Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Rosi Contreras | Beauty Salon Owner – Cosmetology

When i was starting my a beauty business, consider factors like target audience, unique selling points, and marketing strategies, because USA was a new place to do my job of Cosmetology, i wasn’t speak english, this was a new world for me, Research trends, build a strong online presence, and prioritize customer satisfaction. Additionally, sourcing quality products and providing excellent customer service can set your business apart. and ever was the principal important for me, that and the be the best person for your beauty care on the all word. Read more>>

Claudia Aponte | Heartfelt Baker & Founder of Camila’s Patisserie

Starting Camila’s Patisserie was a deeply personal journey for me. After the heart-wrenching loss of my daughter, Camila, I found myself searching for solace, and unexpectedly, I found it in the art of baking. Baking has always been a passion of mine, but it took on a new meaning in the wake of my grief. In those quiet moments in the kitchen, focusing on the intricate process of creating Burnt Basque Cheesecakes, my favorite dessert, I found a sense of peace and purpose. Each day spent baking was a step towards healing, and with every dessert I perfected, I felt as though I was keeping Camila’s spirit alive. Starting my own business was not just about pursuing a passion; it was about channelling my grief into something beautiful and meaningful. Read more>>

Kipton Cronkite | Art Advisor and Curator

In May 2002, I went to see the exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to see Orazio and Artemisia Gentileschi: Father and Daughter Painters in Baroque Italy. As I walked through the exhibition and took in the work, I felt my emotions intensify which then opened up my heart to what was in front of me. It was in those moments seeing the works of Artemisia Gentileschi I began to feel her pain and struggle for acceptance. Growing up with two Grandmothers who were artists, I never understood why they expressed themselves through their art but for the first time, I began to feel the powerful energy of art. The next vision was how I could help elevate artist voices to a larger audience. Shortly thereafter, I created an online platform to support emerging artists in New York and began to curate events around art. Read more>>

Krystle Karee | Brand Developer & Product Designer

I’d say it’s deeply rooted in the belief that each of us is endowed with unique talents. For me, this journey is about leveraging my innate gift in branding and digital design to make a meaningful impact. My passion lies in partnering with mission-focused organizations and visionary founders. Together, we craft purpose-driven brands and create digital experiences that truly resonate with people. It’s this collaboration, aimed at enriching lives through our work, that has been the driving force behind my entrepreneurial venture. Read more>>

Jackie Gibson | Destination Wedding & Event Planner

The decision to start my own business stems from experience and passion cultivated over two decades in the hospitality industry. A genuine fulfillment from pleasing guests and creating exciting environments brought me to where I am today. I feel my knowledge and understanding of the industry are important to share with others. My desire to create something unique and offer experiences that genuinely resonate with people has been a driving force. Starting my own venture allows me the freedom to pursue my creativity and establish a career that brings joy and satisfaction to others. Being a role model for my daughters, I want to instill in them the belief that with dedication and hard work, they can shape their future and pursue their passions. Read more>>

Yisel Fernandez | LMFT & Holistic Practitioner

I recognized the need for a more integrative approach to trauma & couples therapy, addressing not just emotional aspects but also considering physical, social, and environmental factors. Starting my own business allowed me the flexibility to integrate a holistic approach, fostering overall well-being in relationships. Moreover, launching my own business provided me the opportunity to be a present mother and wife while pursuing my passion. It allowed for a balance that aligned with my values, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to both my family and the couples and individuals I work with. Read more>>

Krystal C. | stretch instructor & spa aesthetician

The thought process behind my business was inspired by my old job. However, I wanted to create my own original twist. My main focus is to create a therapeutic environment. Although my vision is still in the making, I want to create an original spa environment. Read more>>

Melissa KiteMermaid Mejia | Kiteboarding instructor & licensed boat captain

I am the only female in South Florida that owns a kiteboarding school. Actually there’s only a handful of females that run kite schools in the United States. I knew that if I worked hard enough, I could make it work, and I needed to make it work because I felt this is what I was supposed to be doing since the beginning. I became very passionate about the sport after my very first lesson. It took only hour of kite flying back in 2010 for me to know that it was what I wanted to do, and that this was my calling in life: I needed to share this amazing sport with more people. They needed to find out it existed. Read more>>

Britney Fox | Entrepreneur

My initial thoughts prior to the startup of Britney’s Collections were, taking the timeout to truly discover my natural gifts, if I planned on supplying an actual product, what would that product(s) look like and most importantly how would it help and/or support the community of people that will not only enjoy it but keep them coming back for more because of the results they achieve. I thought about a verity of things from: funding, supplies, colors/theme, the esthetics of my products/business appearance, would people buy what I have to sell and enjoy the products, how would my website look to attract customers etc. Although It was a very overwhelming and tedious process in the beginning, I put all my faith in God. After making the decision to trust Gods plan for my business every door of opportunity opened up and Britney’s Collections LLC. was born! Read more>>

