I own and run a Pet Sitiing business. I established it in 2005. I started it because I love animals and it seemed like a great way to make some money. This year I was able to leave my full time job to run my pet sitting business full time. I do feel successful! I love animals and I love people. It is wonderful to be able to help both and my business is growing by leaps and bounds. I am NEVER going to go back to working for someone else.

I owned a mobile dog grooming service years ago. I started it with an old van and $20.00. after the pet shop I worked in folded. Starting out was pretty easy because I just called the former pet shop customers, and I had 75 customers. I just missed out on the chance to do the weird haircuts on the movie Edward Scissorhands, which was filmed in the town I worked in. I didn’t have enough self confidence at the time to sell myself, so my competition got the job….drat!!

The businees blossomed nicely until it was more than I could handle on my own. but stubborn me, I tried to anyway, and I burnt out, so I quit to do something different after 6 years. I enjoyed it while it lasted, but I don’t mind working for “the man” now.

I have owned several businesses. There is a real burden of regulation on small business in this country. I have gone back as an employee after owning a business. There are pros and cons to both.

I own a clothing line, which I established in 2006. I also own mass production, and promotions companies. I’ve been doing the promotions company for about 4 years now. These started out as just side things, besides my actual career, and have done very well so far.

I own a web design firm (consisting of one empoyee). I officially registered it in the beginning of this year because my tax person told me that the government would come after me if i didnt pay tax on my freelance work. Also the fact that most people were unwilling to hire a young designer was a big factor. Is it successful ? Not really. I feel pretty accomplished when I think about how young I am compared to my competition and that I know my design skills are superior then the alot of these people but its not always easy to find clients. I could totally see myself working for the man. A while ago I took a break from the company to work on a web start-up with a bunch of people who i thought were my friends but it didnt turn out so nice. Now I am back to doing the freelance thing, looking for work like everyone else to pay for things I dont need

I operate a one-man design studio as sole proprietor & also work as an illustrator. I’ve run the business for over ten years.

I don’t think I could full-time for someone else again, doing my own thing is in my blood for better or worse.

I also hold a couple of patents. One of which I’m working with the government to get mass produced.

I own a trim carpentry business with my brother. We used to build big fancy multi-million dollar houses. but got smart, and now only do the trim. We have worked together since 91.

http://www.oprius.com