954 and in 2008 Tim McCord acquired DaNite. Since then, he has loved what he does and uses the lessons he has learned in the past to guide his company in the right direction.