Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

Miguel Endara | Founder of Vidara Wear

Well, thanks to the thousands of articles and videos exposing the way animals are exploited in farms and slaughterhouses, a lot of people who truly care about animals are starting to shift towards veganism as a way of boycotting these cruel practices. Many of these vegans, like myself, enjoy wearing t-shirts that help spread awareness of this systemic issue. The only problem was that most of the vegan t-shirts out there are not too appealing – they’re either too loud in their messaging or they’re just not very creative in their designs. So, leveraging my professional background as an artist, I decided to produce my own vegan t-shirts under the name Vidara Wear. Read more>>

Alexis Mastrogianni | Founder and CEO of Virtual Integrity Partners

When I founded Virtual Integrity Partners, my primary concern was, ‘How can this venture not only open doors of opportunity but also secure my family’s financial future?’ Having navigated the entrepreneurial landscape for six years, I understand its challenges. There came a moment when I nearly transitioned back to traditional employment. However, a decisive opportunity presented itself, inspiring me to establish a virtual assistant business. This decision marked a significant shift, not just in financial terms for my family, but also in reigniting my passion and purpose. My focus evolved from personal achievements to a dedication towards serving others. This service-oriented mindset is now the foundation of my interactions with clients, my team, and my family. It’s about creating a supportive environment where everyone’s growth is prioritized, blending business with a sense of community and mutual support. Read more>>

Krystle Karee | Brand Developer | Product Designer | Pro Makeup Artist

When I founded Magic Glam Academy, my vision was deeply rooted in the challenges I observed among female professionals. Read more>>

Roch Nakajima | Advertising and Marketing Agency Owner

I moved to Florida in 1992 after having lived in Japan working for a big pharmaceutical company. After the hectic 9 to sunset Japanese work style, Florida was a huge change. At the time companies like Blockbuster and Motorolla were the big employers in SoFla, but being in America, I really wanted the opportunity to start my own business. I was always tech savvy and liked computers and design so advertising and marketing was a natural fit. I did not know what I was getting into! Working and living in the same place takes a lot of discipline and as I got more and more clients I had to learn the hard way to discipline and structure my life. Looking back, I would not change anything. This has been an incredible experience and I have met amazing people through work. I have gone from working out of my living rooom to now having a full production studio and colleagues in Miami, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London and Oslo. The best thing is that it just keeps getting more and more interesting and exciting. Read more>>

James Hilton | Artist and Business Owner

After working for big established global brands in the corporate world for over 20 years, I realized I missed being creative! I always thought to myself ‘if this were my brand, this is what I would do.’ I was so eager to have the opportunity to express my own creative vision, and I finally made the jump! I felt excited to have such extensive business experience to combine with my creativity, and deliver a product I hadn’t seen before. Read more>>

R.Varito Vasquez | Master Floral and Event Designer

In the early 1990s in my country Costa Rica, after having worked in the hotel industry, I had the opportunity to take a class to create floral arrangements. It’s when my ability is connected with the desire to create something from nothing. Read more>>

Jessica Graves | Founder of Yacht Life TV

As an Emmy-Award winning television veteran, I’m always thinking about content. After returning to my hometown of Fort Lauderdale, aka the ‘Yachting Capital of the World’, in 2016, I recognized the lack of a dedicated network that catered to yachting enthusiasts, coupled with a gap in advertising opportunities within the luxury sector. Read more>>

Coco Rivkind | Children’s DJ and Entertainer

I launched Coco’s Playhouse by combining all of my talents into a single business entity, integrating a diverse set of skills and expertise. The journey so far has been a continuous process of building and development. Music, entertainment, children, and business finance are my life’s greatest passions. Holding a bachelor’s degree in finance from Emory and an MBA in hospitality from Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne, the premier school in Switzerland, I’ve laid a strong educational foundation. My various goals and achievements have led me to discover my true calling—establishing my own business. This venture serves as a platform where I can apply the knowledge and experience accumulated over the years of education and professional growth Read more>>

Antonella Raschio | Founder/Owner

For nearly two decades, residing in California hasn’t dimmed my connection to my homeland, Peru. Each return visit to Peru became an opportunity to infuse my living space in California with vibrant elements, creating a tangible link to the rich culture and beauty of my distant home. Motivated by this enduring passion, I eventually embarked on a journey to establish a brand that not only reflected my deep ties to Peru but also celebrated the artistry of the women artists who bring forth unique and colorful creations. Over time, I decided to create a brand that was inspired by unique and colorful pieces all handmade by women artisans in Peru. Read more>>

Sue Ramirez | Social Media/Marketing Manager; Lead Singer & Keyboardist

Drew thought it would be fun to work together doing something fun that we both enjoy and are very passionate about. Both he and one of the former founding members of the band slowly lured me into joining the band. I used to suffer from severe stage fright and even though I am a huge lover of everything music, I never performed in a cover band. It all started with after work jams with Drew to learning how to play the keyboard/piano & horn parts on the long list of super hit covers in our repertoire. Read more>>

Dion Kerr | Artist, Musician

As an artist who has spent a lifetime supporting others primarily as a sideman, a backing musician, and a producer, embarking on this new album and project, ‘eko vizion meusik’ marks a significant shift. By taking center stage, I aspire to redefine my role in the music industry community I am currently engaged in. This new album represents an opportunity to curate a band tailored to execute my compositions’ intricate and demanding nature. It’s a chance to showcase my performance, composing, and arranging music knowledge. Beyond the performances, my goal extends to establishing a solid footing within the music industry as a solo artist. My new solo album will allow me to propel my career into a new realm where my artistry can resonate with audiences worldwide. Read more>>