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Not so long ago, starting a business in the early 1990's and 2000's was significantly different than today. It consisted of complicated administrative processes, a sea of paperwork, and poorly managed communication systems. Establishing a brand presence took much work and was also an expensive affair. Imagine trying to start a business or brand without the internet. Did you know the internet has transformed how we shop? The first online purchase was on August 11, 1994. Consumers did not trust the internet with personal information because rules and regulations were new to this industry. It also needed to be established because, at this time, it only offered a few services. Businesses had to resort to time-consuming tasks. It took more work to scale and get fast results, such as physical mailing, knocking on doors, passing out fliers, and persistent cold calling, which took much work for most people to find the time or money. The tedious nature of these practices significantly impeded and slowed the starting of a business, launch, and growth. Fast forward to the present, where the digital landscape has revolutionized the very essence of entrepreneurship. Starting a business has become remarkably streamlined, with the ability to register a limited liability company (LLC) or a "doing business as" (DBA) entity online within minutes. The evolution of social media platforms has enabled entrepreneurs to test business concepts, create brand identities, engage with audiences, and enable online shopping to become a part of everyday life. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube emerged as powerful tools for cost-effective marketing, allowing businesses to engage with a vast audience effortlessly. Additionally, business applications like Microsoft Excel, Salesforce, and QuickBooks streamlined data management and analysis, empowering businesses to leverage data-driven insights for informed decision-making. What was once a novelty has become a way of life as e-commerce platforms continue to expand, offering consumers and businesses the convenience of purchasing and selling goods and services from the comfort of their homes. The adoption of online payment systems, such as PayPal, Stripe, and others, has further revolutionized how businesses are run by providing secure and seamless financial transactions. The digital landscape shift has reshaped the foundation of entrepreneurship, making it more accessible and efficient than ever before. The previous maze of paperwork and slow communication has transformed into a user-friendly online domain, empowering budding entrepreneurs to materialize their ideas effortlessly. Email us if you have a business topic you would like to heard: fwbusinessjournal@gmail.com

Are you not sure what to do this weekend as Halloween quickly approaches? Don't worry we have all the events you need to know about happening here in Fort Wayne for the whole family to enjoy some spooky fun before Halloween next week! Friday Trunk or Treat Locations -Parkview Family YMCA (5pm-7pm): 10001 Dawsons Creek Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46825 -Life Bridge Church (6pm-8pm): 12719 Corbin Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46845 -Fort Wayne Toyota (5pm-7pm): 5900 Illinois Road Fort Wayne, IN 46804 2. Saturday Trunk or Treat Locations -St. Joseph Township (1pm-3pm): 6033 Maplecrest Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46835 -Fort Wayne Nissan (4pm-6pm): 4919 Lima Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 -BrightStar Senior Living (4pm-6pm): 11430 Coldwater Road Fort Wayne, IN 46845 -Hysterium Haunted Asylum (4pm-6pm): 4410 Arden Dr Fort Wayne, IN 46804 -Unity Martial Arts (5pm-7pm): 5980 Stellhorn Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46815 -Head Waters Church (2pm-5pm): 2000 N Wells St Fort Wayne, IN 46808 -Maples Inn (5pm-8pm): 8225 Franke Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46816 -Harley Davidson (11am-3pm): 6315 Illinois Rd Fort Wayne, IN 45804 3. Wild Zoo Halloween: Witch and Wizard Weekend: 3411 Sherman Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46808 4. Fall Allen County Fairgrounds Craft Bazaar: 2726 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN 46818 5. FantastiCon: 120 W Jefferson Blvd Fort Wayne, IN 46802 6. Garden Trick or Treat: 1100 S Calhoun St Fort Wayne, IN 46802 7. Sunday Trunk or Treat Locations -Faith Baptist Church (2pm-4pm): 6600 Trier Road Fort Wayne, IN 46815 -Zion Lutheran Church(5pm-7pm): 2313 S Hanna St Fort Wayne, IN 46803 -Jungle Georges (5pm-7pm): 4610 Parnell Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46825 8. 5th Annual Brooks Family Trunk or Treat: 1020 Swinney Ave Fort Wayne, IN 46802 If you like being in the loop of everything happening in Fort Wayne every weekend and beyond, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, so you're always in the loop with everything happening at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

