Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Nidia Gonzalez

When I started my agency in 2021, social media was still evolving—many businesses were hesitant to invest in it, unsure of its full potential. But I knew it was only a matter of time before it became essential. I’ve been passionate about creating since childhood, back in the days of Windows Movie Maker, constantly experimenting and making content for fun or for friends and family. Turning that passion into a business felt like the natural next step. Trusting my instincts and taking that leap has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Read More>>

Rebeca Alvarez

For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of opening my own pediatric speech-language therapy practice. My passion for working with children started at a young age—I would pretend to be a teacher with my dolls, eagerly visit my aunt’s daycare to observe and assist, and naturally gravitate toward nurturing and supporting little ones. Read More>>

Laura Posada

I started my own business because I saw a real need for a natural menopause product that truly helps women manage their symptoms. It was important to me to create something that is not only all-natural and effective but also affordable, women-owned, and made in the USA. Menopause support shouldn’t be a luxury—every woman deserves to feel her best during this stage of life. Read More>>

Erick Silva

I started my own business, Design Complete LLC, because I wanted the freedom to work on projects that inspire me and align with my vision. I’ve always been passionate about design and architecture, and I saw an opportunity to offer high-quality renders and visualizations to clients who need them.
At the beginning, I noticed that many architects, real estate developers, and interior designers needed high-end visual representations for their projects but often struggled to find affordable yet high-quality services. I realized that with my skills, I could provide customized and professional solutions that meet their needs. Read More>>

Gwendolyn Boggess

I previously booth rented which is very similar to running your own business . From buying my own product to making my own schedule . I’ve always been motivated to make money doing something I love . Read More>>

Isabelle Gelot Hunt

Creating my business happened as we were going through a big life change, moving from NYC to a small town in Maine and during the pandemic. It felt like I was starting from zero and having an opportunity to really think about what I wanted my work to be. I wanted to created a business custom to our new life style.  Read More>>

Natalia Greta Fox

I have a lot of experience in companies as a head of department and upper management. As an employee, despite all the interesting tasks and projects you get to work at as a part of a company, you are still limited in your income and project selection. When you leave the company, all you’re left with is experience. At the same time, when you own your business, you invest your time and effort into growing your own brand — you can nourish your company and grow as much as your ambitions allow you to. While you naturally have more responsibility on your shoulders, you also get a lot more opportunities to shape it into what you see best fit. Read More>>