Success Stories from Founders Who Aren’t About Business as Usual

We’re covering the ups—and downs—of people who’ve built something from the ground up. Our hope is that through their hits and misses, you can find purpose and inspiration for whatever idea you’ve been thinking about.

We’re inspired by founders who are changing the way we buy, sell, and think. One-time students like Roz Campbell, who shifted her focus from designing furniture to designing feminine hygiene products with more responsible materials. Or designers such as Ashley Nell Tipton, who took us behind the seams of the clothing industry and how she’s changing our perception of plus fashion.

But let’s be real: entrepreneurship isn’t easy.

It’s hard work, and many founders have failed before they found success. That’s why through this new section of our Blog we’re covering the ups—and downs—of people who’ve built something from the ground up. Our hope is that through their hits and misses, you’ll be inspired to pursue any ideas you’ve been thinking about, wherever you’ve been thinking about them.

Aubry Walch and her brother, Kale, opened The Herbivorous Butcher after their meatless meats took off at the local farmers' market.

We’re introducing you to self-starters who’ve carved out their own corner of the world. The creative leaders behind HexComix, for one, find themselves in a unique position as role models for other young women trying to break into the traditionally male-dominated comic book industry. Then there’s Aubry Walch, who runs a meatless “butcher shop” in Minneapolis with handmade vegan meats and cheeses. Her store has raised some eyebrows: “We’re creating a ruckus,” Aubry tells our ace reporter, Dayna Winter.

We’ve also launched Overdraft, a candid series from Dayna about founders who revisit their financial rock bottom while building their business. Our hope is that we can help make this conversation less taboo while revealing deeply personal struggles and lessons learned on the way back to black.

And don't miss the startup journey of Dechen Yeshi, who runs a luxury brand from a picturesque village on the Tibetan Plateau, or this special story package from actor-turned-entrepreneur Shay Mitchell as she “speed dates” with fellow female founders.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve got an all-consuming, full-time pursuit or a weekend hobby. We believe anyone, anywhere can make something they’re proud of. These are the extraordinary stories of ordinary people who just so happen to be entrepreneurs.

Have a story you want to share? Tell us more. 

You can also discover success stories from other merchants

Illustrations by Alvaro Tapia Hidalgo