HOMEGROWN: Entrepreneurial Spirit

I grew up believing all things are possible, born in the “land of the free” with “liberty and justice for all.”

The past few months have been a huge challenge to my belief system. I won’t digress here — you read the news and listen to the broadcasts. You have personal experiences at the grocery store (you even know what “groceries” are).

Despite the poor examples coming from the White House, I still look for seeds of possibility in a country where creative ideas can flourish. I am an unabashed cheerleader for anyone with a fresh entrepreneurial idea and the courage to pursue it. Because all things are possible, sometimes with little or no up-front investment.

Every day, I learn of someone who is taking a risk and creating new possibilities. Like a crossing guard, who, while making sure children and pedestrians of all ages are safe crossing the street, observes their behaviors and chatter and reports those in a news subscription service. Topics range from hawk sightings to encounters with long-haired dachshunds. She compiles her news into hard copy mailers with stamps, and sends them to subscribers, generating $14,000 a month income.

Here’s another one: A 22-year-old woman working for Staples says she “loves paper” and posts viral videos of herself using various products she finds on Staples shelves. Her ingenuity has drawn 450,000 followers to benefit her employer.

Then there’s Craig Newmark. He started with nothing but a computer, email and an idea. He had no inkling that Craigslist would make him a millionaire as he helped people connect to jobs, housing and stuff for sale. By the way, he gives away his profits. “I didn’t start this for the money,” he said.

And, in my alley every week, a man comes by to collect CRV cans and bottles to turn in at a recycling center. He told me he averages $100 a day. My neighbors and I put ours in a bag to spare him extra work. I actually enjoy being a part of his production line and knowing that his good work both sustains him and reduces waste. He even makes his rounds on a bicycle. He is the best example of being a good American. I have not asked him if he is a citizen.

All success starts with an idea. Some concepts create millionaires, billionaires and now a trillionaire. No one does it alone. No one. Some bad ideas succeed. Other good ideas fail. Entrepreneurs still have the freedom to give it a try.

Julie Fulkerson sold packets of garden seeds door-to-door when she was 10. She still believes the small ideas have exponential growth possibilities.

Email: juliefulkerson@mac.com.