Saima Adil Zafar, founder of True Homecare. (Credit: Courtesy of True Homecare)

1,000 Stories

Her Agency Offers Personalized At-Home Care

Saima Adil Zafar founded True Homecare after struggling to find the in-home help she needed for an older loved one.

April 15, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

When Saima Adil Zafar was looking for in-home care for an aging family member, the British entrepreneur struggled to find a company that provided the specialized services she sought. In 2012, Adil Zafar decided to launch her own company to fill that gap – that’s when her business, True Homecare, was born. Today, the Stockport, England company continues to provide their ever-growing roster of clients with individualized care where “each person is treated with respect, compassion, and dignity,” Adil Zafar tells us. “My passion for making a real difference in people’s lives and the drive to fill this market need pushed me to leap into entrepreneurship.”

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

Our deep commitment to personalized care. We don’t just provide services – we build meaningful relationships with our clients. We tailor our care plans to each individual’s unique needs to ensure that they feel heard, seen and valued. Our focus is not only on providing physical support, but also on emotional and social well-being, which truly sets us apart in the home care industry.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

The trust we have earned from our clients and their families. Watching True Homecare grow from a small family-run business into a recognized name in the community has been incredibly rewarding. 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Balancing the growth of the business with my personal life. As a family-run operation, I found it difficult to separate work from personal time in the early days. To address this, I’ve learned the importance of delegating responsibilities, setting clear boundaries, and creating time for self-care. Balancing both has been an ongoing learning process, but it’s key to sustainable success.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Being a full-time entrepreneur and running a domiciliary care agency – whilst still trying to be the best wife, mother, daughter-in-law, daughter and sister – is still quite challenging. 

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Be patient and persistent. Starting a business takes time, and there will be challenges along the way. Learn from your mistakes, surround yourself with a supportive team, and always remember why you started. Persistence is key to overcoming obstacles and building something meaningful. 

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I remind myself of the difference we’re making in people’s lives. The feedback from clients and their families, along with the relationships we’ve built, keeps me focused. I also lean on my team and family for support, as they are my greatest motivators. Taking a step back and focusing on the bigger picture always helps me reset, too. 

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Survivor – The Moment of Truth” by The Karate Kid OST. It’s an anthem of strength and perseverance, and it always helps me push through challenging moments.

Who is your most important role model? 

My mother. She taught me the importance of compassion and integrity, as well as the value of hard work. She always emphasized that it’s not just about what you do, but how you make people feel in the process. Her guidance has shaped both my personal and professional life.

Facebook: @TrueHomecare
X: @TrueHomecare

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Viktoria Mihaylova, left, and Gabriela Partovska, right, co-founders of ViPart School. (Credit: Courtesy of ViPart School)

1,000 Stories

Their Art School Helps Students Find Their Own Unique Voice

Viktoria Mihaylova and Gabriela Partovska launched ViPart School in Bulgaria to teach performers of all ages. 

March 30, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

Viktoria Mihaylova and Gabriela Partovska launched ViPart School in 2023 with the goal of helping voice students of all ages gain confidence. Mihaylova told us, “We wanted to fill a gap in the arts education community — a place where learning is personal, expressive and transformative.” Mihaylova’s own journey in the arts began on the stage, where she learned that the voice is more than sound – “it is emotion, presence and truth.” As Mihaylova began to teach music, she realized that guiding others to find their own voices was one of the most powerful things a person can do, and thus, ViPart School was born. Today, Mihaylova and Partovska have expanded into additional locations, and now teach dozens of students. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A with Viktoria Mihaylova, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We combine vocal and instrumental training with a completely modern approach to teaching. Our methodology integrates physical exercises, stage presence techniques and personalized guidance, creating a fully immersive learning experience.

Beyond teaching, we act as mentors and friends, supporting our students not only during lessons but throughout their artistic journey. This allows children, teens and adults to grow as performers and as individuals, building confidence, self-expression and a love for art that goes beyond traditional instruction.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Expanding into two additional branches in Bulgaria. We are exploring new horizons both within the country and abroad, and we now have over 100 students.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Managing operations across multiple branches while ensuring that every student and staff member receives proper support. To address this, we constantly adapt our strategy according to the market and the needs of our students. Flexibility and clear communication are key — by staying organized and maintaining an open line with our team, we ensure that lessons run smoothly and students continue to grow creatively.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

My previous professional experience as a vocal teacher in other schools and educational institutions has greatly influenced my business decisions. Teaching in different environments taught me patience, and how to adapt to each student’s needs — knowledge that I now bring to our own school.

