One day, I was out with my kids when we ran into a friend and her kids. We got to talking and she opened up to me about dream businesses. But she think she brushed the idea away, a pipe dream never to come to fruition.

After that day, I noticed one of my friends began a business over the summer. It flourished quickly and I was so happy for her! Then, I started to realize just how many friends owned their own businesses. As a photographer, I know how difficult owning your own business can be. Sometimes, it’s a one-woman-show. Other times, there are employees. But in the beginning, it’s just an idea. From there, it takes our own boldness to turn that idea into a reality. So I started to become more curious about why some women venture into the world of entrepreneurship and some hold themselves back.

After that, I wanted to hear women’s stories. I started wondering if I knew enough friends who had their own businesses and after writing up a list, I had over a dozen friends and acquaintances who did. I decided I didn’t just want to hear their stories, I wanted to share them in hopes of inspiring women like my friend, and countless others who are afraid to be bold.

GRETCHEN LASALLE, DOCTOR AND AUTHOR | WOMEN OWNED SPOKANE

GRETCHEN LASALLE, DOCTOR AND AUTHOR | WOMEN OWNED SPOKANE

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT YOU DO? HOW DID YOU GET STARTED DOING THAT? (FOR YOU, HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN MEDICINE AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE YOUR BOOK?) I am a family physician at MultiCare Rockwood Clinic. I have been there 11 years and worked in Portland, OR...

Mariah McKay and SIMBA | Women Owned Spokane | Spokane Photographer

Mariah McKay and SIMBA | Women Owned Spokane | Spokane Photographer

I met Mariah shortly after the 2016 election. I think by then we had seen each other in similar circles and events but never formally met. When I met her, I immediately knew she was a force to be reckoned with. As a community leader and business owner, her intent is...