Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

 Jennifer M. Cail

Starting my business was equal parts timing, passion, and necessity. After a 14-year career in federal law enforcement, I made the decision to retire when I became a mom — with both my husband and I in the same field, the lifestyle wasn’t sustainable for our new family. Around that same time, I kept seeing moms in local groups asking for bookkeeping help. Read More>>

Madeline Rouge

For the most part, makeup artistry is a solo job you do with others. There weren’t a lot of other options when I started. In my industry, you build yourself and your business up, and eventually when you get good enough, you hire more artists ( if you work in the bridal world) or you join the union or agency ( for the production/commercial/celebrity world). Read More>>

 Jennifer Lajud

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit, and I’ve spent my entire career building businesses and helping others find their dream homes through real estate. But at my core, I’ve always loved creating experiences that bring people together. Food and wine have a way of connecting people in such a personal, memorable way, and I wanted to create something that felt both elevated and approachable. Read More>>

 Bria Harris

The thought process behind starting Impress Tax Service and launching my own business came from a deep desire for independence, growth, and impact. After spending years gaining experience in the tax industry, I realized I wanted more than just a job—I wanted to create a legacy, build a brand rooted in trust, and serve my community in ways that went beyond filing returns. Read More>>

Rose E.

That’s an excellent question, and it’s a topic that’s very close to my heart. My thought process was heavily influenced by the uncertainty of the pandemic and knowing in my heart, if I was going to actually do this, I wanted a recession proof business. So why not insurance? If you own a car, you need insurance by law unless you can afford to self-insure. If you own a home and still paying a mortgage, insurance is a requirement by your lender. Read More>>

Lionel Leger

My thought process was that I wanted to have the independence to treat my patients as I wished since I am in control of all the variables involved in running a medical office. Read More>>

Samantha Samarelli

I grew up in a business-oriented family in Seaside Heights, NJ, where my relatives were deeply rooted in the boardwalk industry. Entrepreneurship was woven into our everyday lives, and I naturally inherited that drive. Though I chose a different career path, I bring that same entrepreneurial spirit and mindset into the field of Mental Health. Read More>>

Laurinda Andujar

I know this sounds weird. Initially, I was not looking to start a business. I was merely attempting to use my voice to help others who were struggling with mental health challenges while trying to overcome tumultuous challenges. I saw a need in the community and thought it was beneficial to put those skill sets to use.  Read More>>

Youry Ordaz

In 2021, after years as a bar manager, I decided to open my own restaurant. The timing was risky — the pandemic had devastated many businesses — but I noticed customers returning and felt there was an opportunity to create something people wanted. I started small with a pilot menu and community soft openings to get feedback. The hardest part was finding staff who believed in the project; many were cautious after the pandemic.  Read More>>

 Edel Ortega

My thought process really started with seeing gaps in how projects were being managed and how clients were being treated. I had been in the industry long enough to recognize that many homeowners and developers weren’t just looking for a contractor, they wanted someone who listened, communicated, and delivered with integrity. Read More>>