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.

Kaity Farrell | Food Blogger and Private Chef

What was your thought process behind starting your own business? My business, Fare Isle, was born out of my passion for cooking and bringing people together through food. My husband Jacob and I work hand in hand as private chefs, offering our clients personalized meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking services right in the comfort of their own homes. Read more>>

Mike Williams | Founder & CEO of Dreams And Success Homes, Inc & DASH Foundation

Only 3% of young people who age out of foster care will go on to be successful so I figured that in order to achieve a self-sustainable system that could empower them into self-sufficiency and financial freedom rather than what statistics say I would need to create a housing program. So that i could require them to commit to a coaching program that was designed to empower them into self-sufficiency and not be dependent on the government after 5 years of getting 1st class services from them for aging out of foster care. Read more>>

Corinne Barkan Scholtz, PhD | Founder and Owner of Bellissima Bridal Events and Coaching

Bellissima Bridal Events and Coaching was born out of a deep desire to address the common challenges faced by couples in private practice. As a marriage and family therapist, I witness firsthand the pain that many couples are experiencing as a result of deeply ingrained patterns and communication struggles. I realized that prevention was key, and that working with couples earlier in their relationship could help them establish a strong foundation for their future together. Read more>>

Jen Sampson | business woman

Thank you so much for inviting me to share about my work! When I started Sampson Photography, Inc. in 2009 I just wanted to photograph families. I figured it could be supplemental income as I was in healthcare at the time. As time went on and my days were now spent working as the editor and photographer of a dining guide for the Treasure Coast, my photography skills improved and also my business acumen/entrepreneurial spirit evolved. I ventured into the wedding market. Read more>>

Kai Skye Peasley | Photographer // Kai Skye Photography

I wanted to create a small photography studio with no creative limits. My message behind my photography sessions is to capture who you truly are; I strive to create authentic portraits of candid moments. I am an anti-retouching photographer (for cosmetic reasons) in an effort to promote body positivity and embracing your true self. Read more>>

Michael Rubin | Entrepreneur & Pool Contractor

I grew up in the pool business and have had a passion for pools and remodeling from a very young age. Growing up in South Florida, we have all heard horror stories about contractors, particularly swimming pool contractors. In creating Bella Pools of South Florida, I intended to change the narrative and provide customers with outstanding and personable service. Read more>>

Ebony Mackey | Co Founder & Content Creator

PlayHardLookDope is actually a business started by both my fiance and me. While the business was started together building our social platform and website are aspects I’m completely in charge of. My thought process behind beginning this process was that I wanted a way to express our passions and day-to-day of building a brand on social media to an audience I did not know. Read more>>

MARIANA STANFIELD | NUTRITION AND WELLNESS COACH

I don’t think I consciously chose to start a business, I think that the business chose me. When I began my journey in the health and fitness industry it was very much a personal goal. I was a 35 year old mom of 3 very young children and just looking to get my body back in shape after having my third child. I decided I wanted to be in the best shape of my life by the age of 40. Read more>>

Inga & Jack Hayes | Artists & Gallery Owners

Having belief in our work. There was very little like it out there, locally at least, so we knew we had a niche and great client base too. After years of exhibiting our work in other UK galleries and exhibitions, we thought ‘you know what, we can do this ourselves’. We also wanted to work on larger and larger canvases, which are in less demand from most galleries as they take up so much space. Read more>>

Anne-Laurence Nemorin | Entrepreneur, Engineer, and Published Author

I grew up in a house of entrepreneurs: my dad owned a construction company and my mom owned a catering business and bakery. Although I experienced the difficulties of being a business owner through my parents, I also saw how much more freedom it afforded them. They were both present and available any time I needed them, and I remember wanting that for my future self and future children one day. Read more>>

Robert Ottone | Author, Publisher: Spooky House Press

I wanted to create a small press that not only provided an outlet for my own work, but also provided an opportunity for other authors to gain some kind of a foothold in the genre. To that end, Spooky House Press seeks to put out material that not only hits me in a particular way, but also leans toward providing new(er) authors the opportunity to work with someone who understands the difficulties of publishing. Read more>>

Leonardo Montoya | Artist

The process of becoming an artist was very organic for me. Subconsciously, I have pushed forward to relentlessly pursue my career. Being born with an innate artistic talent has allowed me to conquer the emotional and economic adversities I faced throughout my life. Read more>>

Miranda Uribazo | Wedding & Branding Videographer

Honest to god I never thought I wanted to own my own business. I thought I would be completely content working for someone else cause god forbid something went wrong I wouldn’t have to worry about it cause it wasn’t my business. Wasn’t my name on it. But honestly the ore I got into wedding videography and branding work the more I realized that while I was safe from the risk of failure, I was also limited on my creativity. When it comes to a film of any kind I have always been able to just play it out in my head. Read more>>

Sarah Monares | Makeup Artist

When I first realized I wanted to become a makeup artist, it came with the knowledge that I would most likely be building my own business and freelancing. I honestly put little thought to it at first, just pure emotion. This is what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be, so it was already done, in my head. Read more>>

Lina Cano | Lina Cano Jewelry

Since I was a child, my mother and my brother always taught me to undertake, to be a business woman. Fashion and accessories have always attracted my attention, which is why I have always been inclined to start my own women’s accessories business. Read more>>

Brandon Richardson | Actor, Entrepreneur & Veteran

My thought process behind starting my own business was probably like most people, I was scared of failing. But I knew failure wasn’t an option for me, specially after my military service was completed. I always knew I wanted to construct a name for myself by transition from one career to my own career in this industry. I did have a lot of discussions with my girlfriend who like my business partner and my big brother Bryant “B Mac” McKinnie who influenced me to take my position more seriously. As a father, veteran, actor and an entrepreneur I wanted to teach my son how to produce generational wealth. Read more>>

Christina Daniels | Empowerment Coach & Blogger

There were a few things in life that I felt like no one ever told me, and I believe that knowing these things would have made a difference. That’s why I created a space where I share valuable insights and wisdom that I’ve learned along the way. What I didn’t anticipate was the impact that my sharing would have on so many people, both men and women. Read more>>

Jeanette Zinno | Travel Writer & Creative Director at Leland Eating & Drinking House

I’ve never been in the hospitality business other than serving and bartending in college. I’m an entrepreneur and have worked in public relations and TV and am a travel writer. I always encourage friends and people around me to work for themselves if possible. Read more>>

Alessandra B | (HHP) Holistic Health Practitioner , CYT-300 with Trauma informed & family yoga , Holistic Child life coach. ECE certified

I realized from an early age that there was no place where I could express myself and learn about ways to cope with anger, stress, and anxiety. I longed for a place where I could be free, learn life skills, create friendships and connection. To understand life outside the regular school format. Read more>>