At the same time, balancing work with family life has been an important factor in shaping how we run the school. I have learned to organize schedules, support my team and remain flexible, ensuring that both professional responsibilities and family commitments are met. This balance has taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of creating a nurturing environment for both students and staff.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Stay flexible and listen to both your team and your market. When we started, we had lots of knowledge and skills but almost no money. Our dream began in a small, under-renovation room, yet through hard work, creativity and perseverance, we have grown it into a thriving school in a large space.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

By returning to the heart of why we started — the voices, the music, and the dreams of our students. I remember shy children learning to sing for the first time, teens discovering their confidence on stage, and adults reconnecting with their passion. Their courage, curiosity and joy remind me that even in the hardest moments, art can heal, uplift and transform.

I also draw strength from the love and support of my business partner and dear friend, Gabriela Partovska. It is this friendship and shared passion that fuels us to keep going, to believe in possibilities, and to remember that every small note, every shared melody, is a light in the darkness.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

I love all kinds of music, and the songs that motivate me really depend on the mood of the day. On tough or dark days, I pick a melody that lifts my spirit, reminds me of why I started, and gives me the energy to keep going.

Who is your most important role model? 

Leaders who combine vision with teamwork and mentorship. I am inspired by people who know how to guide large teams, collaborate with partners, and empower others to grow. As directors, Gabriela and I strive to embody these qualities every day.

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Courtney Boylan, Founder of Le Lolo. (Credit: Courtesy of Le Lolo)

1,000 Stories

She’s Transforming the World of Postpartum Accessories

Courtney Boylan is the founder of Le Lolo, a modern postpartum accessories company making beautiful, functional products for new moms.

March 26, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

When Courtney Boylan became a mother, she noticed a huge gap in the postpartum market for needed personal items like nipple guards and body care products. The products available to new moms at the time were often clinical, sterile – utterly lacking in any sense of style. As a mom herself, she knew how transformative the postpartum experience could be, and how much a simple, beautiful item could lift one’s spirits in those early, exhausting days. So in 2024, the Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland-based entrepreneur launched Le Lolo. Boylan told us her drive to start up, and to keep her business going, comes from a desire “to make postpartum care both functional and beautiful, and to remind every mom of her strength, beauty and worth during one of life’s biggest transitions.” 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

While many postpartum brands focus solely on practicality, we’re redefining what the essentials can look and feel like. Our goal is not just to create products that work, but to create products that feel good to use. Each item is designed with intention, style and emotional connection. We aren’t just selling postpartum products – we’re selling a feeling. Every item we make reminds new moms that they are beautiful, strong and worthy – even on the hard days.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Reaching a double-digit sales month – a huge milestone for a brand that just launched our full line in June 2025. I’ve built Le Lolo to be extremely lean, doing most of the work myself while staying focused on two key goals: Driving sales and building brand awareness. Not only are we achieving revenue growth, but we’re profitable each month. It’s been incredibly rewarding to test, learn and grow scrappily while seeing real traction and connection with our customers.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

As an entrepreneur with no prior experience in product-based e-commerce, business know-how has been at the heart of nearly all my challenges. I didn’t know how to do any of this at first, but I’ve been figuring it out as I go. If I had a blueprint, I might be farther along. That said, I’m deeply grateful for this journey, the mistakes I’ve made, and all I’ve learned along the way. Each month brings new lessons and steady growth. I’m continuing to educate myself, strengthen my business acumen, and build the strategies needed to scale Le Lolo with confidence and purpose.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

In the beginning, you’ll have no idea what you’re doing – but you will figure it out, I promise. Besides, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to entrepreneurship. Every journey looks different. Read books, listen to podcasts, and find a community of other entrepreneurs who are willing to share their experiences. You don’t have to pay to learn! There are amazing people out there who will offer guidance simply because they’ve been where you are. Seek those people out first, and build your support network early. It will make all the difference.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I remind myself why I started. Le Lolo isn’t just a brand – it’s a movement to remind new moms that they are amazing, and deserving of care. On the hard days, I think about the moms who are in the thick of postpartum life, feeling unseen or unsure of themselves, and it reignites my purpose. This brand is about shifting the focus back to mom.