As entrepreneurs, when we think back to our childhood, many of us may have fond memories of wanting to start our own business. This may come from the desire to be like a loved one who had their own company or from our creative minds thinking up different products or services we believed would significantly impact the community. As this may be true for some, it is not the case for every business owner. For others, entrepreneurship never crossed their minds as kids; instead, they had other plans. Typically, those plans would include a career path that provides a more stable source of employment and income. It is only when unexpected events or influential people enter their lives that their perspective of entrepreneurship undergoes a transformative shift. For Adam and Molly Ross, both of these perspectives are true. Today, Adam and Molly own Ross Restoration and Zesto at Coldwater Crossing here in Fort Wayne, but if you had asked Molly back before she met Adam if she would have ever owned a business, she would have told you, no way! On the other hand, Adam would have expected nothing less than to have his own business. With both of them having different perspectives on business, we asked what the word business meant to them, and their answers couldn't have been better. Molly said, "I am not a business person. To me, business does not mean making money; it is not monetary. Business means taking care of other people. It's a servant model. It's meeting new people and learning what they like, what they need, what they love, and serving them. To me, business is serving others." Adam followed this up by saying, "It means family and tradition. Its heritage, its legacy. I barely graduated high school and still made a wonderful life for myself with my wife and kids. It's not been without heartache and hard work, but it's my business acumen that I learned as a child has helped me create a life that I wanted down a different path that most people wouldn't have taken. And to me, I'm proud of it. It brings me great joy. Business, to me, is something I want to impart on my children. It's more important than anything that my kids understand business. It teaches you math, it teaches you courtesy, it teaches you pride, it teaches you joy, it teaches you so many things you wouldn't be able to learn in this world, I believe, and I think that stuff is important. It's a way of life, and I think it's huge." Adam Ross was born in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout his early childhood in Chicago, his family lived on the southside, and his dad owned a Breyslers Ice Cream shop in the Lincoln Mall. In 1986, the week of Adams' 5th birthday, the Ross family moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana. His father opened a caramel corn shop in Glenbrook Mall, and Adam and his two brothers spent most of their childhood helping out around the store. When we discussed this time with Adam, he said, "My childhood was wonderful. My friends didn't understand why I liked being at work with my two brothers and my mom and dad, but we would be at work on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and every day everyone else was doing nothing. We would work until ten at night and then go have dinner at Cheddars. We would eat there at least five times a week. We were always working and hanging out together. I loved it! To me, it was amazing. I would be handing out change to adults, and people would come in and start yelling at my father for making his 7-year-old son work, but he would tell them, "Call the EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission); the kid wants to be here! I can't do anything about it. He loves it!" We had a blast. I can't even describe to you how lucky I was to have those experiences as a kid, starting at five years old." He followed this up by saying he knew from the time he was in second grade that he would be an entrepreneur just like his father was. Adam went to Homestead High School, and during his final years there, he managed to get a job at Zesto on Broadway. Here is where he would meet Molly for the first time and fall in love. Molly Ross was born and raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana, growing up off Old Mill Road on the south side of town. When we talked about what it was like for her growing up, she said, "My childhood was fun. My parents imparted on us that we had to work hard but to always have a lot of fun and follow our dreams. My childhood was not without heartache, though. I lost my older brother to cancer, but I think that instilled in my parents to cherish every moment and make every moment count, and that was ingrained in me to live every day to the fullest and have fun and work hard." She went on to talk about how she went to Bishop Luers High School and got her very first job working at Zesto. After Adam and Molly met in 1999 and the Zesto season came to a close, they continued to date. After graduation, Molly was accepted into the Saint Francis Nursing Program, where she would get her Bachelor's Degree in Nursing and work in the critical care and burn unit within St Joe Hospital. Although Molly loved helping people, she did not enjoy working in the hospital environment. She despised being confined within the same four walls for 12 hours a day, so she transitioned her career into healthcare