At a recent Women Owned Businesses’ event here at Solano Community College, women entrepreneurs set up to sell their products & services to show how they turned their passions into thriving small businesses
Whether it’s baking desserts, crafting healthier dog treats, or building community-centered services, for many of these women, their businesses didn’t start with formal plans, but with personal experiences, family encouragement, and the willingness to take a risk.
Hannah Willis is one part of a Mother-Daughter business, Willis Dog Treats. Hannah and her mother Hanako have been creating and selling gluten free, sweet-potato-based dog treats ever since their dog was injured, making them more aware of the food their dogs were eating.
“There was a lot of stuff that we couldn’t even pronounce or we didn’t even understand, and then we were like, Okay, let’s try to make this ourselves and see how well it does.” Willis said.
Even with early success, running a small business comes with its challenges.
“We’re a small business, just me and my mom making it,” she explains, noting that “getting the word out that natural treats are a better choice” is consistently one of the hardest parts.
Despite the obstacles, the reward makes it worth it for Hannah and Hanako.
For Courtney, owner of Sweet Treats by Courtney, inspiration came from her children. “My daughter comes up to me, and she’s like, Mom, you should be selling this,” Courtney said.
After sharing her baking with coworkers, she realized the potential she and her treats had.
“People were like, how much, how much?” she said. “I got something going, something good going.”
Courtney expressed the struggle of balancing her business, being a single mother, as well as working a 9-5 job. Even so, she encourages others to take the same leap she did.
“Don’t overthink it. Take that leap of faith,” she said.
Aside from personal motivations, some business owners have answered a calling to help people in their communities. Nakila Walker-Gibson is a perfect example of this.
Walker-Gibson owns two businesses over multiple counties. First, she started Lave Wash Laundry Delivery. Later, she started Tiny Town Solano.
“Both of them are, at the end of the day, about stewardship,” Walker-Gibson said.
Her businesses aim to support both children and families, emphasizing connection and care whether by teaching kids or doing someone in need a service. With Tiny Town Solano, it’s about giving the children opportunities.
“There’s not a cognitive space in Solano County, so we want our children to have that opportunity to sit down and get off their electronics and keep that imagination going.” she said. Adding, “they’re able to take that time to take care of whatever it is that may be that they take care of in life,” about Lave Laundry.
Like many small business owners, Walker-Gibson has faced challenges in growing her ventures. “getting the word out” has been one of the biggest obstacles, along with “finding like minded people.”
Still, her advice to others is simple: “Just get started.”
She added, “If you spend too much time trying to make it perfect, then you’re never going to get started,” emphasizing that “you’re gonna make mistakes.”
For Jaida, a young baker who is balancing school and business, entrepreneurship has also been shaped by family.
“It was just my mom motivating me honestly,” she said.
What started as unique kitchen creations became a spark of passion.
“We birthed the oatmeal chocolate chip cookie and everyone was like, ‘you guys have to start a business.’”
Now, Jaida works alongside her mother, building a partnership that plays to their strengths.
“We’re able to play to both of our strengths,” she said.
Still, balancing responsibilities can be difficult.
“My biggest struggle is just managing the quality of everything while also maintaining such a busy schedule.”
Regardless of struggles, Jaida encourages other young entrepreneurs.
“Even if it’s just setting up a booth outside the campus with a cardboard box: do it.” she says.