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What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

I don’t have a specific song or artist, but I love listening to Activations on the Activations App. They’re short, powerful motivational talks that instantly shift my mindset and help me see challenges as opportunities. They’ve truly been life-changing for me as an entrepreneur.

Who is your most important role model? 

I’ve been blessed with several. My grandfather was an entrepreneur, and I believe that’s where my entrepreneurial spirit comes from. He built several successful businesses that set our family up for success, and I’m endlessly grateful for his example. My dad helped run the family business, and I loved visiting his office and watching him work. As a kid, I felt so proud knowing my family owned a business. That pride planted a seed that’s driven me to take risks and build something of my own.

My husband is also a huge role model for me. He’s taught me so much about leadership, trusting myself, and leading with heart. He has a natural ability to make people feel seen and valued, and his success as both a leader and entrepreneur inspires me daily. I feel lucky not only to be his wife, but also to keep learning from him. He truly makes me better every day.

The post She’s Transforming the World of Postpartum Accessories appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Maddie Scales, founder of No Girl Walks Alone. (Credit: Courtesy of No Girl Walks Alone)

1,000 Stories

Weekly Walks for Connecting Women to One Another

Maddie Scales launched No Girl Walks Alone to create communities of women who bond through weekly walks around Austin, Texas.

January 27, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

In 2022, Maddie Scales moved to Austin, Texas from Oxford, Mississippi. Her job was fully remote, and she didn’t know where to begin to build a new community for herself. On her evening walks, she would often see other women strolling alone, which gave her the idea to start a walking club for women – an idea that became No Girl Walks Alone. Scales has been hosting weekly evening walks through her nonprofit for three years, and has brought together women from all ages and walks of life during each outing. Scales told us her biggest success is watching women show up every week – to chat, to make new friends, to catch up with old ones, and be a part of the community she has built. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We are the largest walking club in Austin, Texas. We are also the first walking or running club (that we know of) to go down the nonprofit path.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

When women show up to our walks and tell us it’s the first time they left their house all week. Or, when we overhear someone being vulnerable with a stranger on one of our walks. Or, when someone messages us online to tell us they met their entire friend group through our walks. We measure success in smiles and connections.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Sustainable growth. We have considered scaling through marketing efforts – for example, partnerships with brands to support our walks, or efforts to engage more often with our audience. However, this community exists to create time to disconnect from the noise of the world. We know our walkers do not want to be advertised to. They want to tuck their phones away and find connection with new people. This is part of why we are exploring a nonprofit model. 

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Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I have multiple family members who struggle with mental health challenges, and I have lost family members to suicide. This motivates me to create opportunities that allow others to take care of themselves and feel less alone.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

The most important thing is your “why.” Why are you doing what you are doing? Get clear on that, and let it be your compass.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

By slowing down, spending time in nature, and reminding myself that it is a rare privilege to lead this organization.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

Who is your most important role model? 

Taylor Swift. I have been watching her in awe since she first released her debut album in 2009.

Instagram: @nogirlwalksalone
TikTok: @nogirlwalksalone

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Mariana Santos, founder of Animame Algarve. (Credit: Courtesy of Animame Algarve)

1,000 Stories

A Burnt-Out Founder Built a Sanctuary – For Herself and Others

Mariana Santos launched Animame Algarve, a refuge for retreats, workshops and regenerative farming, in the Portuguese countryside.

January 20, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

For over a decade, Mariana Santos led the Chicas Poderosas movement, a global community empowering women in media. While Santos’ work in this space resulted in tangible change, it also left her exhausted. Santos told us she was “personally depleted,” and in pursuit of a life change, she “decided to return to my roots in the Algarve, Portugal, to a piece of land that belonged to my ancestors.” When Santos arrived in this passed-down haven, located in the southern region of Portugal, she found the land was “as burnt out as I was.” Thus began a project to not only regenerate the land, but also her nervous system. In 2022, Santos launched Animame Algarve, a wilderness sanctuary that offers retreats and workshops focused on getting guests back in touch with nature through gardening, yoga classes and wild swimming in the nearby Atlantic Ocean. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

In the Algarve, tourism is often an “extractive” industry in that they largely involve big crowds and shallow wellness experiences that disconnect people from the local culture. We are the antithesis of this. Our experiences focus on three main pillars: Land, by restoring biodiversity through agroforestry; people, by facilitating deep reconnection through nature and sport; and culture, by honoring local traditions and slow travel. 

