Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Stanley Babb | Destination Celebrity Wedding Photography

After a few years of working at the Hilton, I decided to pursue further education and enrolled at DeVry in Florida, giving Information Technology another try. Upon arriving in the USA, I purchased a professional camera primarily for capturing family vacation moments. During a trip to Panama, I documented countless photos, capturing our memories and the vibrant culture of Panama. Upon reviewing the images upon returning home, I realized my newfound love for photography. It was around the time when Instagram had just launched, and I received tremendous support and appreciation from my peers for the images I shared. Read more>>

Liana Roberts | Businesswoman

I have never seen myself as a business woman. My parents were refugees who came to America during the Vietnam War. They raised us to achieve stereotypical careers, like becoming a doctor, lawyer, or pharmacist. I veered off the path a bit but chose a career in healthcare, becoming an occupational therapist, which I enjoy. I would bring cookies to work as a nice pick me up to my colleagues. For years, I was told my cookies tasted better than some local bakeries and I should sell them. This was a thought that resonated with me for a long time. My husband and I would talk about what we wanted to do if we were millionaires. Read more>>

Brittany Smith & Jessica Garrido Davila | Speech Language Pathologists & Founders of The Play Society

Hi! Our names are Brittany and Jessica, both Speech Language Pathologists. We are the co-founders of The Play Society, a Fort Lauderdale-based company that offers high-quality play-based group classes for all families with children ages 6 months to 4 years old. Our classes are communication-based sensory classes with changing weekly themes, language strategies, books, and activities. As we envisioned our company, we were motivated to use our skills, knowledge, and background to make a real impact in our community. We emphasize the importance of play- getting on the floor, having fun, being silly, and getting messy. In play, learning and connection happens naturally. Read more>>

Vlad Cazacu | CEO and Co-Founder Flowlie

My career path in venture capital took me from ff Venture Capital to VU Venture Partners, Assure Syndicates, and finally Fuel Venture Capital. Working with early-stage entrepreneurs, I was constantly inspired by their vision, grit, and the innovative solutions they brought to complex problems. At the same time, both my co-founder Mark and I have witnessed firsthand as investors as well as founders before how time-consuming, opaque, difficult, and distracting fundraising was. It’s said that when you find a problem worth solving, starting your own business is a simple decision, and for us, that is it. That’s when we set out to create a better system for managing the fundraising and investor relations processes by leveraging the latest technologies available. Read more>>

Katia Parodi/ Fashion Designer Parodi | Designer at Kap

My thought process behind starting my business was rooted in my passion for sustainable fashion. After moving to Miami post-pandemic, I faced the challenge of breaking into a new market where no one knew my work. It was tough, but I was determined not to give up. I decided to create my own opportunities by launching my brand, KAP, in 2023. The journey of setting up my atelier, sourcing sewing machines, pattern-making materials, and other essentials in a completely new city was daunting. However, my commitment to fashion and sustainability kept me going, and now my first collection is available online through our website and social media platforms.” Read more>>

Rudy Mage | Owner

The journey to start Chimu was fueled by a combination of personal passion and a need I saw in the market. As someone who values fitness and cultural expression, I wanted to create something that merged these two worlds. Chimu Active Shorts were born out of the idea that activewear doesn’t have to be purely functional—it can also tell a story. I wanted to design athletic gear that not only performs well but also reflects the rich heritage and vibrant artistry of the Peruvian culture. My thought process was to bring something fresh and meaningful to the activewear industry, offering products that inspire pride and an active lifestyle. Read more>>

Tricia Campbell | Plus Size Model , Confidence and Model Coach

My thought process behind starting my own business was to become the leader of my own destiny. Have the freedom to travel and spend more time with my friends and family. Plus being a conscious creator I just can’t help but to work in a more free flowing environment. I also love that there is no cap on how much money you can make when you own your own business. Read more>>