Dylan Demery is focusing on her woman-centric business, She’s Fly, after losing her full-time job. “It just feels right,” she says.

Julia McGuigan, a freelance illustrator in Omaha, Nebraska, has decided to seek a salary to supplement her unpredictable business income.

“It was like, ‘OK, this is a horrific event. And how are we going to recover from this?'” says Dawn Speakman, founder of Drayage Solutions in Baltimore.

Kate Sprout, owner of Alaska Sewing Machine Repair in Anchorage, Alaska says her new business has allowed her to live the lifestyle that she wants.

Adrian Espinoza, owner of Empanada Club in Portland, Maine, talks about starting his business dealing with rising costs.

Iranian-born artist, professor and now studio owner Sara Rastegar talks about what it’s like to open a new business.

Judy Nunez, owner of Tails on Trails in Jersey City, New Jersey, says dog walking made her feel “like a functioning person.”

Latoyia Smith started by painting secondhand desks for remote students. Then their parents wanted her to beautify their own furniture.

Arielle Clark, owner of Sis Got Tea, started her business doing online sales. Now, she has a storefront in Louisville, Kentucky.

“We want to add something good to Burlington, Vermont,” says co-owner Hannington Kasagga.