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Experiencing a profound shift in my metric for “a life well-lived.” After being forced to drop the corporate pace due to burnout, I successfully transitioned to a life connected to the wild. The first time I harvested a meal grown entirely from toxin-free soil – which I had nurtured myself – I felt a level of achievement that no corporate board room win ever could have provided. Today, that success is mirrored in the eyes of the people who attend our Wild Women Retreats or our open-water swim gatherings like the Swim Party 10km. Seeing someone arrive “stuck” and leave with a regulated nervous system and a sense of community is my greatest professional point of pride.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Redefining “impact” in a world obsessed with traditional KPIs, or key performance indicators. It is difficult to quantify the “return on investment” of a rejuvenated ecosystem to traditional stakeholders. I address this by treating my business as a living laboratory for systemic change. Rather than focusing solely on monetary gain, I focus on the “wellbeing economy.” I am building a business model that proves kindness, humanism and a slower pace are not just “nice to have,” but essential for a sustainable future. 

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

The fast-paced nature of my previous career eventually broke me. That collapse was the catalyst for every decision I make today. I have intentionally decided to reject shortcuts and the hustle culture that dominates the startup world. This personal history makes me a very different kind of founder. I choose to take things slowly, as I believe that real, lasting growth takes time – much like the soil I tend to every day.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

I often use the phrase “fail fast, succeed soon,” but I would take it a step further in this case: Embrace failure as a gift of insight. Real growth only happens outside of your comfort zone. If you are trying to create something truly original or groundbreaking, you will likely stumble. Don’t let that stop you. Those moments of failure are actually the most honest teachers you will ever have. They provide the specific data you need to make your next attempt even more powerful.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I turn to the wild. I go to the ocean. Open-water swimming in the cold, salty Atlantic acts as a total reset for my nervous system. It forces me into the present moment, because you cannot worry about the future when you are focused on your breath and the rhythm of the waves. I also practice radical gratitude – I remind myself that every day is a second chance, and I take it with both hands.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Unstoppable” by Sia. 

Who is your most important role model? 

I am deeply inspired by Ernst Gotsch, the Swiss farmer who revolutionized syntropic agriculture in Brazil. He taught me that we don’t need to fight nature to be productive – we need to work in harmony with it. I apply his agricultural philosophy to my journey in that, if we can view humanity as a degraded system, we can use his principles of regeneration to bring our communities – and our individual souls – back to life.

Instagram: @Animamealgarve

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Lainya Magana, founder of A&O PR. (Credit: Courtesy of A&O PR)

1,000 Stories

She Brings Her Art Gallery Experience to Her PR Firm

Lainya Magana’s agency, A&O PR, has roots in the art world, but is rapidly expanding into architecture, hospitality and tech.

January 15, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

Lainya Magana launched her PR and marketing firm, A&O PR, just after the financial crisis of 2008. She’d been laid off from an art gallery, where she was the director – not long after, she learned she was expecting her first child. Magana looks back on that time and says that “as exciting as that was, I was terrified about being unemployed … I spent every moment of my brief unemployment dreaming up my next opportunity.” The Portland, Oregon-based founder’s dreams – in addition to her years of experience in the art world – became a dynamic arts and culture agency, which today works with hundreds of clients in the arts, has two offices on each coast and is quickly expanding into a number of new markets. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

We specialize in small to mid-size businesses that are majority-women and BIPOC-owned or operated. Our clients are usually in the startup or growth phase, which requires a nimble agency with a passion for our clients’ stories and an ability to take creative risks that achieve results. We act as trusted advisors and an extension of our clients’ teams.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

In a career spanning nearly two decades, I’ve been honored to have many successes – but if I had to choose my biggest success, I’d probably say it was having the honor to manage PR for the inaugural Uganda Pavilion at the Venice Biennale.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Scaling. And, I’m still trying to figure that one out!

