As a small business ourselves, we understand the dedication it takes to build something from the ground up. It's one of the reasons we're so passionate about working with small businesses. This Small Business Week, we asked some of our clients to share what being a small business means to them. 

Small businesses are more than storefronts and service providers. They drive local employment, cultivate community identity, and keep dollars circulating where they matter most. To every small business owner out there building something meaningful: the work you do matters. Happy Small Business Week.

Amplify Women Tampa Bay

Nicole Waters

In what way does being a small business actually make your business stronger?

Being a small business is actually one of our greatest strengths. In many ways, it allows us to build the kind of trust, loyalty, and real connection that larger businesses often struggle to create. Especially during difficult times, small businesses are sustained by the communities they serve and by the relationships they build with customers over time. The experience is more personal. It is local, relational, and rooted in genuine care. People are not just transactions; they are neighbors, supporters, and part of the story. While businesses of every size have value, there is something deeply powerful about the human connection that exists between a small business owner and the people they serve. That kind of support feels personal because it is. From the owner’s side, running a small business has stretched me in ways being an employee never did. It has taught me about myself, expanded my skills, and challenged me to grow in areas I never expected. More than that, it has made me feel alive, connected, and deeply invested in the work I do.

Bliss Dermatology

Dr. Michelle Pennie

What made you start a small biz?

I started my own business because I wanted to practice medicine in a way that was in alignment with my values.  I believe that good patient care is the best way to grow a practice.  I felt that owning my own practice was the best way for me to have control over the care that I provide.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

Some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner is the impact I make on my team members.  I am proud that I can provide a great place for my team to work where they have support for their growth, opportunity to help others, and appreciation for their hard work.  

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

Some of my proudest moments as a small business owner are reading our Google Reviews each day and hearing about our patients’ experiences.  I love to hear when a particular team member made an impact on a patient and we exceeded their expectations.

Coatue Companies

Scott Hechlik

What made you start a small business:

Starting a business and being a business owner is not something that was promoted within our family or extended family. Harkening back to an earlier era, education and job security was more the advice and trajectory received. Candidly, I had no mentors or guidance toward owning a business. However, my parents expected/demanded me to work and pay for the things I wanted and work I did, starting as early as I can recall, I had a multitude of jobs—too many to list, everything from a paperboy, cidermill maker, lawncare maintenance to carpenter/builder apprentice… I basically went to school and worked!

In college I pursued business based on the road I had travelled thus far. I read a book in high school called Iacocca: An Autobiography. He was at that time an American Business icon and local to where I grew up, that laid a further foundation on how/when and how hard to work (not sure it was totally realistic but it had an effect). Further, high school biology class and fetal pig dissection class squashed any potential for a medical path. My parents were educators and I wanted nothing to do with that and law seemed too daunting… Psychology and Anthropology could have been my calling though!

After college I entered the realm of Public Accounting at Ernst & Young, as I read somewhere along the way that learning accounting was akin to a “scorecard” and that would be the first step in being knowledgeable. I also believed a “partner” track met the objectives of Education, Standing, and Security that I was raised in. Unfortunately, Ernst & Young placed me in an auditing role and it never clicked and working in a back boiler room with people who didn’t want me there didn't further the passion, however I did learn a lot along the way. I went back to school and selected a Construction Management program as I wanted/want to be a real estate developer and investor. This was the place I received the best education and the most mentoring in business. Back then, it was full of adjunct professors who were real estate developers, contractors, architects, attorney’s, etc…I was told you need five years of working experience then you can step out on your own.  

It took me about 20 years of work experience, a real push from some of my staff (from a former company we worked at) who believed in me coupled with a divorce to ultimately get me comfortable going out on my own. This all occurred simultaneously, so it was very far from being “secure.” If I were to strip away all the fluff around owning a business, I’d say it boiled down to I want more control + I’m tired of this + I think I can do better. I wish I could say, hey I have the worlds best idea like Bezos or Jobs, it’s just not a reality for me. 

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

The most rewarding part of being a business owner is not found in a singular answer, it’s a combination of seeing something go from idea to reality, control over your direction, watching your team thrive in their roles and realms as well as personally, helping customers solve a problem and selfishly my own personal growth and knowing how much I can actually handle.

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

One of my proudest moments as a business owner was to be able to treat my team to an elegant end of year dinner and distribute bonuses. It was the collective will that made the firm move forward and made the money and it was a team spirit of bringing everyone together in an environment & experience that we don’t get too do regularly and that they enjoyed. It really isn’t about me, I don’t like the spotlight and always had some nerves about doing the delivery (another personal growth moment) but the team deserved and enjoyed it.

Dalmoros Fresh Italian

David Caruso

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

One of my proudest milestones as a small business owner has been bringing our concept to life with the opening of our first location in St. Petersburg—a community I’m proud to call home. Launching this venture alongside my family made the moment especially meaningful, and after months of thoughtful planning and dedication, it was incredibly rewarding to see our vision come to life. 

Chandler Caruso

Why do small businesses matter so much: to their customers, and to their community?

Small businesses are the heartbeat of any community—especially in St. Petersburg. Since opening our first location in 2021, we’ve been incredibly grateful for the warm welcome and ongoing support from the St. Pete community. Local businesses serve as gathering places where people connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories. What makes them truly special is the personal experience they offer, where every customer is more than a transaction, but a valued and recognized part of the story we’re building together. 

In what way does being a small business actually make your business stronger?

Being a small business is what gives Dalmoros its edge. We’re hands on with everything, from the fresh pasta we serve, to the experience our guests have in-store. We hear feedback directly, we move fast, and we make changes in real time. That local support pushes us to be better and stay consistent. It’s not just about serving pasta, it’s about being part of the neighborhood.

