Tayleigh Thacker from Phyllis, Kentucky, started her small business called “Tayleigh’s Trinkets” on July 28, 2023. She sells handcrafted trinkets such as pressed clothing, jewelry, candles and pens. However, she also sells wholesale items, varying from perfume and headphones all the way to screwdrivers and extension cords. She operates on a Facebook page by posting things for sale and going live. “I didn’t think it would get as big as it has gotten, but I am so grateful for my customers,” Thacker said. “I’ve always been crafty, and I started college and thought, ‘Hey, I wonder if I can make some money off of this?’”

Ashley Blair is the owner of “Creative Chaos,” a small business in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She said the business offers painting parties, which have consisted of birthdays, summer camps, date nights and more, as well as art classes for adults, teens, kids and toddlers. Her business also offers painting kits that include everything needed to paint the picture included in the kit. Most recently, she is offering a “Mommy & Me Paint Party” in honor of Mother's Day, with a kit provided to customers for virtual participation. “I’m keeping this one small so it feels personal,” Blair said.

Sophomore at Western Kentucky University, Maddie Green, runs her own small photography business called “Moments by Maddie.” Green said she provides many packages and photographs many different styles, such as seniors, couples, families, engagements, sports and weddings. “It’s something that started as a hobby and quickly turned into a true passion for capturing moments, emotions and the little details that mean the most,” Green said.

An official Facebook page for “Korrupt Creations 3D,” a small business in Bowling Green, Kentucky, was made on Sept. 12, 2025. Since then, Nicholas Mitcheltree has worked with his team to produce three-dimensional creations. Operating right out of his home, Mitcheltree said he has one room dedicated to printing and another workspace area in his living room. “I saved up for a while to buy a couple of printers, and it just turned into a huge hobby that also allows me to make some money,” Mitcheltree said.

The small business “Megan’s Rustic Soapery” is run by Megan Massey, who sells many different things such as fresh goat milk soap, beef tallow soap, whipped tallow body creams, bubble bombs, lip balms and more. She said also has a shelf at The Clothes Lion in Bowling Green, Kentucky, where her products can be bought. “I buy all my ingredients locally and try to support other small businesses within my own small business,” Massey said. For example, she said she has used goat milk fresh from Cutter’s Crossing Farm and Dairy in Bowling Green and that it makes her soaps “oh so creamy.”

Small business owner Riley Miles is a real estate agent affiliated with The Win Crew in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Through her Facebook page, “Riley Miles, Real Estate Agent,“ she spreads positivity through things such as “Section 8 Sunday,” where she makes videos every Sunday for housing assistance. As a working Kentucky mother, I understand the need for affordable housing,” Miles said.

“Mac Madness” is a food truck run by Josh Smallwood, which operates in Bowling Green, Kentucky and surrounding cities. Different variations of macaroni and cheese can be found on the menu of Smallwood’s small business, some including “Taco Mac” and “Pizza Mac.” However, he also sells things such as hot dogs, fried pickles, mozzarella sticks and more. “Our smoked barbecue and brisket are from another local food truck, ‘Bub’s Barbecue,’” Smallwood said. “My personal opinion is that they make the best barbecue I’ve ever had.