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.

Suzette Lopez

I was living the dream—Senior Graphic Designer at Disney Consumer Products – and then the rug got pulled out from under me when Disney closed the Miami office. It shook me and led me to rethink priorities. Do I stay with another division of Disney and relocate? Do I create my own thing? Something that was out of my control led me to this moment. Read More>>

Stepan Rudenko

I started my journey purely for fun — back in 2008, we were throwing parties for our local crowd. We loved hip-hop and R&B music. At one of those parties, there was a really talented DJ playing, and I couldn’t take my eyes off what he was doing behind the turntables during his whole set. That’s when I said to myself, ‘I want to do that too!’ Read More>>

Jacob Erickson

My decision to start my own business came from realizing that I work best when I can rely on myself. Throughout my time earning a degree in Film and Audio at New Mexico Highlands University, I saw firsthand how challenging it can be to depend on others in collaborative environments—whether it was coordinating crews, working with actors, or meeting deadlines.  Read More>>

Fabby Georges

My thought process behind “Enchanting Blossom Crafts” honestly came through prayer and a random urge to start. I have always been the creative/artsy type to making flyers and just crafting items I wanted as “DIY” projects just because I’m extra. I prayed and asked God if he can bless me with a business on the side with an addition to my full time job. I came up with starting flower bouquets, did so much research and just decided to start! Read More>>

Bobby Suarez

I started Sell To Bobby because I wanted to change the way people sell their homes. The traditional process is stressful, slow, and full of fees. I thought—why can’t selling your house be as easy as selling your car to CarMax? So I built a company that offers a simple, transparent, and hassle-free way to sell, where homeowners can get a fair offer without the headaches. Read More>>

Jessi Brelsford

Jessi Walter Brelsford is the Founder & CEO of Taste Buds Kitchen, a vibrant culinary adventure she started over 18 years ago. Jessi’s path into the world of culinary entertainment began in an unlikely place—Wall Street. As a Vice President at a major financial institution, her life was far removed from the world of flour, sugar, and butter. But everything changed when she hosted a cupcake-making birthday party in a SoHo loft. Surrounded by the laughter of children and the joy of creating something from scratch, Jessi saw an opportunity to create a space where kids, families, and friends could come together to connect, learn, and have fun in the kitchen. Read More>>

Brittany Bridges

I have been doing hosting since my college days at The University of Central Florida – from open mics to event ceremonies, I did it all! It wasn’t until well after graduation that I realized this is one of my true gifts – and it’s time to live in that purpose! Read More>>

Crissy Tookes

When I started Event Bash Babes, I really wanted to create something that blended fun, creativity, and community. I saw a gap in the way events were being done especially for people who wanted that luxury or IG worthy vibe without losing authenticity. My thought process was, “How can we bring people together, give them an unforgettable experience, and still keep it cute, elevated, and on brand?” It started as a passion for planning and aesthetics, but it quickly grew into something bigger once I realized how much people craved connection, good vibes, and a space to just celebrate life. Read More>>

Kara Vaval

I cannot say that starting my own business and becoming an entrepreneur was ever a dream of mine. I graduated law school in May, 2008 and sat for the Florida Bar in July, 2008. The bar results were set to come out in September and as I waited to find out whether I had passed the bar or not, I found out I had passed a pregnancy test and was going to be a mom. At the time, I was a brand new rookie, green behind the ear attorney with no legal or business experience and aspirations of making partner at the firm where I was working. Read More>>

Gina Bebawey

I was working at a sports orthopedic outpatient facility where I was learning a lot and gradually taking on more responsibility. I was running most of the day-to-day; treating patients, managing the schedule, and staying involved behind the scenes. And while I was gaining great experience, I always knew I wanted to have my own clinic one day, it had been a goal of mine for a long time. Eventually, it just clicked that I was already doing so much of what it takes to run a practice, just without my name on the door.  Read More>>

Pablo Merida

Starting my own business came from a combination of passion, purpose, and recognizing a gap in the market. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling and how powerful images and videos can be when it comes to making a lasting impression. When I looked at the real estate industry, I noticed there was a need for high-quality, emotionally engaging media that could truly elevate how properties are presented. Read More>>

Taylor Morozova

I started my wedding beauty business after getting up at 6am for hair and makeup for my best friends wedding that didn’t start until 4pm. I kept complaining about how it could be done better, my husband challenged me to “just do it then” and so I did. The anniversary of my company is technically also my friends wedding anniversary. Three years this May! Read More>>

Lizzie Peress

I decided to bring Sit Still Kids Salon to the South Florida market after struggling to find a great hair salon for my kids! When my youngest child was born, I had to drive over half an hour to the closest children’s hair salon to get her first haircut, and while the haircut that we received was fine, the experience and atmosphere of the salon left a lot to be desired. Read More>>

Nadia Vega

I’ve been passionate about beauty since I was 15. I grew up believing that the way you present yourself plays a huge role in how confident and empowered you feel. My mom always taught me the importance of taking care of myself and embracing my femininity. She would buy me makeup and trendy clothes to help me feel good in my own skin. Over the years, I became the go-to friend for all things beauty. I used to do my friends’ makeup for their parties, and even though it started as a hobby, I loved seeing their reaction in the mirror and how confident they looked afterward. It truly made me happy. Read More>>

Denise Righetti

My passion for travel, culture, and cuisine was sparked early on during my first job working aboard cruise ships for Royal Caribbean. It was an incredible introduction to the world—meeting people from all walks of life and tasting flavors from every corner of the globe. That experience planted a seed that would one day grow into my business. Read More>>

Santiago Marino

Starting my own real estate business came from a very personal and strategic place. After working for over two decades in the South Florida market—and spending five years in New York City leading marketing campaigns for major brands like Pizza Hut, Lexus, and JCPenney—I realized I had a unique skill set that most real estate agents weren’t using. Read More>>

Gabrielle Fafard

Ive always had big goals/ dreams since being a kid. I started my first business at 10 selling desserts and sandwiches to my moms co workers. From the age of 18, ive owned 3 different businesses and I now own my own brokerage in healthcare. I believe working hard at a younger age can set you up for the rest of your life. I define success as being able to buy time back. Breakfast on the beach during a week day, taking a day off when I need a mental reset, taking trips and traveling with friends and family instead of worrying about my next pay check. being able to do what I want, when I want it and give back more to the community. Read More>>

Hollie Minichiello

Bach Me started when I took on the role of maid of honor for my sister’s wedding. In planning the bachelorette trip, I researched and organized seven different locations before my sister finally chose the perfect destination. After managing the entire process multiple times, I realized this was something I could offer to others, turning my passion for creating unforgettable experiences into a business—and that’s how Bach Me was born. With a great support system, it’s continued to grow and adapt to where it is now. Read More>>