Hera Health Haven

Dr. Nagaeda Jean

In what way does being a small business actually make your business stronger? 

Being a small business helps to position us as community-centered, relationship-driven and not just transactional.  It creates an emotional connection and strengthens patient loyalty. 

Keystone Financial Planning

Peter Pastman

What made you start a small biz?

I believe in the power of having a thoughtful and thorough financial plan. Helping clients realize the opportunity they have to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and use their hard work to help improve the lives of the people they care about. I know that when I’m in charge I’ll run the business the right way and take care of the people that are part of the team. I won’t always make the right decisions, but I know I’ll be thoughtful and think of others when I’m going through the decision making process. If it’s the wrong decision, then I’ll change course and try again.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

Knowing that I’m in control of improving the lives of my clients and the people that work for our firm. Bringing my kids into the office and having fun with them! Ex: ordering pizza and watching a game or movie in the conference room. I don’t want the business to have a negative connotation to them because they know that’s where dad is instead of being with them. Sharing successes that happen at work with my kids, and showing them how hard work can provide the resources to help us enjoy the fun things we do and improve our community.

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

Getting through the first three months of starting up KFP and seeing that hard work and long hours set the foundation for a successful firm.

Legacy Protection Lawyers | Bill McQueen

What made you start a small biz?

I had the privilege to work in both large companies early in my professional career and also family-owned companies.  I always had a dream to build a firm from scratch that had my fingerprints on everything.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

The most rewarding aspect is the ability to have a direct, meaningful impact on clients’ lives. In our field, we’re often helping families navigate sensitive issues—protecting assets, planning for incapacity, or ensuring a smooth generational transfer of wealth. Knowing that our work provides clarity and security in those moments is incredibly fulfilling. From a business standpoint, building and leading a team of professionals who share a commitment to excellence is equally rewarding. We’ve grown into a firm of attorneys and paraprofessionals who take pride in delivering sophisticated planning at a very high level. Being able to shape that culture—where technical expertise, responsiveness, and client service all matter—is something you simply don’t get in the same way within a large institutional setting.

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner? 

One of my proudest moments isn’t tied to a single transaction, but rather to the evolution of the firm itself. Over 13 years, we’ve built a practice that clients trust with some of their most important decisions—often across multiple generations of the same family.  It’s especially meaningful when clients refer their children or close friends to us. That level of trust is the clearest indication that we’re delivering on the promise we set out to achieve when we started the firm.

Massage Studio

Veronica Swiatek

What made you start a small biz?

I’ve always been entrepreneurial, I like being in control of my own path and building something that actually reflects my ideas. I don’t mind working hard, I just wanted it to mean something. I was drawn to the massage industry because I genuinely believe in taking care of yourself, it’s not a luxury, it’s part of staying healthy. What I felt was missing was the experience side of it. I set out to create something that blends wellness with real hospitality, where it feels consistent, thoughtful, and guests feel taken care of, while still being something people can enjoy regularly, not just on special occasions.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

The people! Seeing guests leave feeling better, physically and mentally, it never gets old. And our team, watching them do what they love and seeing the difference they make for each guest is really special. It's very rewarding to see your ideas and hard work come to life. It’s a lot of work behind the scenes, but those moments remind you why you’re doing it.

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

There have been so many over the last 18 plus years! But most recently, reopening after Hurricane Milton stands out. We had to shut down, rebuild, and figure a lot out along the way, it wasn’t easy. But coming back, getting both studios running again, and seeing our guests and team return, it meant everything. It reminded me that what we’ve built is strong, even when things don’t go as planned.

Skin Secrets Dermatology, Aesthetics, & Wellness

Dr. Sophia Reid

What made you start a small biz?

I wanted more control over the kind of care I was providing and the patient experience. In traditional settings, it can feel rushed and transactional, and that didn’t align with how I wanted to practice. I was interested in providing care for the whole person and incorporating different strategies outside of just traditional dermatology to ensure better outcomes. 

Starting my own practice allowed me to combine clinical medicine with aesthetics, and holistic therapy while creating an environment where patients feel heard, educated, and confident in their treatment plans. It also gave me the ability to control my time and feel more empowered to provide a work-life balance.

What are some of the most rewarding aspects of being a small business owner?

The most rewarding part is building meaningful relationships with my patients. I get to see  the direct impact on patients’ confidence and quality of life from the things we do. Whether it’s treating a chronic skin condition or helping someone feel more comfortable in their skin aesthetically, those transformations are meaningful. I have also witnessed my own personal growth from being just a physician employee to now being a business woman capable of speaking, branding, advertising, and managing a team. These are all aspects that were previously outside my comfort zone and now I am growing in and enjoying the journey of developing these new skills. I get to provide educational, mentorship, and life opportunities to my staff to help them flourish in their future careers 

Share one of your proudest moments as a small business owner.

Opening the practice and making it through the first year has been one of the biggest milestones. The early phase of building a patient base, refining operations, and establishing trust in the community is not easy. A specific moment that stands out is seeing patients return and refer others, that’s when you know you’ve built something real. My patients trust me and refer me to their family and friends and that makes me so happy and proud that they have that confidence in me.

About Pyper, Inc.

Established in 2012, Pyper, Inc. is a woman-owned, women-led integrated marketing agency located in St. Petersburg, FL. We deliver strategy, branding, and 360° marketing solutions to accelerate clients’ growth and believe that every brand deserves the chance to be amazing regardless of the complexity of its market, industry, or budget.