Starting a Small Business in O’Fallon: Choosing a Business Concept

When you’re considering starting a small business, the first step is to develop a business concept.

Whether you choose to go the potentially safer route and open a franchise or you choose to think outside the box and open a unique business, the first thing you need is a good idea.

Since we discussed last week, we’re going to focus on coming up with your own original business idea. We’re taking a little inspiration from some O’Fallon business owners who shared the different ways they were inspired to start their own businesses.

The family business (with a side of passion)

Susie Gentemann owns Susie G’s Specialty Cakes, a bakery she opened in 2000 on Highway K with the help of her father, Ernie Zimmermann. Zimmermann owned Cottage Bakery in St. Charles and Dutch Mill Pastry Shop in South St. Louis. He taught his daughter to bake and decorate pastries, and Gentemann said it had .

“I love decorating cakes and it just seemed like the right time,” Gentemann said. “I grew up in bakeries, so I knew I would have support from my family.”

Buying (Out) the Dream

when she was just 22 years old. She said when she got the job at Rose’s, she had no idea that she would one day own the business. But when she and a partner were given the opportunity to buy out the owner in 2001, they took a leap of faith and did just that. She said her partner passed away two years later, leaving her the sole owner of the bookstore.

“I didn't plan on owning a bookstore, but I've always loved reading and helping others find great books so when the opportunity came up for me to buy the business I couldn't resist,” Drew previously said. 

Money on the Side

Pam and Bill Dilallo own and operate All the Fun Inflatables, LLC, a business that owns and rents out various inflatables, including bounce houses and obstacle courses, among other things. Pam Dilallo said they , hoping to make a little extra income. Since the business is seasonal, the Dilallos still have other jobs, but these days, they’ve grown their inventory and are becoming more successful with each season.

“Each year, we would purchase another inflatable to expand the business with the profits from the year before,” Dilallo said. “Now we have a large selection of inflatables including bounce houses, slides, combos, obstacle courses, a bungee run, jousting, sumo wrestler suits and a dunk tank.”

Running on Faith

Mike and Cheri Price own and manage AmeriKids Christian Center, a childcare facility that bases its’ curriculum and ethics around Christianity. The Prices said and they believe their work is a ministry to the families in the area.

“We hope with our efforts at AmeriKids that we are touching a day that we may never see,” Mike Price said. “The Lord has blessed us and we give God the glory each and every day that we are able to care for his children.”

Getting Discovered

Miracle Kickham owns Miracle Kickham Photography, a business she started in 2000. She said a wedding photographer happened to see her work and was so impressed with it that she asked Kickham to work with her.

Kickham left her job as a recruiter and . She said after a year, the photographer suggested she open her own business.

“She offered to help and gave me a few things, but I paid for most everything myself,” Kickham said.

Have you always dreamed of starting your own business? Subscribe to our daily newsletter so you won’t miss a single part of this ongoing series! Next week, we’ll discuss writing a business plan.

Do you own your own business in O’Fallon? We want to share your story with the community! Contact Patch reporter Angela Atkinson at angela.atkinson@patch.com to arrange for an interview.