sales. Through this new career path Molly wore many hats and gained new experiences in many areas. Throughout this time, Adam graduated from Homestead High School and started working with Stanley Steamer, a local carpet cleaning service. From there, he transitioned into working with Carpet One, a carpet and flooring store. While working here, the itch for entrepreneurship was still in the back of Adam's mind, and in 2002 the opportunity to purchase a steamatic franchise in Las Vegas, Nevada, was brought to his attention and he began to consider making the move. His father lived out there and was willing to go in on the purchase with him and be his business partner, but Adam ultimately couldn't leave Molly behind. Instead, his dad moved to Fort Wayne, and they started a company called Steam It—a carpet, air ducts, upholstery, grout, and tile cleaning service. Unfortunately, Adams' dad hated the area and desperately wanted to get back out west, so after two short weeks, he moved back to Vegas, and the company was now entirely under Adams control. We asked Adam what it was like after his dad left, and he said, "I remember crying at night thinking about how I was going to pay rent or for the vans, but in hindsight, I thank God it happened. When my dad left, we created a plan of how I would pay him back for the business, and that forced me to figure it out, and I did. Molly has been the person that grounds me, so before I make big decisions, I bounce it off of her, and she's very detailed in her thinking, and it's been a wonderful partnership in marriage and in business." In 2005, Molly's cousins approached Adam about purchasing Steam It, and after much consideration, they decided to sell it. After the sale, in 2006, their first baby girl was born and throughout the next two years, Adam began thinking of all the areas he wished he could have perfected in Steam It. He also thought of other services he wished he could have offered. In 2007, once he had these services wholly thought out, Ross Restoration was formed. At the company's beginning, Ross Restoration offered most of the services that Steam It did, but the company's primary focus would be restoration services caused by fire, water, or mold damage. Over the course of the next decade, Molly and Adam would bring two more children into the world, creating a family of 5, two daughters and a son. When their son was born, Molly decided she would step back from work and put all her focus into being a stay-at-home mom until he was old enough to start kindergarten. She continued to help with the back-end side of Ross Restoration, handling payroll, managing the books, and doing any other behind-the-scenes tasks that needed to be done. Then, in 2020, the Ross family decided to take another leap into the business world by starting a popcorn company called Harry's. After doing all the research and building out the kitchen, they began searching for people to help with trade shows, and then COVID hit and put everything to a halt. Due to this, they had to shut Harry's down completely and cut back on a lot of services at Ross Restoration due to staffing issues. When we asked Adam what Ross Restoration is today post-COVID, he said their primary focus is now solely on restoration services. They decided to make this change because, with dwindling staff, they knew they needed to ensure whatever services they did offer could be completed to the best of their ability, ensuring every job received a five-star review in service and customer satisfaction. Throughout COVID, the Ross family didn't stop thinking about their next business venture; around this time, their son was almost old enough to start kindergarten, and Molly was ready to return to the workforce again. She knew she didn't want to return to bedside nursing or sales but wanted to do something else within the community that felt right for her. She just wasn't sure what that looked like just yet. Throughout Molly and Adam's marriage, they continuously discussed how cool it would be if they could one day return to their roots and own their own Zesto. This idea always seemed far-fetched because a Zesto location had not been sold in years, but they never stopped dreaming about it. In fact, during a trip to Clearwater Beach, Florida, in June of 2023, the Ross' even half-jokingly discussed opening a location down there to finally have their own ice cream shop. Once they returned home, life went back to normal, and the thought of the ice cream shop went back to being a fun dream. That was until one day when Adam received a call from his daughters to go out to lunch. He said, "We got back from Clearwater, and a few days later, my daughters called me and asked to go out to lunch. They never call me for lunch because they know I'm always busy, and I never get to take a lunch break, but on this day, I got a lunch. So, on my way over, I stopped at BP gas station to get gas, not knowing my wife and son were on their way (to lunch) too, and I'm at the gas pump and I started googling 'business for sale in Fort Wayne.' I don't even know why I'm googling this while pumping gas, but here I am, literally holding the gas handle down, and at the top (of the listings), there is a business for sale. It said something along the lines of an independent, family-owned, stand-alone building that was seasonal and was for sale, and I'm like, that sounds a lot like Zesto! So I went to lunch and talked with my family, and I said we needed to get something sent over today, so we put together a package of our finances and our story about how Molly and I met and about our girls working at Zesto, and we sent that over. They had 3 or 4 other potential buyers, but with our story about Zesto, how we met there and fell in love, and our kids working there, they picked us. Like they could've picked someone else from that pile, and we would have missed out on our big dream, but we got it!" On September 28th, 2023, the Ross family officially took ownership of the Zesto at Coldwater Crossing. Their dream finally came true, and Molly knew this was the perfect venture for her to take on. As Molly spoke about Zesto, we could hear the love and passion in her voice as she told us about her hopes for the future of the location now that they've taken over. She said, "I want the tradition of an ice cream sundae or ice cream cone on a hot sunny day to continue for generations to come. I have so many memories as a kid going to Zesto on a summer night, and I want that for my grandkids and their kids. There's just something very special about going to an iconic ice cream shop, and I want that to continue for years and years to come." Adam added, "I think Molly and I share the same dream of pouring into our staff. We want to love on them and create a fun work environment, and teach the kids what we learned working at Zesto. There's no shame in working a hard day, but there's a lot of joy in serving ice cream and shakes to people and putting a smile on their face, and there's something special and nostalgic and awesome about that." We asked Adam and Molly if they have any plans to change anything at their location, and they told us they are currently building out a patio in the back to provide more seating and shade to their customers. They have plans to add lighting and stereos throughout the space to ensure their visitors have a fun and welcoming experience. Since they took ownership of the company late into the season, they decided to keep their location open until Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. They are the only location still operating in Fort Wayne, and they've had so much fun running the shop the last few weeks. As we discussed how things have been going since they took ownership of the location, Adam said, "Zesto to us is a love story. If Zesto didn't exist, Molly and I wouldn't know each other. To us, that is the biggest blessing." He went on to talk to us about how, back in 2020, he kind of forced the idea of Harry's on Molly because he was trying to find a way he could teach their kids about business like he learned from his dad. He said, "I was hoping through Harrys I could teach my kids what I learned growing up, but they hated it. They didn't like being in the kitchen. There were no other people, no interaction, they didn't enjoy it. So that didn't work as I hoped, but now, with Zesto, the five of us will go down and work at Zesto and serve people, have fun, laugh, make a mess, and then clean it all up together. I feel like Zesto does what I was hoping Harry's would have been, like how the popcorn stop was for me. It provides that family bonding, unity, and environment, and I feel like I have it for my kids now for their lives and their families. It will continue to be a generational impact for the Ross family tree." Adam and Molly's stories serve as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that the path to business ownership can happen in unexpected ways. Whether through being born into a family of entrepreneurs or being inspired, motivated, and sometimes nudged into the journey igniting a newfound passion for the business world. Together, they have created an extraordinary partnership in life and in business, providing each other with their unique perspectives and shared vision for the future of their companies. When we asked what their advice would be for others hoping to take on the path to entrepreneurship, Molly said, "I would say to not be fearful. If it wasn't for Adam, there are a lot of things I wouldn't have done in life because anxiety would've gotten in the way, so I would say to my younger self or another entrepreneur to not be afraid and take calculated risks. One of the motos I've lived by for the last several years is rejection is God's protection; if you're doing everything for the right reasons with the right intentions and if it's meant to be, it's meant to be. Don't be fearful, and just trust that what you're doing is the right thing to do." Adam followed this up by saying, "Surround yourself with great people and always ask them what they're reading." We asked Adam what his favorite book was, and he said he has two, The E-Myth and Profit First. We want to send a huge thank you to both Adam and Molly Ross for taking the time to speak with us about their journey in life and in business. We are so excited for them as they take on this new venture into owning their very own Zesto, and we can't wait to see the Ross family live out their dreams. Thank you to Nikeshia with Creative Roots Media for capturing the photos presented throughout the article. If you enjoy reading these stories about those helping shape Fort Wayne, one local business at a time, subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss anything happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Seasons changing and the holidays approaching, the Fort Wayne Business Journal is here to share the new/exciting events happening in Fort Wayne, IN. Every Wednesday, we publish events and happening in Fort Wayne, so that you can book your next event. 