February 3, 2025

minute read

Success Stories: 7 Small Business We Love & Why

Nikki Canning

Every successful business starts with an idea, but turning that idea into a thriving company takes dedication, problem-solving, and a lot of hard work.

At Durable, we’ve seen firsthand how great ideas turn into thriving businesses, and we love celebrating those wins.

Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, learning from other business owners can be a great source of inspiration.

That’s why we’re highlighting seven Durable customers that have reached exciting milestones — so you can see what’s possible and take notes for your own journey.

7 Successful Business Owner Stories We Love

Each of these businesses stands out for their creativity, impact, and dedication to their customers.

Whether they’re making travel easier, bringing people together through food and drinks, or building stronger communities, these business owners are proof that passion and hard work pay off.

Here are seven Durable customers that inspire us:

NaturePure Cleaning Co.
Prolific Pours
Paws on Planes
Little Cooks Club
SOLEcial Studies and Community Academy
Color Wonder Balloon Co.
ONEBIGPARTY

#1. NaturePure Cleaning Co.

Cleaning should be about more than just looking tidy — it should be about health and sustainability. Founded by Rebecca Hoekstra, NaturePure Cleaning Co. brings eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaning services to homes and businesses.

What They Offer: They provide green cleaning solutions that keep spaces spotless without harsh chemicals.

Why We Love Them: They prove that going green isn’t just good for the planet — it’s good for business too. We love how Rebecca carved out a niche for her services to attract the clients she knew she could serve best — and her website is an ode to sustainability and spotless homes.

Rebecca’s Advice: “I’m such a perfectionist, and I can agonize over details,” she shares. “Durable helped me get something up quickly without overthinking it. So if you’re like me, it’s a great place to get started.”

#2. Prolific Pours

Not every great business idea starts in an office — some begin behind a bar. After a career in corporate finance, Pro Chowdhury traded spreadsheets for spirits, launching Prolific Pours, a mobile bartending business that brings craft cocktails to events in New York City.

What They Offer: From pop-up cocktail bars to mixology masterclasses, Prolific Pours turns any event into a sophisticated experience. Whether you’re after a signature drink or a hands-on lesson in craft cocktails, they’ve got you covered.

Why We Love Them: Their passion for mixology and attention to detail turn every drink into an experience. Just taking a look at their website leaves you thirsty for one of their delicious cocktails or mocktails. They really know how to show off their product and services.

Pro’s Advice: "I’ve seen a 50% increase in client leads since creating my website with Durable,” says Pro. “Having the website meant I could showcase my services, which helped me book a major project — a non-alcoholic happy hour for Apple!”

#3. Paws on Planes

For many travelers, catching a flight is as easy as grabbing a boarding pass and breezing through security. But for those with Psychiatric Service Dogs (PSDs), the process can be a maze of paperwork, policies, and unpredictability. Enter Paws on Planes — a business built by Alison Ruggio to help PSD owners navigate air travel without the stress. Their mission? To make sure every PSD and their human co-pilot can take off with confidence.

What They Offer: Flying with a service dog shouldn’t feel like turbulence before takeoff. Paws on Planes offers step-by-step guidance on airline policies, ADA rights, and service dog training support. Whether it’s understanding documentation requirements or making sure your pup is prepped for the journey, they ensure smooth sailing (or rather, flying).

Why We Love Them: Because they’re making travel paws-itively stress-free! With their easy-to-follow resources and guides on their website and dedication to personal services, Paws on Planes is giving PSD owners the confidence to explore the world without unnecessary barriers.

Alison’s Advice: “My website gave me so much confidence when I first started talking to people about my new business,” says Alison. “It’s your first step to making things official!”

#4. Little Cooks Club

Every great chef starts somewhere — and for many kids, that first spark happens in the kitchen. Jessica Dennis turned her love for food and teaching into Little Cooks Club, helping young aspiring chefs gain confidence while learning to cook.

What They Offer: From hands-on cooking classes to summer camps and birthday parties, Little Cooks Club turns mealtime into a fun, educational experience for kids.

Why We Love Them: They’re proving that cooking isn’t just about food — it’s about creativity, independence, and life skills. Plus, they make kitchen time fun for kids (and less stressful for parents!).

Jessica’s Advice: “Start your website. Just start with that,” say Jessica. “Building a business is hard work but all it takes is baby steps. Do one thing at a time and if you’re passionate, you’ll see it come together.”

#5. SOLEcial Studies and Community Academy

What if sneakers could be more than just fashion? SOLEcial Studies is proving they can be a gateway to education, culture, and business. Founded by Sean Williams and DeJongh Wells, this academy helps aspiring entrepreneurs break into the sneaker industry.

What They Offer: They teach the ins and outs of sneaker culture, business strategy, and brand storytelling — giving sneaker enthusiasts the knowledge to turn their passion into a profession.

Why We Love Them: They’re redefining education, proving that learning doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. Passion, culture, and business come together in a way that’s accessible and exciting.

Advice from Sean and DeJongh: “The easier your website is for people to navigate, the more trustworthy you become.”

#6. Color Wonder Balloon Co.

Balloons aren’t just for birthdays — they’re for making every celebration a little more magical. Meredith May, founder of Color Wonder Balloon Co. takes balloon décor to the next level, creating breathtaking designs for all kinds of events.

What They Offer: From elaborate balloon garlands to custom installations, they bring vibrant, eye-catching decorations that make events unforgettable.

Why We Love Them: Because life’s too short for boring décor! Their creative, high-quality designs turn any space into a party. And it’s easy to see how Meredith can transform any space into a party from her website’s gallery.

Advice from Meredith: “In my first year of business, I didn’t turn a profit,” Meredith shares. “In my second year, when I implemented my website with Durable, I actually made a profit. So if you’re struggling to bring in more clients, a website could be key.”

#7. ONEBIGPARTY

Storytelling and technology collide at ONEBIGPARTY, a production company founded by Adrian Pruett that helps brands craft compelling narratives through video and digital media.

What They Offer: They produce everything from brand films to digital content, using storytelling to bring businesses to life.

Why We Love Them: They’re proving that great marketing isn’t about selling — it’s about storytelling, and they do it with creativity and heart all across their website and marketing.

Adrian’s Advice: “There’s never been an easier time to launch your own business. Even if you don’t have much to start with, Durable is the best way to start building.”

These successful stories of entrepreneurs prove that great businesses start with a passion and a purpose. Whether it's travel, hospitality, education, or sustainability, these small business successes remind us that every idea has the potential to grow.

If you're ready to start your own small business success story, a website is the best way to get noticed.

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Nikki Canning

Nicole Canning is a brand and content marketing strategist from the (sometimes sunny) south coast of the UK. She’s worked with brands like Later, BuzzFeed, and Tourism Australia, blending storytelling and strategy to support small business owners and entrepreneurs. When she’s not at her laptop, you’ll find her in a pottery studio or on countryside rambles. Connect with her on LinkedIn.