Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Aisha Madda | CEO & Owner

As long as I can remember event planning has been a HUGE part of my life. Whether it be planning lunch time activities in middle school, ASB High School Rallies, leading our events team in college, or joining a wedding company as a coordinator I can honestly say there is no other passion of mine that makes me feel at home. Read more>>

Jessica Kinzer | Owner, Bergamot & Sunshine

I started Bergamot & Sunshine because I wanted to create a brand that specialized in clean, fun products that brought joy to others. I chose the name Bergamot & Sunshine because bergamot is an essential oil known for reducing stress and creating a positive mood. Also, sunshine because I was born and raised in the Sunshine state. Read more>>

Nicole Mays Jackson | Minister, Author & Fashionista

Starting a foster care agency requires careful planning and consideration. 1. Identify the Need: Research and understand the current situation of foster care in your community or region. Look for any gaps or areas that need improvement. 2. Research Regulations and Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the local, state, and national regulations and requirements for starting a foster care agency. This includes licensing, background checks, training, and more. Read more>>

Heather Stone | Health Insurance Specialist/ Disability advocate

My business was started on accident and out of circumstances. I had a critically ill toddler and we spent most of our days living in the hospital in Tampa wondering how I was going to pay for these insane medical bills, and was able to obtain my insurance license. On our journey back and forth to the ICU I discovered other parents with the same worries and started helping them as well. Read more>>

Yeni Mora | Founder & Creative Director

Ever since I was a little girl, the dream of owning my own business has been deeply ingrained in me. From a lemonade stand to selling homemade sweets, I constantly invented various business ideas, always captivated by the thought of creating something new. As I pursued my Bachelor’s degree in interior design, the vision of having my studio grew stronger. Read more>>

Melissa Saavedra | Founder and CEO of Steamy Lit

The thought process behind starting Steamy Lit was driven by a passion for diverse storytelling, a recognition of the gaps in the publishing industry, and a desire to make a positive impact by amplifying authors who have been historically underrepresented. All while promoting a healthy outlook on sexual wellness in a respectful and inclusive manner. Read more>>

Nikita John-Walters | Teacher, Entrepreneur, Motivational Speaker and Vlogger

My name is Nikita John-Walters, a highly accomplished and driven professional and entrepreneur with a solid educational background. I hold an Associate Degree in Business Management, an Associate Degree in Secondary Teacher Education, a Bachelor of Science in Business Management, as well as a Certificate in Real Estate and Property Management. Read more>>

Chris Moore | Leathersmith

The business was started in 1932 by my father’s mentor. The business thrived in NY until the pandemic. That is when I decided to relocate the business to Fl. Read more>>

Yaya O. | Family, Branding, and Boudoir Photographer

I have entrepreneurial blood! I have tried everything under the sun. I made cakes, I was a nanny, a teacher, a yoga instructor, I made succulent terrariums, agendas, bracelets, you name it.. I tried it!
I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, but never found my true calling until I decided to pursue photography. Read more>>

Jhamil,Mike,Cvante | Podcast Hosts

All three of us have a group chat where we always text each other about sports. We noticed that every time we talked about sports we would have debates about a lot of topics. Of course not all of us agreed, however it made fun conversations and we realized that we could turn that into something. Read more>>

Callie Jardine | Certified Pilates and Barre Instructor, Holistic Health Coach & Founder of Sweaty Studio

My initial plan was to take the traditional route of going to college, graduating, and starting a career in public relations. As a college student, I started teaching Pilates and barre at local Miami fitness studios. During this time I decided to turn my passion for fitness, stemming from my previous experience as a competitive figure skater, into a blog called “I’m Sweaty and I Know It” that I initially started to share helpful health and wellness tips with other students trying to balance staying healthy with navigating college. Read more>>

Olivia Bishop | Publicist & Digital Marketing Specialist

After working in a few agencies over the years, I was determined to work with brands that inspired me beyond just a paycheck or recognition. I wanted to take on clients I truly admired and help them grow into the large brands they dreamed of being. I was also determined to end the vicious cycle of non-stop work, competition, and misery that seemed to plague agency life. Read more>>

Kateryna Reznikova | Creative entrepreneur, food expert, coach

I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs, and since childhood I saw my parents looking for opportunities and ideas to make money. So it was a pretty natural process for me. In high school, I dreamed of owning my own restaurant, so I entered the university to study Tourism and Hotel and Restaurant Management. Read more>>

Flora Veitch | Real Estate Sales Person, Bridgehampton NY

My entrepreneurial mindset and strong self-motivation always set me apart. Naturally, starting my own business became an inevitable step, and immersing myself in the world of real estate and development felt like the perfect fit. Throughout my life, I have found joy from creating beautiful spaces and memorable experiences for people. This passion has only grown stronger with time. Read more>>

Nelly Bonilla | Multi-talented artist and dog lover. Founder of The Combine Dog

The driving force behind ‘The Combine Dog’ is a strong desire to provide dogs and their owners with meaningful experiences. I noticed a gap in the market for fresh, nutritious dog food and treats, and I wanted to empower responsible pet ownership while fostering a world of limitless adventures for our furry friends. I also sought the freedom to express my creativity and combine it with my love for dogs. Read more>>

Cathleen Dean | Producer/Director

I yearned for the freedom to explore my creativity and bring unique stories to life through the medium of film. The thought of being able to create something from scratch, to have complete control over the artistic direction, and to share my vision with the world was exhilarating. Read more>>

Dr Linda Joseph | Author and Life Coach

It was never in my thoughts to start a business. I still don’t see it that way even now. I have been privileged to be in a position where others have reached out to me to for advice and guidance. I have mentored young people and women by sharing my own personal story, and because of this, it has created a welcoming atmosphere where people can share their experiences with me and I’ve been able to help them make decisions on how to navigate their way forward. Read more>>