1) Gem and Mineral Show: Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd, 2023 at 10am Located at the Allen County Fair Grounds 2726 Carroll Rd Fort Wayne, IN, 46818 2) Fright Night 2023: Saturday 20th, at 3 pm Located Downtown Fort Wayne at the Allen County Public Library 900 Library Plaza, Fort Wayne, IN 3) Safe Trick or Treat: Sunday, October 22nd, at 1 pm Located at the Black Forest 8965 Auburn Rd Fort Wayne, IN, 46825 4) Wild Zoo Halloween: Pirate and Princess Weekend, Saturday 21st - Sunday 22nd at 11 am Located at Fort Wayne Children's Zoo 3211 Sherman Blvd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 5) YMCA Trunk or Treat: Sunday October 22nd at 2 pm Located at Jorgensen YMCA 10313 Abotie Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46804 6) Lights on Haunted Castle: Sunday 22nd at 1 pm Located at The Haunted Castle 8965 Auburn Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 7) Last Day of the Season for Zesto's Coldwater Crossing Located at Coldwater Crossing 210 E Washington Center Rd, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 If you or your company is having an event or gathering in Fort Wayne that you would like the Fort Wayne community to know about, contact our Email at info@businessjournalfw.com

Personal branding is the art of deliberately shaping and showcasing your unique identity, values, and expertise to your intended audience. It's not merely about creating a glossy online presence; it's about authentically displaying your story, strengths, and aspirations to leave a lasting impression. A well-crafted personal brand can open doors to a variety of opportunities, attract like-minded individuals, and ultimately propel your career or business to new heights. When seeking opportunities to promote myself, I do thorough research and craft tailored messages that highlight my expertise and enthusiasm. Whether reaching out to potential mentors, networking with industry professionals, or engaging on relevant platforms, every step counts in amplifying your presence and standing out from the crowd. Additionally, actively seeking opportunities within community blogs or online groups can significantly boost your visibility and credibility. By contributing valuable insights, participating in discussions, and offering genuine help to others, you not only establish yourself as a valuable resource but also build a network that can potentially open doors to new and unique prospects. Personal branding can be a strong catalyst for jumpstarting your business. By leveraging your brand's narrative, you can establish credibility, build a loyal community, and attract the right stakeholders who resonate with your vision and offerings. Reaching out to individuals and businesses on social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram is a great way to show off your brand. It can lead to beneficial connections and insightful information on business development. A solid personal brand can be a magnet for valuable partnerships and collaborations, propelling your business growth and launching your entrepreneurial journey. Remember, building a personal brand is not about imitation but about originality. It's about conveying your authentic self in a way that resonates with your target audience. So, be consistent, be genuine, and be relentless in your pursuit to create a personal brand that speaks volumes about who you are and what you bring to the table. Remember that your brand is your story - and you hold the pen. So, write it with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to your unique identity.

Are you ready for the weekend? I know we are! If you're not sure what to do this weekend, we have a whole list of fun-filled events we think everyone will enjoy! Trunk or Treat and Night Market: Friday October 13th from 5pm-9pm Brickworld Lego Expo: Friday October 13th - October 14th from 10am-5pm Handmade Homemade Sale: Saturday October 14th from 12pm-5pm Wild Zoo Halloween Superhero Weekend: Saturday October 14th-Sunday October 15th Wags and Wiggles Howl-O-Ween: Sunday October 15th from 23pm-4pm Fort Wayne Hobby and Collectibles Show: Sunday October 15th from 11am-4pm Below you will find all you need to know about each event, let us know if you attend any and how your experience was! If you like being in the know about all the fun weekend events happening around Fort Wayne, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @fortwaynebusinessjournal so you never miss out on the fun!

