Category: Business Owner Stories

While the traditional taxi industry is being changed overnight by companies like Uber, the private chauffeured limousine and sedan industry still hold a competitive advantage over technology application companies improving the ride service business model. One of these advantages is the first class feeling of being picked up in a shiny, black automobile with an attentive, professional driver behind the wheel. In addition, many of the independent drivers being dispatched with smart phone driven apps, may not be as familiar… Read More

Tim Tam owns a particularly stylish collection of men's shoes, all designed and produced by himself. In 2006 he had no experience designing shoes, but he knew how to establish a company, so he founded Carrucci Shoes. His shoes have since been sold at major outlets such as Nordstrom, DSW, and Off Broadway. Tim continues to design shoes and see them through to the market, always with quality in mind. The Start How did you get started with your business?… Read More

Fans of the television show “Shark Tank” will recognize Kelly Costello and her company, Puppy Cake. She appeared on the show looking for investors to help her grow her business, which manufactures specialty dog treats, most famously a cake mix for dogs. Though she didn’t land a deal on the show, her business continues to blossom, and she now offers an array of “people food for dogs” on her website and in many independent retailers, including Puppy Scoops Ice Cream… Read More

The Taiwanese corporation Ten Ren reigns over the global tea industry. Henry Lii owns two Ten Ren franchises in Northern California, one in Cupertino, one in Richmond. Ten Ren tea runs in Henry’s blood - his uncle founded the company and his parents owned the two stores before him. With Ten Ren’s reputation for quality tea and the growing popularity of the sweet tea-based refreshment called pearl milk tea (also known as bubble or boba tea), Henry’s stores have prospered.… Read More

Jeanette Price is an artisan perfumer and the creator of Peachy Keen Perfume, a line of handcrafted fragrances inspired by the San Diego area, which Price currently calls home. Her perfumes are available in retail locations across San Diego and Orange County as well as on her website and Gifts.com. According to Price, the demand for artisanal fragrances by independent perfumers is growing in Southern California and will soon spread nationwide. Price aims to take advantage of that market by… Read More

While the Great Recession HAS been challenging for many small businesses, it has also proven to be a boon for the thrift store industry. In fact, according to the National Association of Resale Professionals, the number of thrift stores and consignment shops grew 7% in the past two years, and now boasts revenues of nearly $13 billion per year. However, well before the deep recession of 2008, Mary Ann Califano was addicted to buying and reselling everything from used cashmere… Read More