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.

Jane Dergacheva

I wanted to create something bigger than just a spa — I wanted to build a space where people felt cared for, seen, and truly transformed. After working in the industry for years, I realized that many places focused on quick fixes, but I was more interested in real, lasting results. Starting my own business gave me the freedom to combine science with soul — to treat skin holistically, educate clients, and make every appointment feel like a step toward self-love and confidence. It wasn’t just about building a business — it was about building a purpose. Read More>>

Ximena Salazar Hoyos

In the 2020 right before the pandemic I decide to share everything that I had learn about the spiritual world. So, I began by opening my social media accounts, where I share how you can achieve the life you’ve always dreamed of.

For over 40 years, I have been channeling beings of light. ¿What is channeling? It’s something similar to being a simultaneous translator. Sometimes, I ask them questions and my spiritual guides dictate the answers to me. Other times, I ask for a message, and they give me a metaphor to explain it. Sometimes they show me images, or they tell me a story. They are very creative, and they usually surprise me with their creativity in getting their message across. Read More>>

Lester Pozo

I wanted to own my barbershop Read More>>

Tamara Magalhães

Over the past two decades, Nano and I have had the opportunity to work across a wide spectrum of the hospitality industry—from large, mainstream hotel chains to global private membership clubs and stand-alone restaurants. We’ve been fortunate to be part of dynamic teams led by visionary leaders, gaining hands-on experience in everything from day-to-day operations and finance to people management. We’ve contributed to the openings of new establishments and navigated the challenges of a few closures—each experience adding to our growth and learning. Read More>>

Christopher Savage

Marketing agencies were in this rinse-and-repeat mentality. They did not care to retain clients; rather, they sold them the world, and if they left, they would continue selling. I was not a fan of this. Read More>>

Donyale Mills

Starting my own business in the loan signing and apostille industry was driven by a combination of personal experiences and a desire for flexibility and freedom.

I have always been interested in helping others while also allowing for a degree of independence. After wearing many different hats within the real estate industry, I realized that the loan signing field and apostille facilitation offered exactly that.  Read More>>

Lorraine Maxwell

I have been a serial entrepreneur for most of my life. Some projects have worked and some have not. The important idea when starting something new is, ” Is this something very interesting to me and do I think that, despite all the hard work, I will have fun”. The older I get, another thought becomes equally more important; “is this something, however small, that will make life easier, better or more fun for anyone, besides me”. Read More>>

Inna Pro

I was young when and fearless and had my family to support my first steps Read More>>

Alejandro Celedón

Let me share a bit about myself. My name is Alejandro Celedón, and I’m a journalist and
content creator. I was born in Colombia, and when I was very young, I moved to
Venezuela—the country where I grew up and launched my career. I earned degrees in
Advertising and Social Communication, with a specialization in journalism. Over the years,
I’ve worked as a radio producer, copywriter, magazine editor, broadcaster, and content
creator. Read More>>

Oriol Albaiges Blasi

I’ve always been a scattered person, or more than scattered, with multiple interests. I don’t fit into rigid models or linear paths. I remember my parents telling me, “Focus on one thing and do it well,” but I liked too many different things. For example, when it came to studies. I majored in audiovisual media, but also biology in college, and then I studied economics.  Read More>>

Sevyn Love

I’ve always had a passion for cooking; however, I never had aspirations of being a chef. Growing up, I would assist with preparing dinner and cooking on holidays. As a teen, I would cook for friends and invite them over for any reason.

My brother Jordan often told me I didn’t cook like a normal person and that I should pursue it as a career. Back then, I thought the idea of being a chef was lame. My business was originally supposed to be a clothing line. It wasn’t until after the passing of my brother that I finally had the motivation to start my business. Read More>>

WALTER GOMES

My thought process behind starting my business goes back to my love for music. In the 90s, while attending the University of UMass Amherst, I discovered the power of DJing for large crowds from diverse backgrounds. The energy from performing was something I truly connected with. After graduating, I started DJing at nightclubs and making money from it. Back then, it didn’t feel like a business. It was more about performing, getting paid, and reinvesting that money into buying records and equipment. Read More>>

Jackie Jackson

Starting my own business came from a combination of passion, vision, and a desire for freedom. I realized that I wanted to create something that reflected my values and creativity, rather than just working to build someone else’s dream. I saw a gap in the market—something I knew people needed or would love—and I felt confident I could fill it in a unique and meaningful way. Read More>>

THIBO V.

the tough process behind starting my business was blending my creative experiences with my passions for photography, painting, and design. Dream of Desire gave me the chance to improve my skills while continuously developing the same project over time. Read More>>

Tania Gomez

The idea to launch Gather & Graze by Tania came to life in November 2022, inspired by years of hosting events and gatherings for friends and family. Creating grazing boards and mini tables at home became a passion of mine because I’ve always believed that great food is the heart of any memorable occasion. Read More>>

Claudia Neal

I spent about 9 to 10 years working for someone else in the face painting and event entertainment industry. During that time, I learned so much: from how to interact with clients and manage high-energy, back-to-back events to delivering creative, high-quality face painting that truly lights up kids’ and families’ faces.

After nearly a decade of building my skills and reputation, I started to think: What if I took the leap and did this on my own? I wanted the freedom to be my own boss and the chance to build something personal, creative, and community-centered. Read More>>

Brandan Lee

It all really came from a place of necessity and vision.

I’ve always had that HUSSLE mindset. Not just the word—but the action behind it. The idea that if I wanted to create a life for myself and my family, I couldn’t wait around for opportunity—I had to build it. Read More>>

Mojgan Styner

Starting my own business came not long after I got licensed as a real estate agent. At the time, I was also working in international business, and I found myself naturally drawn to clients who were relocating or investing from abroad, especially in Southwest Florida. Coming from a multicultural background myself, I just connected with them. I understood the stress, the unknowns, and how much trust it takes to make those kinds of decisions from afar. Read More>>