We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Josefina Loza | CEO of Lozafina Marketing & PR

The thought process behind starting Lozafina, my marketing and public relations firm, was deeply rooted in my passion for communication and my desire to make a positive impact on my community. Early in my journalism career, I developed the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and I realized that this skill could be leveraged not just in journalism but also in helping businesses and organizations thrive. The idea for Lozafina took shape in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. I observed how the pandemic was affecting small businesses, especially those in marginalized communities like the Black and Brown communities across the country. It was a challenging time, and many of these businesses were struggling to adapt to the new reality. Read more>>

Diamond Davis | Co-Owner and Dance Educator

We were both previously working in the dance field together, doing long hours, seeing many issues within this art form, and ultimately not having anything to show for our hard work. So we talked and realized that we may as well do this for ourselves so we can actually make an impact. One issue that we noticed that we wanted to do differently was first and foremost cost. Dance is an incredibly expensive activity to put your children in, not only are the classes expensive, but then you have registration fees, costume fees, uniform fees, recital fees, competition fees, etc. Although many of these are necessary, we found that many people who are in charge would overcharge these fees to a level that crossed into unethical. Read more>>

Marilyn Viruet | Founder & Owner

My journey with Skin Candy Bath & Body began with a deep personal need for a skincare solution that was inclusive and gentle enough for my own sensitive skin. I’ve always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create something meaningful. So, the thought process was quite simple: I wanted to provide a range of natural, cruelty-free skincare products that catered to those with sensitive skin, like myself. I knew there were many others out there facing similar challenges, and I wanted to be the one to offer them a solution. Skin Candy was born out of a personal need, but it has grown into a brand that caters to the needs of many, and that’s truly rewarding. Read more>>

Bill Ciaramelli | Drummer & Owner of Florida’s Premier Entertainment Group

So starting my own business was something I just needed to do for me.I have always been a leader and love the challenge. Starting your own business is more than that. I believe in hands on and dealing direct with the owner of the company to make your clients feel comfortable. My thought process has always been different. A little outside the box. trying to push the envelope and seeing things from a certain perspective. I see things very different than most business owners. I have watched and learned all my life and feel growth is an important thing in business something you can never stop doing. Read more>>

Sherri Shabazz | Sex Coach, Author, Orgasm Guru & Certified Naturopath

You know, starting my own business was kind of a spontaneous decision. There wasn’t a grand plan or a calculated decision behind it. It all began with my followers on Facebook who anticipated my daily antics. They kept suggesting that I “do something” with this “outgoing, fearless, very open-minded” personality. This push led to the birth of an online radio show. From there, things just started falling into place naturally. I began offering products, services, and organizing events. It was like the universe was pushing me in this direction. The turning point for me was when I quit my corporate job…the first time. Read more>>

Michael Luehrsen | Health Advocate

We thought it would be fun, and because we thought we could make an awesome change in the world. We all love living this life and think it could be helpful to everyone. We have spent our careers in healthcare, food ingredients, athletics, fitness and nutrition. During that time we have learned a lot about such industries. With all of that experience, we thought we could make a positive impact in a very basic way; by fueling our bodies with healthier foods and beverages. We are looking to make a positive change in the world. We live in an unhealthy world, yet we’ve learned so much and how we can make things better. We are trying to lead and demonstrate a new way of observing your overall health. Read more>>

Taylor Gripentrog | Founder of Vitality Way, 5/1 Generator, Philanthropist

The world would benefit immensely from AI-based products that encompass the entirety of human experience, spanning our intellectual, spiritual, and emotional dimensions. When we become disconnected from our own essence, from nature, and from one another, we drift away from our inherent sense of unity. This shift often leads us to overemphasize materialism, individualism, and cold logic at the expense of our deep-rooted consciousness. As a result, feelings of loneliness, desolation, and aimlessness may emerge. It’s time to steer the direction of AI into one that assists humanity holistically, covering all areas of (1) intellectual, (2) psychological, and (3) spiritual development. Read more>>

Kathyann Nicolas | CEO

My children hold an unparalleled place in my heart, transcending time – past, present, and future, always on my mind. As a parent, I’m constantly pondering, ‘How can I? What can I?’ My ultimate aspiration is to provide them and generations to come with something truly valuable. For me, financial independence is not just a goal; it’s a gateway to the freedom of life intertwined with work. I toil tirelessly, striving for a brighter future characterized by fewer sacrifices and more cherished family memories. With my children in the forefront of my thoughts, I embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, naming my business after them – Ky (from Kylan) and Le (from Le’ah), resulting in ‘Kyle Join.’ It’s more than a business; it’s a directory to connect, network, and ultimately thrive. Read more>>

Pria Crofskey | Founder & Managing Director

My adventures have led me through the bustling streets of many countries, where I’ve had the privilege of engaging in lively conversations with recruiters from all corners of the world. Yet, one common theme kept popping up – many of these recruiters were missing a crucial piece of the puzzle. They were grappling with a lack of technical know-how and an understanding of the job seekers’ experiences. They were basically hunting for treasure without a map! That’s when the idea of Achieve43 was born! Achieve43 is about fusing expert knowledge and industry insights into a powerful concoction that removes the obstacles standing between talented individuals and organizations hungry for growth. Read more>>

Sam Yeoman | Floral Preservation Art

To know why I started my business Flora De Keys, you’d first have to know where I came from… Prior to starting my own business, I was a Wedding Florist for many years. I loved to be a Florist, but I was so incredibly busy with events I had no time for myself. A question that I was asked repeatedly at that time was, “Do you know someone local to preserve my bridal bouquet?” … my answer was always no. I had seen floral preservationists online, but we did not have a local service in Key West. I even had the thought that I could provide that service myself, but I didn’t have the time to entertain that thought seriously. Read more>>

Tray Fitzpatrick | Local Green Thumb

The one thing I wanted most out of having my own business was to love doing it. I’ve always had a passion for growing plants and as early as 10, I can remember helping my grandma water her houseplants. Yet, never in a million years did I think it would lead me to having a business centered solely around them. My first real attempt at starting a business was photography, and in the past had always been a primary source of income for me. It wasn’t until my neighbors started noticing my plant collection from the large windows facing the street and begin taking pictures. They started with questions such as specific plant types and care tips which turned into offering to pay me to repot plants for them. Read more>>

Aliyah Telon | Social Media Influencer & CEO

My thought process behind starting your own business is always be headstrong first. At the end of the day every business can succeed and every business can fail but it’s up to the person that has the goal to achieve it with all obstacles. Prepare and Master what your trying to begin and take off for the ride. Read more>>

Celeste Jones | Oditto Gallery Owner & Interior Designer

The decision to embark on the journey of entrepreneurship was driven by a fundamental belief in the value of autonomy. Setting one’s own hours and reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication are pivotal factors that have always drawn me to the entrepreneurial path. I am a firm believer in the idea that when you invest your sweat and toil into something you’re passionate about, work doesn’t feel like work at all. It’s a labor of love, and success naturally follows when you pursue your true passions. Read more>>

Gary Rollar II | CEO / Founder of EXCITE MY premium wellness gummies

“The inspiration behind launching my own business was primarily fueled by a desire for the freedom to travel, indulge in my passion for kiteboarding, and cherish more quality moments with my wife. I’ve always harbored the dream of establishing my own brand, with the added allure of managing it virtually from any corner of the globe. My affinity for marketing and technology, which dovetail seamlessly, played a significant role in this aspiration. Reflecting on my childhood, I realized that while I regularly consumed vitamins and other health supplements, I never really enjoyed them. This insight propelled me on a quest to transform the pursuit of wellness into a fun and delightful experience Read more>>