Jesus Aramendi | Veterinarian & Animal Lover

I learn, over my 20 years of career in the veterinary field, I had some unique knowledge in customer service and medical skills that were extremely valuable. Pet parents are looking for personalized top notch care for their fury friends, and I realized this level of personalized care was missing. I envision a veterinary practice where the vet experience was an outstanding true 5 star one, from the moment you walk in, until the moment you leave. Read more>>

Brihgid Weeks | Potty Training Consultant

Motherhood has built me stronger than I ever knew I could be. When my oldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at just 15 months old, I had to quickly grieve the life I thought he would have and embarked on a journey of advocacy and resource-finding to support him in every possible way. Read more>>

Elise Anderson | Founder & CEO of Luxe Wellness & Beauty Bar

I love health, wealth, and beauty. I wanted to formulate a company that embodies that. In addition, my family has been involved in the health and fitness industry for several decades, which was a catalyst for me to eventually start my own health and wellness business one day. I have a passion for helping people. Read more>>

Abby Guirguis | Family Nurse Practitioner

I have worked in the healthcare industry for twelve years now. I started out as a Staff Nurse, and became a Family Nurse Practitioner in 2016. Most of my advanced practice career has been in the Urgent Care setting. I have witnessed hundreds of patients dissatisfied with the way basic healthcare is delivered-whether that is those long wait times at the ER and Urgent Care Centers, or merely the inability to get basic Primary Care doctor’s appointments in a timely fashion. Read more>>

Linda Elisca | Medical Social Worker, Realtor Sales Associate, Salon Owner, Cosmetology, Cranial Prosthesis Specialist, certified Body Contouring

I grew up an entrepreneurial family. As a little girl, I could my my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins had their own business. Throughout high school, my sister and I would travel to the Bahamas to bring goods to my mother to sell in the Bahamas. To answer your question, My thought process behind starting my own business was the freedom to make my own decisions, my desire to be creative, my passion to help and make women feel good about themselves, and my belief in myself. Read more>>

RITA LEON | Rita owner of Sweet Hands

At age 71 I have taken the risk of starting a new business mostly because I have always been an Entrepeneur at heart but never took the risk. After Covid with the work situation in Miami I felt I needed to do something to improve my income. I knew if I didn’t take the risk, I would never know. For many years I assisted importers in placing their products in the market by giving them guidance as to import and retailer guidelines. Read more>>

Ferdi Rodriguez | Founder/Creator/Editor of myVGBC.com

I’ve wanted to do something with video games for a while. I spend so much time on them, whether it’s playing games or consuming news about upcoming video games. In 2020, I created this site/blog as a way to share my love for all things gaming. It all started with short opinion pieces and weekly gaming highlights. Read more>>

Janet Moscarello | Photographer + Small Business Owner

After many years working for other people, we both felt that if we entered the service industry again it would have to be on our terms. I (Uriah) had wanted to own a used book store for a long time and when the opportunity to purchase the building came up, everything just seemed to fall in line, Read more>>

Pablo Malco | Choreographer / Playwright / Executive Director

For some reason, I realized at an early age that, no one was ever going to give me the respect I deserved, If I was to ever be an employee of a promising company. As a person who loves inner peace and tranquillity, it was pretty evident that if I ever had a chance at maintaining my inner peace, and have the potential to grow financially, it would have to be by working for myself. Read more>>

DaVonna May | Accessories Stylist & Business Strategist

My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a potent mix of passion, creativity, and a desire to see women win. I envisioned a venture that could not only fill a void in fashion but also empower women to embrace their brilliance and stand out in a world that often undermines their power. Read more>>

Daniel Tabet | Tropical Modern Real Estate Developer from Miami

Right place, right time. After graduating from Architecture school with our masters my (our) friend group started to enter the workforce starting multiple architectural adjacent firms. After locating a parcel in SW Ranches FL & recognizing the potential. I reached out to all our friends sourcing almost every aspect that the development needed. Read more>>

Anthony Francis | Founder of Anthony Francis Improv U LLC

I grew up in an entrepreneurial household. My parents always worked for themselves. My father used to always say to me “If you can sell you can set your own price and write your own ticket.” More than making money I wanted freedom and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of the people in my community. Read more>>

Ray and Rebecca Estrella | CEO and Product Designer Partner

Opening our own beach brand business has been a dream we have nurtured for many years. Our thought process in opening our own beach brand business has been driven by a deep passion for beachwear and the desire to turn a dream into a reality.. Creativity has played a significant role in shaping our brand identity, from designing attractive products to developing unique marketing strategies. Read more>>

LaWanda Morris, Esq. | Founder, Publisher, Editor-In-Chief Black Audacity Magazine

My thought process behind starting my own business was multi-layered. Growing up, I always knew two things. One was that I would be a lawyer when I grew up and two was that I would open my own businesses. I am a very driven person, generally, and especially once I make up my mind about something. Read more>>

Margie Figueroa | Founder, Lead Teacher, & Tutoring Business Coach

My thought process was pretty simple actually. I am passionate about education and helping others. My business motto and teaching philosophy is basically a combination of those things. I provide personalized educational services with a lot of love, attention to detail, and make every family and child feel valued. Read more>>

Carlos Pundik | Extractologist, Owner, La Vida Vanilla Extracts

It was early on when the pandemic first began that my partner, Jonathan, and I got stuck at home from our corporate jobs where our vanilla extracts idea came about. I love to bake, I grew up spending quite a bit of time with my paternal grandmother in her kitchen while I was a young adolescent watching and observing her prepare meals and traditional family recipes. Read more>>