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I’ve experienced many hardships in life, but I’ve never let them stop me. I’ve always continued to put one foot in front of the other, working hard, helping my clients succeed and building a brighter future.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Keep your business as sustainable as possible. That way, it’s always something you can manage – whether times are good or difficult. That means always keeping enough in the bank, not growing too big, too fast and not compromising your values. Slow and steady wins the race.

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

My community is full of inspiring people doing amazing things. Along with my children, my community motivates me to keep working to achieve my goals.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

 “IT” by Christine and the Queens.

Who is your most important role model? 

My brother, Ken. He had a really challenging time in high school and didn’t end up getting his GED until he was in his 20s. Then, he went to community college, and did so well he got a full scholarship to the University of California at Berkeley – but turned it down to go to Cornell University. He graduated Summa Cum Laude, then went on to get his Master’s from Harvard. He’s an inspiration to all of us in my family!

Instagram: @ao.pr
Facebook: @aopublic

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The post She Brings Her Art Gallery Experience to Her PR Firm appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Olivia Savoie, founder of Raconteur Life Story. (Credit: Courtesy of Raconteur Life Story)

1,000 Stories

She’ll Turn Your Family’s History Into a Book

Olivia Savoie’s business, Raconteur Life Story Writing, creates family heirlooms out of clients’ life stories.

January 12, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

Olivia Savoie has always loved to write. She even majored in English in college, with a minor in History, to further explore her passion. Just before she graduated, Savoie decided she wanted to get to know her grandmothers better, and interviewed them so that she could learn – and write – the stories of their lives. Savoie found the overall experience so meaningful that she then set out to do the same for other families. The Lafayette, Louisiana-based founder did some market research, and quickly found that there were not any similar businesses operating in the region (or in general) – so in 2016, she launched Raconteur Life Story Writing. Today, Savoie says she feels like she’s found her true calling in “ensuring older people feel seen and heard, as I give them an avenue to share their experiences and life lessons with those they love.”

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

I take the time to get to know my subjects. I care about every detail – from stringing together themes of their life to correctly placing commas. My team proofreads each of our books seven or more times, which exceeds the industry standard, all because we care deeply about our subjects’ legacies, and the excellence of our finished products.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Being trusted to write books on behalf of some phenomenal, inspiring people – ranging from The Story Exchange’s founder (Victoria Wang), to the longest-serving house majority leader in Washington State, to three of the American College of Surgeons’ “Distinguished Surgeons.” Other successes include being featured in a 7-minute national special on “CBS Mornings” and being a guest on the no. 1 inspirational talk show in America, “The Kelly Clarkson Show.”

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Starting up. Because the concept of family heirloom biography writing was so niche and rare, it was extremely difficult to get my community to understand what I was even offering. Many people couldn’t wrap their minds around my concept of interviewing someone, and then producing a book that ranged from 75 to 250 pages about their life. I struggled to be profitable in the first two years and to build my portfolio so that potential clients would consider commissioning me. I also struggled initially because I lacked mentorship, as so few have gone before me in this niche industry.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

I hope women entrepreneurs know that what they need, they already have within themselves. Their creativity and work ethic can carry them far. Even though I didn’t have guidance in my niche industry, I followed my heart, worked relentlessly, and invented all my own wheels (my processes, questionnaires, systems, etc.) I encourage entrepreneurs to invent their own wheels, too – and then drive on them without worrying about perfection. 

My advice: Just get started. Be okay with the fact that your early product or service will improve with time and experience. And, find something to do that you care deeply about. As the adage goes, “No one cares what you do, until they know how much you care.” For me, my care has attracted clients and contributed to my overall success. 

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How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

Whether the day is dark or bright, I make myself sit in the chair and work. I push through dark days by sticking to a routine, stepping out for breaks in the sunshine, and balancing work and life by having lots of visits with friends or mentors. I listen to music. I read inspiring books outside of my work, and that inspiration carries me through. I’m also a Christian who prays and listens to worship music when I feel down.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

I listen to calming classical music.

Who is your most important role model? 

My maternal grandmother, Flora Young. She had the courage to leave her abusive marriage, and found a way to take care of her three children by going back to school and starting a small business: A beauty shop in her front yard. Her tenacity inspired me to chase my own dreams and forge my own path.

