“It’s easier to read a textbook than [it is] to know how to be creative,” Winston explained. “Creativity is a weapon that can be utilized when paired with traditional [analytical] thought processes. You’re in a [stronger] position than other people [without creativity] would be.” I arrived on time for my interview with the CEO of Danae 3D Industrial Printing, and within those few moments I was waiting to be let in, the young man who’d been parking his car joined me at the door and introduced himself: “Hello I’m Winston, chief executive, you must be Regi.” Mr. Frazer was warm and congenial, we ..read more

Many of us of a certain age, before pharmaceutical companies began to routinely mask harsh-tasting medicines with sugary flavorings, will recall our moms giving us sweetened lemon or some other ‘chaser’ to wash down harsh chemical-concocted medications in our youth. Washington DC-based Donna Marie Teas offers a selection of traditional natural Arabic-inspired teas and herbal brews. It was developed by a young man who encompasses the combination of inspiration and dedication typically associated with successful entrepreneurship. In the case of Adam Butler, his journey demonstrates qualities of ..read more

Even if you have a decades-long career behind you, including a stint as the CEO of a major advertising agency, there’s always time to take on a new challenge and more to learn. After nearly 30 years working in the advertising industry, Lynn Power decided to take on a new challenge. She’s the co-founder of MASAMI, a premium haircare brand that sells vegan, cruelty-free products. “I wasn’t having fun at my job anymore. I got into the business to use creativity as a business tool. I liked the combination of left and right brain thinking, but as you get more senior, your job becomes more about o ..read more

It sounds cool to say you’re an entrepreneur. There’s a mystique to the word, a mystery that suggests a daring, someone trying to spin gold from the air. That appeal can seduce the person saying it as easily as the person they’re talking to. Anyone can say they’re their own boss, but the harsh realities of running a business – making sales, dealing with clients, filing papers, and paying taxes – are deeply unsexy. That commitment is what weeds out the ‘wannabe’ from the ‘will be,’ and it comes from belief. Not just a belief in themselves, but a belief in what they’re doing, and why they’re doi ..read more

Sometimes, your career offers everything you want: steady hours, good benefits, and good pay. But good isn’t always good enough, especially in a challenging field like engineering. That was the case for Danielle Stepien, the founder of Igniter Engineering, a consulting firm that provides technical experience to the aerospace, defense, and tech industries. Stepien’s resume includes stints at big-name companies, including Boeing, SpaceX, Meta, and Google, but she said she was tired of having a cap on her salary, and more importantly, because she wanted to work at a company that “respected women ..read more

Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? There are a number of resources that are available to help, and one such resource is SCORE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting small businesses and startups. In this article, we’ll explore how SCORE’s resources can help you get your startup off the ground. What is SCORE? SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) is a nonprofit organization and resource partner of the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its mission is to provide mentoring and resources to people starting and growing small businesses. SCORE offers on ..read more

Even with a great idea, entrepreneurs have to walk before they run When it comes to being an entrepreneur, there’s no “right time” to do it – waiting for all the pieces to line up perfectly means you’ll never make the leap. That doesn’t mean, though, that you should jump in without a plan and some preparation. “I can’t tell you how many people hear what I do and immediately want to know how to get into it. They hear that I’m my own boss, set my hours, and make great money, and they want that. But when I tell them it would have been nearly impossible without a year’s worth of training, it’s lik ..read more

SCORE is a nonprofit organization that helps small businesses start, grow, and achieve their goals. It operates as a resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and its services are mostly free thanks to SBA funding and volunteer advisors. Here’s what SCORE offers: Mentorship: Experienced volunteers provide guidance across 62 industries. Counseling: Get free, private advice in person or by email. Resources: Access a wide range of business tools, templates, and tips online. Education: Attend business workshops and webinars, many of which are free or low-cost. SCORE offic ..read more

The Conductor is a supportive initiative aimed at helping entrepreneurs and innovators in central Arkansas. It was established through a collaboration between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie. The program addresses the lack of support for business startups in the region and has been active since 2016, assisting numerous small business owners and engaging thousands of participants in its events. The Conductor offers One-on-one Consultations, which are 30-minute sessions available in person at the Arnold Innovation Center, or remotely via Zoom or phone. These sessions are de ..read more

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center (ASBTDC) is a program supported by the state’s higher education institutions and the Small Business Administration (SBA). Its goal is to promote economic growth by providing assistance to entrepreneurs, whether they are starting out or have been in business for a long time. The ASBTDC offers personalized, confidential consulting in all areas of small business, with topics ranging from beginning a business, marketing strategies, operations and advanced market research at no cost, in addition to reasonably priced training sessions. Th ..read more