Fort Wayne, IN, is known for its blend of businesses, culture, and community spirit. Electric Works, The Lofts at Headwaters Park, and the Arts United Center exemplify the city's commitment to providing spaces where commerce and culture blend. These destinations embody Fort Wayne's dedication to fostering innovation, supporting local entrepreneurs, and celebrating artistic expression, collectively creating an atmosphere where the public can enjoy the city's vibrant entrepreneurial and cultural landscape. At its core, Electric Works is all about fostering innovation, creativity, and collaboration. Located in Downtown Fort Wayne, IN, at 1020 Swinney Ave, 46802. It offers affordable workspaces, making it a welcoming home for startups and small businesses, helping budding entrepreneurs thrive without the burden of hefty overhead costs. But Electric Works isn't just a business space; it's a thriving community hub with something for everyone. You'll find a variety of vendors serving a diverse selection of dishes that cater to different tastes, making it an excellent spot for food enthusiasts of all kinds. Additionally, Electric Works is where the local culture truly comes alive. They host various events and activities, from art exhibitions and craft fairs to live music and educational workshops. It's a place where you can savor the flavors of Fort Wayne and immerse yourself in the city's rich culture, all in one vibrant location. As construction progresses on the Lofts at Headwaters Park, Fort Wayne eagerly anticipates this addition's arrival to its downtown landscape. The $98 million mixed-use development at the intersection of Superior St and Clinton St is working hard to become a popular destination in the city. It's not just about the modern apartments, townhomes, and the much-needed public parking garage; the Lofts also will offer substantial retail space. This feature is set to create a lively environment of shops and boutiques, further enhancing its appeal as a go-to destination. As Fort Wayne continues its downtown revitalization project, this project represents a significant step forward, promising a dynamic living and shopping experience right in the heart of the city. The Arts United Center has been a cherished venue since its beginnings in 1973, architected by Louis Kahn, located at 303 E Main St, Fort Wayne, 46802. Hosting theatrical and musical performances, community gatherings, festivals, and classes, the Arts United Center has showcased some of the best performances in Fort Wayne throughout history. An essential capital campaign is underway to expand and modernize the Arts United Center. This endeavor aims to ensure that the community theater remains fully accessible, functional, and thoughtfully preserved to honor its historical significance. As the Arts United Center commemorates its 50th season, this investment will enable the venue to continue serving future generations. The Arts United Center stands as a long-lasting symbol of Fort Wayne's appreciation and celebration of the arts. Providing a dedicated space where creativity is admired and artistic expressions are embraced by the community. In Fort Wayne, destinations like Electric Works, The Lofts, and the Arts United Center are fantastic examples of businesses offering the public vibrant experiences as well as new experiences. These destinations showcase Fort Wayne's commitment to innovation, supporting local entrepreneurs, and celebrating the arts. Together, they create a welcoming atmosphere where everyone can enjoy the city's entrepreneurial and cultural scene, making Fort Wayne, IN, a fantastic place to-be.

The path into entrepreneurship is never a straight one. It's more like a crazy roller coaster ride that has highs and lows and multiple twists along the way. From the life an entrepreneur lives before their business was even thought of to the conception of their business and the challenges of being a startup and beyond. This holds especially true for Nikeshia (Nike) Young, owner of Roots of Life Photography and Creative Roots Media, who has had to overcome many obstacles throughout her life to become the successful business owner she is today. Although Nike has had a rough journey, she still maintains a positive attitude and strives to make everyone around her laugh and smile through her bubbly personality and sense of humor. When we asked Nikeshia what her business is today, she said, "I've been in business for 11 years in February, so Roots of Life Photography is the umbrella company. Roots of Life handles all personal photography, so I do maternity, birth, newborn, milestone, and family photography, engagements, elopements, weddings, senior photos, and destination photography. Creative Roots Media is a business under Roots of Life that handles the commercial side of my photography. So that's where I do real estate photography, corporate headshots, product pictures, business branding, and e-commerce." To follow up on this question, we asked Nike what the word business meant to her, and she said, "When I think of business, I think of an entrepreneur. I think the words go hand in hand. It's an idea, a way of selling something, and a way of creating. Honestly, it's a way of life that's not for the faint of heart." Nikeshia Young was born and raised in Bryan, Ohio, a small town just outside of Toledo and home to the Dum Dum sucker factory, Spangler Candy. When Young talked about what it was like growing up, she said almost all her childhood memories included some form of trauma. She grew up with a father who was in and out of her life due to being an alcoholic, abusive, and spending most of her upbringing in and out of prison. Nike even shared a raw story with us about how her earliest childhood memory included a time when her father picked up a puppy and threw it through a wall. At the age of 10, she picked up a paper route as her first job, but