Instagram: @RaconteurStoryWriting
Facebook: @RaconteurStoryWriting

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The post She’ll Turn Your Family’s History Into a Book appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Shan Berries, founder of Shades by Shan. (Credit: Courtesy of Shades by Shan)

1,000 Stories

 A Beauty Brand Giving Back to Single Working Moms

Shan Berries launched Shades by Shan to bring affordable high-performance cosmetics to the market – and to help single parents through her nonprofit.

January 9, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

Shan Berries was raised by a hard-working single mom, who she says “sacrificed everything to give us a better life.” It was those values that ended up becoming the fuel and heart of her beauty brand, Shades by Shan, which she launched with her sister Erika in 2018. Today, the San Francisco-based entrepreneur is bringing affordable products that rival prestige brands to the cosmetic market, while also giving back to other single parents through her 501c3 nonprofit, The MamaBerries Foundation. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

A portion of every sale goes directly to our 501c3 nonprofit. I know firsthand the challenges that single-parents households face, and I wanted to create a brand that not only makes people feel good but also gives back to families like mine. That social mission is at the heart of everything we do.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Seeing our products on shelves at JCPenney was a huge milestone. We went from selling products from my mom’s basement to being sold by a major retailer, in stores where our brand is featured alongside industry giants. 

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Starting from scratch. I didn’t come from the beauty world, so I had to teach myself everything. From understanding the industry’s ins and outs, to figuring out how to get in the room with the right people – building those relationships, earning trust and proving that I belonged was no easy task.

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Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

Growing up, I watched my mom work multiple jobs to take care of us – which shaped not just my work ethic but my entire “why.” I always knew that if I ever started something of my own, I wanted it to mean more than just selling a product. That’s why we launched our foundation — so that every purchase gives back to single-parent families who need that extra support, just like we once did.

What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Don’t wait until everything is “perfect” to start – otherwise you’ll never launch! I started my business while I was a radio host, and it went from being a side hustle to my full-time role. The most important thing is consistency, keeping the bigger picture in mind, and having fun along the way.

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What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Dreams” by Alex Ross, featuring Dakota & T-Pain.

Who is your most important role model? 

My mom. She showed me resilience, hard work and compassion. Everything I’ve built is rooted in her example, and in the sacrifices she made for me and my sister, Erika.

Instagram: @ShadesbyShan
Facebook: @ShadesbyShan
TikTok: @ShadesbyShan
YouTube: @ShadesbyShan

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The post  A Beauty Brand Giving Back to Single Working Moms appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Maria Ross, founder of URGHH Card Co. (Credit: Courtesy of URGHH Card Co)

1,000 Stories

She Started Up in Pursuit of Creative Freedom

Maria Ross designs playful greeting cards brimming with pop culture references. 

January 7, 2026

By Victoria Flexner

Maria Ross has always considered herself an artist. The London-based creative told us she spent a number of years working in the hospitality industry – but while it “paid the bills” she knew deep down “it wasn’t where I truly belonged.” Craving something more meaningful, and something that would allow her to express herself more fully, she launched URGHH Card Co. in 2021 and hasn’t looked back. Ross’ playful greetings are humorous and filled with millennial pop-culture references – a “vibe” she hopes will bring joy and laughter to those who give and receive her cards. 

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

My cards are made to feel personal. They’re often niche, full of unexpected pop-culture nods that foster genuine connection between people and their loved ones. Whether it’s a pink Father’s Day card, an LGBTQ+ design, or a quote from a millennial cult classic, I like to challenge the norm — with both color and content.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

Reaching 10,000 sales on my Etsy store. I remember having less than 10 and wondering if I’d ever get over 100. I just couldn’t believe how far I’d come, and how much I’d learned and progressed since designing my first card.

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What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Balancing a full-time job while running my own business. As an artist, it’s not just about finding the time — it’s about finding the energy. Creative energy is a different kind of fuel, and often, after a long day at work, there just wasn’t much left to give. Plus, with no formal training in business or marketing, scaling up came with a steep learning curve. Constant social-media algorithm changes and the cost of living crisis added to my concerns. 

I made a lot of mistakes along the way in trying to address it all — some small, some that really set me back — but every one of them taught me something.

Have you experienced any significant personal situations that have affected your business decisions?

I live with anxiety and depression, and I have no shame in saying that I take medication to manage it. It’s a part of who I am, and it definitely impacts the way I work. Some days I feel energized, excited, and full of ideas for my business — other days, I question everything and wonder if I’m cut out for any of it. It’s a bit of a rollercoaster.

