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.

Austin Grier | Influencer/Blogger

I wanted to make a difference in helping woman feel their most beautiful. I wanted to show woman that having babies doesn’t have to stop you. Before I started this journey with social media I got asked questions about my clothes or what make up products I used. I thought, you know what why don’t I just do this. Little did I know it turned into something that was such a passion for me and something that I wouldn’t change for anything! I am so grateful for the path God has put me on. Read more>>

Ryan Armstrong | Entrepreneur

The act of creating a business has always intrigued me. Ever since I was a kid, my grandfather and I would constantly develop ideas for businesses. Whether it was a lawnmowing business or a woodworking business, we were always creating and building. It is usually pretty tough to answer when entrepreneurs are asked how they got the idea for their business. Typically, the business being asked about isn’t their first entrepreneurial venture. When I began taking business seriously, my first venture was a non-profit organization that organized community events that raised funds for people who have had a tough go in life or for charitable organizations. My second business was a mobile smoothie stand in Nashville, TN. Read more>>

Bryan Cuan-Garcia | Audio Visual Professional & Real Estate Investor

Well, I had just lost 2 full-time jobs within 1 year due to issues with the companies that I was working for. I sat back and thought to myself: “There are people who are successful in my field who are way less qualified and driven than I am. I’m going independent!” I haven’t looked back since. Read more>>

Myeisha Nichols | Photographer & Makeup artist

I started NaTRUal Xpressions Photography with the goal that every photo would tell a story. Every single photoshoot is different. Before every shoot, I make sure to have a detailed conversation with the client to create a vibe where they can feel comfortable and confident. I Read more>>

Meno LeBond Limontas | Entrepreneur

What was my thought process behind starting your own business? It was like a no-brainer that I would be an entrepreneur. As a child, I always felt that I wanted to be my own boss. I was a creative child and have always found ways to solve problems. As I grew up and started working in retail. I experienced in the real world with real world problems, I soon realize that it was not or me. It seems like no matter what you did or how hard you worked, they wanted more or was never satisfied. Read more>>

Lisa Virgo | Stylist/Owner of Virgo Hair Artistry

Honestly I had no other choice. I worked in a salon where I only had ambitions to just grow in the company and retire from there. I started as a salon assistant and worked my way up to becoming a stylist. But with my switch in positions, I gained a new perspective in handling clients. I was no longer just responsible for prepping clients, cleaning and answering phones, I was now responsible for the clients being satisfied with the end results. So in turn I started feeling more in charge and my mindset went from a mere worker to being in charge. With that change in my mindset, my personality started to clash with the owner’s. Read more>>

Jeremy Weinstock | Martial Arts Instructor

I have been doing Muay Thai Martial Arts for over 12 years and have been a full time teacher for over 5 years working primarily with students on the Spectrum. I wanted to be able to help other people including kids gain confidence, self discipline and be healthy. I saw how the Martial Arts improved my balance, hand eye coordination and dexterity. I figured it would be a great mechanism to help children and adults with special needs. I lost over 40lbs in 5 months and I knew I use the Martial Arts as a fun way to lose weight. Read more>>

Jaimie DeRosa | Facial Plastic Surgeon

I grew up around physicians, including my dad, who were in private practice, running their own businesses, so I had always thought that was what being a doctor meant. After I completed my facial plastic surgery fellowship training, I wanted to ‘give back’ and teach the next generation of surgeons, so I entered academic medicine. Over time, I realized that I was not only interested in teaching but also wanted to create a comprehensive facial plastic surgery center in order to provide top care for my patients. I also kept saying to myself, “when I do ‘such and such’, I’ll do it this way”…and knew that I had to start my own business. So, I created and opened the DeRosa Center for Facial Plastic Surgery. Read more>>

Crystal Ann | Master Esthetician

From the time I was very young I did not want to work for another person. I enjoy the freedom of my own schedule and to be able to spend time doing the things that really bring me joy in life. Read more>>

HOLLY ALGOOD | Owner Broker Algood Hawai’i Real Estate

For many years I coached business leaders and decided to put put my words into action. I enjoy the freedom and creativity owning my own business offers. Read more>>

Brittany Poitier | Race Car Driver, Marriage & Family Counselor, Autism & ADHD Advocate, and Health & Wellness Influencer

When I first started Brittany P. Racing LLC Drag Racing Performance Company, I did not embark on this journey just for myself; however, I created this company to provide opportunities in the community that will support the dreams and aspirations of individuals in the South Florida area who posses a passion for automotive science, aerodynamics, modern technology, and STEAM. I dreamed of creating a company that would build a relationship with local colleges, technical institutes, middle and high schools, community centers, and youth programs; teaching all who desire to learn the true science behind Drag Racing Automotive’s, and assist in supporting individuals who desire to enter into a Motorsports profession or wish to work behind the scenes on the car as a member of a pit crew. Read more>>