when she was 11, she and her mother were involved in a tragic accident that would change the course of her life forever. On the evening of January 1st, nearly 20 years ago, Nikeshia and her family were on their way home when a drunk driver t-boned them. The drunk driver was an Amish man who passed out in a buggy, leaving the horse running down the street without guidance. The horse ended up running straight into the road, hitting Young and her family. The severe impact broke her mother's neck and paralyzed her from the neck down. After spending much time in the hospital, her mom was eventually transferred to a nursing home to receive around-the-clock care, and Nike was put into foster care. After bouncing around between different family members, Nike was placed with a family in Fort Wayne, Indiana, in 2006. When Nike moved to Fort Wayne, she was a freshman in high school. She attended Snider High School and at 16 Nikeshia moved into her own apartment. Shortly before her 17th birthday her mother was released from the nursing home into Nike’s care. After graduation, Nike received a scholarship to Purdue for veterinary school but ultimately decided to leave that dream behind and moved to upstate New York but eventually moved back to Fort Wayne. At the age of 20, she got married, but soon after the wedding, she realized that the man she married was abusive. She filed for a divorce and left, but this would now leave her homeless. She managed to get a third shift position at a factory, which allowed her to find a place to stay, and she began going to Indiana Tech for Early Childhood Development and Education. Soon after finally returning to her feet, Nike gained temporary custody of her newborn and 2-year-old nieces. After graduation, Nikeshia got a job at a local school as a preschool teacher, but when she got pregnant with her daughter in 2015, she was wrongfully terminated. The reason they gave for her termination was because a pregnant person shouldn't be in her position. This lit a fire underneath Nikeshia that would soon lead her to take her first venture into entrepreneurship as she opened a daycare and began taking photography more seriously. We asked Nike if she remembers being interested in photography as a kid, and she said, "Throughout my childhood, I always had a disposable camera. I have boxes of pictures from when I was growing up. I always wanted to capture the moment and memories. Some may say that's linked to my childhood trauma because I never knew when I would see my dad again. It was always hit or miss if he would show up, so I had a camera with me all the time to capture everything. I never thought of it as a career though, growing up I wanted to be a veterinarian because I love animals, but I was always taking pictures. My friends, even today, still make fun of me because I'm always taking pictures and videos, but you know what? That's all you're going to have when someone is gone. And that really hit me when my dad died. All I had left of him was the few pictures and videos I took. Now that I've had that kind of loss and impact, I live by that even more. I want to take pictures and be in pictures because that's all that's left when loved ones are gone." She went on to tell us about the first time she ever picked up a professional camera, which was in 2013. She said that a close friend asked her to take pictures of their family, and after the shoot, someone told her that she could do this professionally, so she did! Nike began to focus more on a career in photography at the beginning of 2020 after she realized that she was spending far too much time at the daycare instead of being at home with her daughter. Towards the end of the daycare business, Nike was working from 5 a.m.-10 p.m. and only a little bit of time at home. So, at the end of 2019, she notified all the parents that she would close the daycare at the end of the year. In 2020, Nikeshia left her daughter's father, moved in with her mom to be her full-time caregiver, and took her freelance photography business full-time. When we spoke with Nike about that time, we asked her what the most challenging part was as she transitioned into this new career path, and she said, "The biggest challenge I was afraid of was COVID, but 2020 was when my photography business blew up. I don't know if that's because COVID made people feel like they needed to capture memories or if it was because I wasn't spreading myself thin on two businesses, but either way, 2020 was when I really blew up. A personal challenge I had was being a single mom, a business owner, and a full-time caregiver to my quadriplegic mom. It was a lot. I was exhausted, stressed, burnt out, overwhelmed, all of it. And then Covid. So, it was rough at the start, but here I am. I'm a full-time successful photographer, and there are not many photographers that can say that because this is a cutthroat, very competitive, over-saturated business to be in." Since starting Roots of Life, Nike has accomplished many things that she never imagined were possible in the beginning. Her work has been published several times, including in multiple photography magazines. She won top 2% in the world in a 2019 photo competition and accomplished one of her biggest dreams of being a traveling photographer. Nikeshia has had the opportunity to travel to Florida, New York, Colorado, Virginia, Wyoming, and Italy. One big personal accomplishment for Nike was when she was able to pay for a trip for her and her daughter to go to Hawaii together and while she was there, she was able to fit in a few photography sessions. When we were talking about all the great things Nike has been able to do over the last few years, we started talking about what helped her stand out among the rest in such a saturated industry, and she said, "I've had so many people ask what makes me different, and in the beginning, I didn't know (how