Consistency can be hard, especially when my mental health is up and down. I absolutely love designing cards and running my business, but there are times when it feels overwhelming. Still, I keep showing up — when I can, how I can — because creating brings me joy and gives me purpose. And, I know I’m not alone in feeling this way.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Confidence often grows after you start, so it doesn’t have to be perfect straight away. Take every little win and keep going. And at the same time, don’t expect it all to happen overnight! Success  could take years, even – but alternatively, nothing will happen at all if you don’t try. 

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

I often find humour in just how bad things can feel — it’s a small light in the heaviness. What really helps though is talking about it, whether with a partner, a friend or family. It’s taken me time and practice to be able to honestly express how I’m feeling, but it’s made a huge difference.

What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

“Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan always gets me out of my head. It’s about following your dreams, no matter how people feel about them. It’s about going where you feel you belong. It’s inspiring – and fabulous to sing and dance to!

Who is your most important role model? 

My mother. While raising me and my two siblings, she found the courage to start painting and selling her artwork. There were many moments when she doubted herself and wondered if she was good enough, but she never gave up. She believed deeply in her work — even when others didn’t — and kept creating and advocating for herself.

Instagram: @URGHHCardco
Facebook: @URGHHCardco
Pinterest: @URGHHCardco

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The post She Started Up in Pursuit of Creative Freedom appeared first on The Story Exchange.

Ellen Murphy, founder of Sona. (Credit: Courtesy of Sona)

1,000 Stories

Her Tech Makes Ultrasounds More Shareable

Ellen Murphy’s company, Sona, allows healthcare providers to instantly share ultrasound images and videos with patients.

December 4, 2025

By Victoria Flexner

When Boston-based entrepreneur Ellen Murphy became pregnant with her first child, she realized that ultrasound technology has not changed a whole lot over the last 40 years. For decades, expectant parents were given the same static thermal printouts – but in an age where so much of our lives exists on our smartphones, Murphy wondered if there might not be a quicker way for healthcare providers to share images with patients, and for patients to then share images with their family and friends. In 2016, she launched Sona, a HIPAA-compliant technology that lets ultrasound providers send images and clips directly from their machines to a mobile app for expectant parents, so families can instantly see their baby and easily share those moments with loved ones.

Here’s our lightly edited Q&A, from The Story Exchange 1,000+ Stories Project.

How is your business different from others in your industry?

Our technology is free for ultrasound providers to use, setup takes less than 10 minutes, and no hardware is required. Access for parents is free as well.

Tell us about your biggest success so far. 

We have partnered with 12 of the top maternity and baby brands in the industry to offer expectant families discounts and products.

What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it?

Building and scaling Sona without outside funding. Bootstrapping in healthcare is especially challenging given the technical, compliance and trust requirements, but it has pushed me to be resourceful and intentional with every decision. We focus on building real value first, with technology that solves problems for both providers and patients. We then generate revenue through partnerships and subscriptions to grow sustainably.

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What is your biggest tip for other startup entrepreneurs? 

Talk to others who’ve already been through it. You can save yourself countless hours and avoid some painful mistakes by learning from those who are a few steps ahead of you. The best advice I’ve gotten has come from other founders who were generous enough to share what worked (and what didn’t). Those conversations have been invaluable.

How do you find inspiration on your darkest days?

My team. Their excitement and belief in what we’re building always lift me up. Surrounding myself with people who share that energy has been the key to pushing through and growing stronger.

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What is your go-to song to get motivated on tough days?

This past year, I’ve been more into podcasts to get me motivated. But I do really enjoy “Straight and Narrow” by Sam Barber. My kids love it, too, and it reminds me of them while also pumping me up. 

Who is your most important role model? 

My dad. He built a large and successful ultrasound service business from the ground up when his fifth child was just 2 years old, and his oldest was only 10. Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, he always showed up for the moments that mattered most: Family dinners, bedtime, and every sports game he could make. Watching him build something from nothing while staying grounded in the family taught me that success isn’t just about growth, but about doing meaningful work without losing sight of what matters most.

Facebook: @Sona
Instagram: @Sona.app
LinkedIn: @Sona

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The post Her Tech Makes Ultrasounds More Shareable appeared first on The Story Exchange.