Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Josue Michel | Destination Wedding Photographer

For the last 16 years before starting my own company and photography business, I worked in a traditional job as an Executive Pastor at the largest church in my state. I loved every day of it. However, due to circumstances with the other pastors, I decided to quit and pursue my own business. Initially, it was really scary as I was used to having a steady (though relatively low) salary. But I trusted God, and with my wife’s support, we made the change to become a wedding and lifestyle photographer here in Valle de Guadalupe, Baja, Mexico. Read more>>

Andrew McKinley | CEO and Owner of The Zayn Group, Inc.

Like many people, I always envisioned building something for myself and my family. The thing is, it’s a lot easier said than done, especially when you have skill sets that can fetch a good paycheck. Why would you disrupt something that’s safe and comfortable? However, it became clearer to me once I made space and time to think about my true purpose. I discovered that my purpose goes far beyond my family; I’m driven by the ability to help others elevate themselves and their families. To do that, at least to the scale that I envision, I had to shift my mindset from a singular revenue stream such as a paycheck to an entrepreneurial mindset in order to build and scale profitable businesses. Read more>>

Carlo Dipasquale | Luxury real estate agent

I moved from Sicily to the USA because my intention from the start was to work for myself and start my own business. I didn’t want my life to revolve around a 9 to 5 job and depending from a boss. I wanted to have control over my life and my career and I knew USA was the perfect place to make it happen and being successful , more than any other places in the world. Read more>>

Carlos C. Aguila | Father, Husband & Attorney

Opening my own business was the natural next step in my career. I had been practicing law seven years and had developed a large book of business with consistent referral sources. This point in an attorney’s career is a pivotal moment where you must ask yourself if you want to go the partner track or entrepreneur route. It was time for a new phase in my life, and I chose the entrepreneur path. I opened my business in 2021 with my second daughter on the way. My wife and I always compare the growth of my business with my daughter’s: premature birth, to crawling, to walking, to running, and now jumping from couch to couch. Read more>>

Felipe Moya Alvarado | Dj and Music Producer

The decision to start our own business stemmed from a deep passion for creating memorable experiences through events that blend art, design, and music seamlessly. We envisioned a platform where each element complements the other, fostering an immersive and captivating environment for our clients and their guests. Our thought process revolved around filling a niche in the market where creativity meets functionality. We saw an opportunity to curate events that not only entertain but also inspire, drawing on our collective expertise in art curation, innovative design, and diverse musical genres. Read more>>

Ismael y Jaime Garcia Garcia | Founders y CEOs de 2winGs International Group

Starting 2winGs arose from identifying a market need after more than nine years of working with major companies. We decided to establish the company in Miami, a global reference and cultural epicenter of America, due to its diversity and global reach. We conducted a strategic market analysis, developed a unique concept focused on creativity and innovation in digital marketing and advertising, and assembled a talented and diverse team. Our focus on executing innovative strategies and continuous adaptation has allowed us to position ourselves as leaders in a competitive market. Read more>>

Paige Richardson | CEO and Wardrobe Stylist, Paige Richardson Styling

After climbing the corporate ladder for almost two decades, I had made it to the top and looked around and realized I wanted more. I wanted to create something that was my own and be able in twenty years from now know that I took a risk and didn’t let the time pass me by without taking action. Once I walked away from the corporate world (my most recent role was serving as SVP of Merchandising for Belk, a southern based department store), I realized there was a white space opportunity for modern women wanting to look and feel their best- and they were wanting support to bring that to life. Read more>>

Heidi Ronquillo | Elder Priestess, Moon Mother, Yoga Teacher, Womb Wellness Advocate, Self-love coach, certified aromatherapist, Reiki Master, Owner, Founder of Purple Lotus Spiritual Healing

When I created Purple Lotus Spiritual Healing I wanted to create a sacred space for people in my community to find healing and wellness. As time went on and I went through my own personal challenges such as infantility, miscarriage and divorce the purpose for my business changed and I felt a need to create a space for women to heal, to return to themselves after these challenges and transitions in there lives. I wanted to let them know that they are not alone and I can guide them on their healing through my womb healing sessions, self-love coaching, wellness tools, workshops and more. Read more>>