30+ Business Ideas Later. Every Business I’ve Ever Started (Almost)
Entrepreneurs are especially prone to what’s often called “shiny object syndrome”—that constant pull toward the next big idea, the latest tool, or the seemingly more exciting opportunity. It’s not that we’re flaky or unfocused by nature; it’s that we’re wired to create, solve problems, and chase potential. The very curiosity and ambition that push us to start businesses can also lead us to jump ship prematurely, always chasing what’s new instead of doubling down on what’s already in motion.
I’ll be the first to admit—I’m no exception. Since 2008, I’ve started over 30 different businesses. That number sounds wild even to me when I say it out loud. Most of those ventures never got past the early stages. I’d come up with an idea, get excited, buy the domain, maybe even design a logo and build a website. But many of them stopped there. The spark was there, but the fire didn’t always catch.
Still, every project, whether it flopped or flew, taught me something valuable. Some ideas turned into profitable ventures, some helped me sharpen my skills, and others simply served as stepping stones to the next thing. Shiny object syndrome may be a double-edged sword, but when harnessed intentionally, it can be the very trait that drives innovation and leads to the most unexpected breakthroughs.
Recently, I decided to take a walk down memory lane and actually list out the names of all the businesses I’ve started over the years—or at least the ones I can remember. Most of them barely made it past the brainstorming stage, while others I actually transacted business with. For each one, I jotted down a quick one-sentence description to capture the essence of the idea. It’s been both amusing and enlightening to see the patterns, the pivots, and just how many different directions my entrepreneurial brain has wandered over the years. I have listed them in alphabetical order for easier reading.
There’s a reason I went down this rabbit hole—and an even bigger reason why I’m sharing it now. I’ll be announcing more on that in the coming days. But in the meantime, I hope you find this list as entertaining (and maybe even a little relatable) as I did while putting it together.
Amplified Authority - AI book/podcast/YouTube solutions and services
AmpMyPod - online community and courses for podcasters
Balance Buddies Bookkeeping - bookkeeping
Biz Builderz Buzz - online community for business builders
COPYCATS Agency - copywriting agency
Funzie Onezie - dropshipping for baby onesies
GetBizy - a variety of business services
GigVendors - marketplace for gigs and vendors for parties and events
Loyal Lizard - reputation management
Palm Tree Travel & Tours, LLC - online travel agency.
PodcastAI Pro - AI podcasts
Podcast Amplifier - high ticket podcast program
Podcast Audit Pro - podcast audits
Podcast Marketing Agency - podcast marketing services
PodcasterPR - PR, press, and media coverage for podcasters
Podcast Profit Pro - podcast monetization course
Podcast Resource Directory - directory of podcast SaaS
Podlab - online podcast education
PodPatch - an idea to patch together various podcast-related software
Podplanet - budget podcast production
Podpreneurs - Substack newsletter
PodSeam - podcast production services
Podsquad - online podcast community
Preneur Pack - a variety of budget business courses
Seamless Media Group -umbrella company for several of my businesses
SiteSeam - web design services
SmarTeeShirtz - dropshipping funny/clever t-shirts
Social Sharx - social media management
Startup SaaS Directory - online directory for SaaS companies
TWENTY20 Photography - wedding and event photography
TWENTY20 Productions - wedding and event DJ services
Transcription (can’t remember the name) - transcription services
Welp, there you have it. I know there are even more businesses I've started, but couldn't remember the name, etc.
I’d love to hear the many business ideas and concepts that other entrepreneurs have come up with over the years—whether they launched or not. There’s something oddly comforting and inspiring about knowing we’re not alone in our endless stream of ventures and what-ifs. If you’ve ever gone all-in on a domain name at 2 a.m. or gotten excited about an idea only to pivot a week later, you’re in good company. It’s all part of the entrepreneurial journey, and I’d be curious to know what kinds of projects others have dreamed up, started, or shelved along the way.