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.

Alicia Zaitsu | Video producer & video editor

I worked at a non-profit then and was offered to work on a month-long project as a freelancer. I had also just given birth to my second child, who required more time and attention. I thought; “Why not open up my own company and change the work pace?” Read more>>

Theodora Oatmeyer | Founder of KEFI PR

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. Even as a kid, I found myself pursuing small business ventures, from selling rainbow loom bracelets on Miami Beach to tie-dye clothing, I knew early on that I wanted to be my own boss. I’ve always been driven by the desire to create something uniquely my own—a space where I could fully embrace my creativity and passion for storytelling. Starting my own business wasn’t easy, but I’ve always been ready for a challenge and strongly believe in the power of taking risks. When I began, I saw a genuine need for the services I could offer, and the timing felt right to turn my vision into reality. Read more>>

Sergio Vizuete | Film Director

Starting my own business was a natural progression for me as a filmmaker. As an artist, I realized that to have full creative control over my work and the projects I wanted to bring to life, I needed the independence that comes with owning my own company. The traditional studio system doesn’t always align with the kind of stories I want to tell, or the way I want to tell them. So, starting my own business was also about having the ability to innovate and take risks, as well as provide opportunities for other filmmakers who share my passion. In the end, it’s about pushing the boundaries of storytelling. Read more>>

Hannah & Christiana Cohen & Weber | Iyashi Dôme Distributor

As wellness and beauty connoisseurs, Christiana and I, felt there was a void in the Miami wellness sector. We desired for a space that was all-encompassing, by intertwining a mindful and beauty journey. We began the process of opening our own location, with the desire to provide an exclusive member space, and access to a series of luxury cosmetic experiences designed to expand their self-care odyssey. Read more>>

Ashley Oliver | Ignite Social Inc Founder/CEO

My original career path was to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. I got my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and worked in emergency medicine for several years before realizing this was no longer the career I wanted to pursue. I took a leap of faith and left my corporate medicine job in 2022, and decided to go all-in on scaling a beauty business with a fellow colleague. After helping grow this business to earn multi-six figures using the power of social media, I realized that there was a huge demand for other businesses needing social media managers and content creators—as social media continues to emerge in today’s world. Read more>>

Gregory Arneaud | Respiratory Therapist and Caribbean Advocate for Sleep Apnea Awareness

The motivation behind starting my own business stemmed from the recognition that Sleep Apnea is a global epidemic, affecting over a billion people worldwide. However, given my Caribbean heritage, with my parents being from Trinidad and Tobago, I realized that there is a significant lack of awareness, education, expertise and even solutions to this problem in this region. Despite its direct links to the leading causes of death in the region including, heart attacks, strokes and diabetes, many people – including those within the medical fraternity – remain unaware of the serious implications untreated Sleep Apnea can have on every aspect of your health and how it can affect the quality of life and even increase mortality risk. Read more>>

Alonso Rodriguez Segarra | Hourly Financial Planner

After working for more than 18 years in the banking and wealth management sector, I realized that many financial advisors are not looking for what is best for their client’s finances. Instead, they look for what is best for their financial groups or bonuses, sell expensive financial products, and do not offer genuine holistic advice to improve their clients’ finances. Read more>>

Jessica Suarez | Makeup Artist & Hairstylist

My journey to starting my own business as a makeup artist and hairstylist was deeply rooted in my passion for helping others feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. I believe makeup should not be something to be feared, but rather embraced as a powerful tool for self-expression. Read more>>

Veronica Tortoza | Business Developer and Creative Mind

My thought process behind starting my media, photo, and video company centers on creating a boutique, personalized service that prioritizes high-quality output and swift delivery. I aim to provide clients with a tailored experience, ensuring their unique visions are captured with exceptional attention to detail. By leveraging state-of-the-art equipment and innovative techniques, I can guarantee superior results. Additionally, a streamlined workflow and real-time editing capabilities enable us to deliver final products in the shortest possible time, both during sessions and in post-production. This combination of personalized service, top-tier quality, and efficient turnaround distinguishes my company in the industry. Read more>>

Michaella Ho | Dancer

My venture, Contemporary Dance Lab (CDL), is a dance education program for aspiring young dancers considering careers in concert contemporary dance. As a recent Juilliard graduate, I invite former schoolmates – now emerging professionals – to teach, create, and share with the next generation. Through week-long intensives, we explore movement and career possibilities. Read more>>

Terri Adams | CEO and Founder of Haven Pet Concierge

Growing up, I always had dogs in the family, and I naturally became the primary caregiver for them as I got older. Even as a child, I dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, so I sought out opportunities to be around animals as much as possible. My journey into the pet care industry began when I was 16 or 17, working as a pet sitter on Rover while also holding a job at Noodles & Company in Maryland. Read more>>

Ryan Mejia | Event Organizer

I’ve been operating in the esports space for almost a decade and almost every step of the way, I had a helping hand whether it was a mentor granting me guidance or gig from a friend to get me out there. Time and time again I had opportunities falling into my lap until I established myself and earned my keep (from my perspective.) The pay in this space is nowhere near the best thing ever but the passion behind every project is very visible. I’m a firm believer in f0lks being compensated for their work. In starting SoFlo Dojo, I’ve been given the unique opportunity to help others grow like I did with a good hand to lead them AND offer compensation along the way. Read more>>