Rossy Sanchez | Founder of Anabella by Rossy Sanchez

When I first arrived in the United States, I was driven by the desire to chase the American dream and create a better life for my family. With a background in industrial engineering and a passion for quality control, I saw an opportunity to merge my skills with my love for fashion. The idea of Anabella by Rossy Sanchez was born out of the inspiration from my daughter, Anabella. I wanted to empower women globally by providing them with high-quality shoes made from the finest Italian calfskin leather, ensuring comfort and style wherever they walked. Read more>>

Torrian Brown | Branding Filmmaker Photographer and Marketer

My thought process to starting BROWN Creative was rooted in years of connecting the dots through my many passions. 10 years ago I picked up a camera for the first time out of necessity to putting together content. I was actually in the music industry at the time working with one of the hottest management companies in Atlanta. Fast forward; through many experiences like shooting music videos, directing visual content, and learning each aspect of production from directing, to Dping, and editing, I was able to find my footing by merging my skillsets and creativity into what I call my visual branding company BROWN Creative. I’m grateful that the economic need for my skillset is growing at a time where it can be used effectively. Read more>>

Woselande Carmelle Theus | Massage Therapist, Esthetician, & Wood Therapy Specialist

As a massage therapist, esthetician, and wood therapy specialist, my decision / thought process to start my own business was fueled by a desire for freedom. I craved not just financial freedom, but also emotional, temporal, spiritual, and professional freedom. What initially inspired me was a deep sense of anger, stemming from a lack of affection, love, and care in my own life. I realized that I couldn’t be the only person experiencing this, and I wanted to make a positive impact. I made a conscious decision to no longer dwell in pain or inflict it upon others. Instead, I wanted to create something that embodied light and love. That’s when I realized the power of touch. Blessed with big hands, I understood the potential of touch as one of our senses. Read more>>

Donald Wilkinson | aquaculturist

I have always had a love of the ocean and the many different aspects of the ecology. Many times there are some new and exciting” finds” that keep the work from being drudgery. I started out having a ten pot lobster license which later became a commercial license . I also started commercial mussel harvesting at a time when mussels transitioned from being considered seagull food to being considered trendy and gourmet food. Although it wasn’t recognized at the time, climate change impacted the reproduction of mussels and I left the seafood industry and returned to a career in social work in order to support my family.
The lure of the ocean was always there , and when a fellow mussel harvester asked one day what I thought of raising oysters, I jumped in and obtained one of the first commercial licenses in Plymouth, Massachusetts even though I had no idea what this would entail. Read more>>

Andre Adams | Musician, Soundman, Producer, Humanatarian

I Love music and I did. not like the people didn’t want to pay musicians so I started a music company and I focused on booking show that paid musicians. Read more>>

Widline Pierre | CEO/Owner

I am so grateful to share my journey and hoping to inspire others. I used to work as a School Counselor and Mental Health Therapist, parents and colleagues always voiced to me to either start a company or become a Principal. However, I do not do anything without praying and consulting with my family and friends. They are my support system and I know they will always be my cheerleaders. There is this concept of fear to not share your thoughts or ideas with others, well, I did share my thoughts and ideas with my best friend Yaneque then we both designed the idea behind starting this great company called Living Soul LLC. Read more>>

Deborah Lamb | Candle & Skincare maker

Starting a business was always a dream of mine, at first I wasn’t sure what kind of business I wanted just that I wanted something of my own. Kandalia CO stemmed from a deep rooted belief in the importance of self-care. From formulating ingredients, to creating a product that helps someone else, my passion for skincare fuels my desire. In today’s fast paced world, amidst hectic schedules and constant demands, I recognized a growing need for moments of tranquility and mindfulness especially in my own life. Kandalia was born from the desire to offer products that serve as an oasis amid life’s chaos- where one can indulge and rejuvenate in moments of serenity. Read more>>

Igor Mosoreti | WorkOnYacht Founder

Ever since I can remember, the allure of the sea and the elegance of yachts have captivated me. This deep-rooted passion steered me toward the yacht industry, a field I longed to be a part of. Yet, my journey wasn’t straightforward. I quickly realized that finding opportunities in this specialized industry was more challenging than I had anticipated. Despite this, my determination never wavered. Starting at the Hi-Lift Marina in Aventura, FL, and working across four different marinas, I embraced every role with enthusiasm, from meticulously washing boats to skillfully operating heavy machinery for launching vessels. Each position was more than a job; it was a step closer to understanding the heart of this industry. Read more>>

Kristen Mager | Luxury Pop-up Picnic Planner

Honestly, it was just one of those ‘aha’ moments that brought my love of boho style, decorating, and marketing expertise together in an unexpected and beautiful way. My daughter asked for a beach picnic for her 17th birthday, literally a few days beforehand. With such short notice, I couldn’t hire anyone, so I took on the effort myself, designing the tablescape and surrounding decor for a party of fourteen girls. I was surprised when several people came up to me that day to take pictures of the setup and ask for my business card. That’s how the concept for The Boho Social in Palm Beach was born. Read more>>

Andrew Molen | Chef / Restauranteur

I’ve been very fortunate to have worked for some of the greatest restauranteurs and chefs this industry has put out. I felt with all the knowledge that I have gained over the years that it was time to put it all to good use and open up a restaurant of my own place and company Read more>>