Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Rodolphe Gilles | Photographer x Videographer

At first, it started as a hobby, but with time, i got better at it. As demands started to come by, i told myself that maybe i should start charging people for the service Read more>>

Marcela Gavilanez | Life Designer & Yogi

The decision to start my own business as a life designer and productivity coach was born out of a deeply personal journey of transformation. Having come from an architecture background where I had experienced the toll of working long hours and neglecting my well-being, I realized the need to redefine success and fulfillment. Read more>>

Valeriia Balenko | business

I studied for a long period of time in jazz vocal studio and we used to perform a lot for the private events and local city occasions. We had a lot of fun doing it and I miss that time! I think this was the moment when the love for the events had started and this made me think about possible ways to continue being a part of the event industry. Read more>>

Sarah Tester | Photographer

I have always been a creative person and it brings me so much joy to make things. I previously created and designed all of my books. After becoming a mother I wanted to capture all the moments of my little one growing up. It became a passion and I wanted to share it with other parents. Knowing I can capture memories for families is an incredible feeling. Read more>>

Tayo Otiti | Lifestyle Entrepreneur

Having been in the hospitality and PR space for over 20 years, a point came along where i was more interested in nurturing projects i was passionate about rather than being paid to. Read more>>

Claire Hiller Thorn | Photographer

My mom has been a photographer for as long as I can remember so I grew up with a camera in my hand. I always saw photography as something that I would just do for fun and as a hobby. It wasn’t until I finished college and realized I absolutely did not want to go to vet school and had no clue what to do with my life did I even consider photography as a job. Read more>>

Chris Cabezas | Landscape Architect & Traveler

I come from a family of entrepreneurs and small business owners. So I knew early on that starting my own business was something that I wanted to eventually do. I also knew that I needed experience and trainning to build a solid enough foundation to be able to succeed. After earning a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Florida International University, then working several years at well known Miami Landscape Design firm, an opportunity came to fully take on my own solo project. Read more>>

Lindsey Lamchick | Founding Partner

I wanted the ability, flexibility and freedom to start my own business, and am confident that my knowledge, skills and expertise set me apart and will lead to continued success. Read more>>

Madison Droz | Aesthetician & Business Owner

Well let’s start off with a quick backstory/mini timeline. I graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University with my bachelors of science in Resort & Hospitality Management with a concentration in spa management in 2018. I then received my aestheticians license in 2019 and my laser license in 2021. Read more>>

Nelbo | Tattoo Artist & Shop Owner

I’ve been tattooing for 17 years and have worked at countless shops all across the US. It has always been my dream to have my own shop, a place that provides an amazing experience for our clients as well as our artists. Read more>>

Ms. Maze Storybook Maze | Radical Street Librarian

Starting Storybook Maze was born out of a deeply personal experience and a burning desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. As a passionate advocate for literacy and an avid reader myself, I couldn’t ignore the stark reality of book deserts in our communities – places where access to quality reading materials is limited, impacting the very foundation of education and future opportunities. Read more>>

Tina La Porta | Artist, Feminist, Activist

I knew I had to find a way for my work to survive out side of the art establishment. I wasn’t receiving any grants, studio space or public art opportunities because I couldn’t fit in the space between the floor and the ceiling. The art fair circuit completely cut off access to local collectors– there was no way for me to thrive. Read more>>

Tammy Napoli | Master Aesthetician, Creator of mi.Glō Skincare, Founder of The Elevated Aesthetician, Owner of SkinHealth Studios

my thought process started with wanting do something greater – have more purpose and to make money and have flexibility. Read more>>

Marlin Meldonian | Chiropractor

Throughout my life I have had many jobs and positions. Regardless of where I was I was always working for someone else’s success while getting very small pieces of the profits being pulled it. Although I understand there are overhead costs and responsibilities for running a business, I always felt that I personally was worth more than any hourly wage or salary offered to me. Read more>>

Dma Divo | Hairstylist

I wanted to be able to be as creative and free as possible while making the world beautiful, one head of hair at a time! That was the fire that made me want to start my own business. Read more>>

Karla Dascal | Chief Love Officer

The process has been an organic journey of personal growth. I came from a very stressful career in the event business. I didn’t have any wellness routines, or a balanced understanding about nutrition and wellness then, but I knew something needed to change. Read more>>