We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Reese Whitely

My thought process behind starting my own business was simple, I did not want to be mediocre and I refused to not reach my potential in this life. I started it to give not only hope to people of color that anything they put their mind to with a bit of faith and trust in the most high can be possible but also to create an atmosphere where staff members would be treated with respect and be given the ability to step into their full potential. Read More>>

SUHAY GONZALEZ

My journey began with a desire to create a beautiful, inclusive line of lip products that address the often overlooked disparity within beauty industry, especially lip products. I envisioned a collection that provides full coverage with a formula that feels comfortable, long-lasting, and enriched with safe, hydrating ingredients. The thought process and motivation was to prioritize safe ingredients and inclusive options.  Read More>>

Sammer Softa

It started with a real problem. I couldn’t find a place I trusted to leave my own dogs—not just as a pet owner, but as someone who works with high-drive breeds like Dobermans. Most places were overcrowded, chaotic, or didn’t really understand behavior. So I built the kind of place I was looking for, something safer, smarter, and structured. That’s how Fundoggy started. Read More>>

Hunter Mallory

When I moved back to Florida, I made it my goal to see both the east and west coast. I traveled through all of the beach towns, stopping at many of the local surf shops. I had a hard time finding jewelry that spoke to me, and I wanted that laidback neutral feel. After visiting Florida Oceanographic Center, I had the idea to create jewelry that gives back to these organizations that support ocean conservation and our local wildlife.  Read More>>

Giltrecia Head

Like most grassroots business stories, my process took time. I knew I wanted to start a business, but I wasn’t familiar with the resources available, and I wanted to gain as much knowledge as possible before getting started. I initially began by manifesting and analyzing what I truly wanted to do and the “why”. I started joining think groups and listening to entrepreneur podcasts to identify trends and tips that would keep me from sailing into the “overthinking” river and stay on the current of progress. Read More>>

Juanita Carmet

Starting my own business wasn’t just a career shift; it was an intentional decision to be the kind of support I knew so many fashion and beauty founders needed but rarely found. I didn’t just want to be a consultant who shows up with high-level answers. I wanted to be the fractional business partner, the sounding board, and the steady hand during moments of uncertainty. For many solopreneurs, I’ve become that mix of strategist, accountability partner, and yes, a kind of therapist, but one who brings receipts and results. Read More>>

Luca Gabaldoni

Most owners of event venues encounter a familiar issue in their work: a client asks for photo or video coverage, and they find themselves scrambling, once again, to locate a reliable & affordable creator. The process ends up being unnecessarily expensive, and not to mention, consistently inconsistent. Read More>>

Vainilla Soaps Store

Our decision to start this journey came from the heart — and from a shared desire to create something with soul. As mother and daughter, we’ve always shared a deep bond, and we felt called to build something together that would reflect our values, our energy, and our love for meaningful, intentional living. Read More>>

Yanmiver Jimenez

My journey into entrepreneurship began with a strong desire to create something with purpose not just for income, but for impact. I saw how many people, especially in the Latino community, lacked access to real financial education and mentorship. I didn’t start with all the answers, but I had a clear conviction: I wanted to be part of the solution. That’s when I decided to launch my business, combining my experience in finance and my passion for teaching. I truly believe that when your vision aligns with a bigger purpose, the business becomes more than just a company it becomes a mission. Read More>>

Iskander Lemseffer

It was purely out of luck. Before diving into the art world, I was in clothing. A friend of mine had a 5000 sq ft clothing showroom in Downtown LA on the ground floor which was empty for a week. All his collections were in NYC for a trade show. Coincidently, this was during the week the Downtown LA Art Walk was to take place. I offered to throw an art event in his space and share with him the profits. I filled the walls with mostly street art from known and still unknown street artists at the time, live painting, entertainment and a full bar. Read More>>

Michail Christofakis

I have been a real estate agent for the last 9 years now and what i found was that i was doing all the work and the brokerage would benefit by keeping a significant percentage of the commission. So after changing a few brokerages over the years i decided that i wanted to have total freedom on the field and got my brokers license and opened my own real estate brokerage. Read More>>

Natalia Tautiva Vega

i think the thoughest part was taking the decision to start posting content on social media. Taking the risk to expose myself and maybe be prepared to recived critics or comments from people i know and also stranger. But even with that fear i made it and i think it was worthy Read More>>

Christian Galvez

Starting both MixedByXB and Xponent Studios came from a mix of passion, purpose, and long-term vision. From day one, the thought process was rooted in creating a space and service that elevated the artist experience—both creatively and professionally. Read More>>

Gordana Milivojcevic

My mindset behind starting my own business was rooted in a deep desire to share my art with the world in a meaningful way. Creating art has always been a way for me to connect with something higher, to express emotions and stories that words often can’t capture. Starting my own business has given me the freedom to stay true to my vision, to create from my heart, and to build a space where others can experience the same sense of beauty, reflection, and inspiration through my work. Read More>>

Christopher Beckwith

I wanted to create something in a field I enjoyed. It was important to me that I had a passion for what I do. It’s not everyday we get that opportunity. It often doesn’t appear, it’s seldom offered to us, so we have to go out and get it, make it on our own. At the same time, I needed to find my place in that market, not just what I love, but what might be something that the broader market could relate to.  Read More>>

Kevin Bislal

Growing up in a single-parent home, I always dreamed of traveling the world. I would imagine new places, cultures, and adventures, but for a long time, it felt like an unreachable dream—something only meant for others. It wasn’t until I started earning my own income that I realized travel could be a reality, not just a fantasy. Read More>>

Katsiaryna Asipik

Starting my own business wasn’t a spontaneous decision — it came from a quiet, growing need to create something meaningful. Flowers were never just a hobby — they helped me express emotion and feel more like myself.

After moving to the U.S., I realized I couldn’t wait for the perfect moment. I started small, followed my instincts, and let each step lead to the next – even when it felt scary. Read More>>