Karen Smuland, Architect | Photo by Cheryl McIntosh Over the last 15 years, Architect Karen Smuland has made a name for herself in Bend designing custom homes, remodels and additions. We traced her story back to the beginning in Warren, Ohio–an hour east of Cleveland in the steel belt. Karen grew up in the suburbs and recalls the excitement of seeing natural materials, adventurous lines and generous use of natural light in the homes near where her family would vacation along

There are scores of articles online about how to start your own business but learning the practical steps is the easy part. The greatest challenge is in the way we think, feel and therefore approach the process (or don’t). Our fear of the unknown, finances, failure and even success are the greatest roadblocks to achieving business owner status. I started my own businesses because I wanted the freedom to make more money and follow my own schedule. I started them because there