Small Business, Big Dreams: meet 3 entrepreneurs turning vision into reality

They don’t ask for headlines.

They don’t chase venture capital or go viral on LinkedIn (yet).

They just show up, every day, and build something that matters.

Small businesses are an essential part of our communities. They keep the water flowing, keep us fed, and keep the culture alive. They fix what’s broken, serve what’s needed, and carry big dreams in small packages.

But building something from scratch takes more than passion. It takes resilience, sacrifice, and at key moments, the right support.

In our new series, Small Business, Big Dreams, we’re shining a spotlight on entrepreneurs who’ve brought their vision to life and are growing it to share with their communities in a big way. 

Different industries. Different stories. One powerful thread: the drive to keep going, and the courage to grow.

Jake Miller - Ridgeline Well & Pump - Vale, North Carolina

Jake didn’t grow up dreaming of running a well and pump company. In fact, he didn’t expect to be rebuilding his entire life in his 20s.

After a car accident ended his military career and left him learning how to walk again, Jake was forced to reimagine his future. Years later, when his home’s water system failed, he leaned on the skills he’d learned serving his country—logic, problem-solving, mechanical instinct—and tried to fix it himself.

It didn’t work.

But the process led him to a local contractor. That call turned into a job offer. That job became a trade. And eventually, that trade became a calling.

Jake launched Ridgeline Well & Pump in 2023 with little more than grit, a few pieces of equipment, and $15,000 in cash. From the beginning, growth was a game of leapfrogging jobs; using income from one to fund the next. Banks wouldn’t lend. He didn’t have a credit score. He kept showing up anyway.

When the opportunity came to access capital through one of the tools he already used on the job, field services management platform Housecall Pro, it changed the equation. He bought an additional truck and expanded his service area.

Now, Ridgeline is approaching its two-year mark. Jake is hiring, scaling, and earning the recognition that comes from being the guy who shows up, rain or shine, and makes it work.

Watch Jake’s story to see how he’s growing Ridgeline.

Brooke Hill & Zanbria Asante - Swella Braid Bar - Atlanta + Charlotte

Brooke and Zanbria didn’t build Swella on a whim. They built it because they couldn’t find what they needed.

Reliable, high-quality hair braiding services for textured hair were hard to come by, and they knew they weren’t alone in that experience.

So they set out to fix it.

What began as a pop-up salon during business school quickly turned into something much bigger. In just five weeks, Swella’s pilot brought in over $10,000 in revenue and validated a deep, underserved need in the market. From there, they raised initial funding, opened their first location, and got to work building a one-stop braid bar that prioritized care, consistency, and efficiency.

As demand grew, they began thinking seriously about what it would take to scale. But when they started exploring traditional financing options, the numbers didn’t add up. High interest rates and personal guarantees made the path to expansion feel out of reach.

Then, they logged into their salon software, Boulevard, and saw a capital offer that was aligned with the realities of their business; flexible, fast, and built for growth.

With capital available, Swella opened its second location in Charlotte. But their vision doesn’t stop there. They’re creating a blueprint that other braid entrepreneurs can follow to grow confidently and sustainably.

Because for the founders of Swella, hair care is more than a service. It’s culture. It’s community. It’s a platform for empowerment. In Brooke’s words, “Hair care is like healthcare.”

Watch the full story to see how Swella is transforming hair care for their community.

Olajide Olaolorun - Verdure Kitchen - Atlanta

Olajide didn’t just want to open a restaurant, he wanted to create a space that told a story. Alongside his co-founders, he built Verdure as a tribute to their African heritage, blending bold traditional flavors with modern fine dining in the heart of Atlanta.

Every plate was meant to feel intentional. Every detail designed to honor where they came from, and where they were headed.

But vision alone isn’t enough to open a restaurant. Verdure was funded with personal savings, long hours, and a deep belief in what was possible. From day one, they faced the pressure of managing vendors, covering payroll, and keeping the dream alive, while delivering an experience that lived up to their mission.

When a capital offer arrived through their payment processor Priority, with payments that flexed with their revenue, it gave the business breathing room. No rigid terms. No drawn out approval process. Just space to grow at their own pace.

Today, Verdure draws a loyal and growing customer base, each visit a celebration of culture and care. And for the team at Verdure, this is only the beginning. There are more stories to tell, and more tables to fill.

Watch the full story to see how Verdure is elevating African cuisine, and building something unforgettable.

Why these stories matter

Each of these founders had a different path, a different passion, and a different plan for growth. But they shared one thing: the courage to start.

In moments where traditional financing failed them, or simply wasn’t built for their reality, they found capital that was fast, flexible, and embedded in the tools they use to run their business.

It’s not just about funding. It’s about freedom. The freedom to take the next step, make the next hire, open the next door.

See more stories like these

Want to meet the entrepreneurs behind these stories, and more like them?

Check out our new Small Business page for more stories of small business owners with big dreams who are building something bigger.