to answer that question), but now I can say it's my personality. I know I do good work, but people keep coming back because of me. So, my personality stands me out. Most of my reviews are about how I make people laugh, feel relaxed, and have fun (during their sessions). My repeat clients all tell me the reason they keep coming back isn't just because of my work, but because of who I am as a person." As for the future of Roots of Life Photography, Nike said in the short term, she would love to do more real estate photography because she loves shooting houses. She would also like to expand on doing more business branding for other entrepreneurs. She said she loves meeting new people and hearing their stories. One of her favorite things is learning the why behind why a company got started and how it got to where they are now. In the long term, Nikeshia would love to be a National Geographic Photographer to fulfill her love for animals and nature. The biggest goal would be to shoot in Antarctica, Africa, and Alaska to capture content of the polar bears, take pictures of her favorite whale, the beluga, and photograph the Kodiaks. Her dream would be to one day shoot with her favorite photographer, David Yarrow. She loves his work in Africa and would love to learn and create with him. At the end of our conversation with Nike, we asked her what advice she would give to someone hoping to take on the entrepreneurial journey, and she said, "Don't sell yourself short. Don't do free and cheap; your time alone is worth more. Especially as a photographer, but really any business, don't sell yourself short, and it does get better. Hold on for the light at the end of the tunnel. It does come; it just takes a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to get there." If you want to see more of Nike's work or book a session with her, follow her on social media at Roots of Life Photography or visit her website at rootsoflifephotos.com. Working with Nikeshia has been a lot of fun, and we're so honored to have her on our team. Her genuine attitude towards every new business owner we send her to is unmatched. She goes into every shoot with the desire to learn more about everyone she encounters, and it shows in the creativity of her work. Everyone she has worked with for us has come back with such positive words about how comfortable she made them feel, how fun the shoot was, or simply how great of a person Nike is in general. We are so excited to see the future of Roots of Life and Creative Roots Media and witness the wonderful things Nike accomplishes throughout her career. Thank you, Nikeshia, for allowing us to tell your story and being so open about what you've been through to get to where you are today. We are so grateful to have you with us at the Fort Wayne Business Journal and can't wait to keep growing with you. If you like reading stories about the people shaping Fort Wayne into what it is today, subscribe to our newsletter so you're always in the loop about what's happening here at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

Not sure what to do this weekend in Fort Wayne? Don't worry, we got you covered! This weekend is full of fun activities but here's some of our favorites. Harrison Dental Group Trunk or Treat Fort Wayne Rubber Stamp and Scrapbook Getaway St. Joe Little League Fall Festival St. Joe Christmas Tree Farm Fall & Christmas Market Fest Wild Zoo Halloween: Truck and Tractor Weekend If you like seeing these events don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you're always in the loop about what's happening here in Fort Wayne and at the Fort Wayne Business Journal.

When it comes to Fort Wayne, the 2nd largest city in Indiana, some may think, is there any business potential there? As our city grows, there are more business opportunities than ever, so we say yes. With a spotlight on entrepreneurship, we believe Fort Wayne is one of the top places to grow a business. With a growing population, a more diverse consumer base, and numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration, starting a business today in Fort Wayne could be the perfect time! One of the best advantages of growing a business in Fort Wayne is the access to a more extensive customer base compared to previous years. The city is becoming more densely populated, offering a wide range of potential customers with varying needs and preferences. This allows businesses to tailor their products or services accordingly and the ability to take risks in new markets. Moreover, the higher population often leads to increased foot traffic and online presence, providing businesses more opportunities to attract customers and generate sales. Another benefit of operating in Fort Wayne is the availability of resources and infrastructure. As a growing city, we are becoming well-equipped with modern facilities, transportation networks, and technological advancements. This enables businesses to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and deliver products or services more effectively. Furthermore, Fort Wayne is becoming a known city with a vibrant and dynamic business environment. We are attracting diverse ranges of industries, professionals, and entrepreneurs, creating a rich environment for networking and collaboration. Business owners can connect with like-minded individuals, potential partners, and industry experts, fostering innovation and knowledge sharing. This collaborative atmosphere can lead to new business opportunities, partnerships, and even the development of new products or services. When starting a business in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we believe these are essential reasons why now is a great time to start a business here in our city. If you have any questions, send us an email at info@businessjournalfw.com, we'd love to help or offer any advice as you take the leap into entrepreneurship.