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.

Adriana Chambliss | CEO and Program Director

I started my business in Spanish and Bilingual educational and recreational programs because I wanted to motivate young minds to learn another language, while they play, and interact in a recreational environment. My mission with my brand was to create different programs that promoted language learning and culture. Read more>>

Toya Lewis | Celebrity MUA

When GA (Glamour Art) 1st start my main goal was to ensure that I give customers the best makeup looks for whatever the occasion.
I honestly didn’t have a business plan or module to follow. I really just created it day by day. Read more>>

Burak King | Health & Wellness Coach

Starting my own business was about creating something meaningful that aligned with my passions and values. As an IFBB Pro, I’ve learned that success requires discipline, focus, and a relentless commitment to your goals. I wanted to take that same mindset and apply it to building something that could make a real impact. Read more>>

Cyndi Duran | CEO & Founder @CYZL

For years, I built my career in luxury retail sales, working with brands like Gucci and Chanel. While I thrived in that world, my first passion—the hospitality industry—always lingered in the background. My love for exploring nightlife, trendy restaurants, and hidden gems became a cornerstone of my personal life. Whether it was a buzzing nightclub, an intimate cocktail bar, or the latest must-try restaurant, I loved discovering and sharing these finds with friends and clients. Read more>>

Peggy Jeudy | Esthetician & CEO of D’vine Touches

I decided to start my skincare business during the COVID-19 pandemic as a response to the growing demand for self-care and wellness products. With more people staying at home and focusing on their health, I saw an opportunity to create high-quality, affordable skincare and feminine care items that promoted both physical and mental well-being. I actually am license Message therapist and Ethicians and I Love the holistic side of self-care. Despite the challenges of launching a business during a global crisis, I used my expertise in skincare and passion for natural ingredients to develop a unique product line. I relied on e-commerce and social media platforms to reach My target audience, building a strong online presence and a loyal customer base. Read more>>

Alexis Lozano | Baker & business owner

I’ve always loved baking. Any events that required something sweet I was the first to jump and offer to make something. While baking I lose myself in the art of it and really dive into the passion I have in creativity and transform it into an edible creation . After a very long time considering how I would manage to turn this passion into a business I sat down and got to the planning stage . This isn’t something I came up with overnight and I had always dreamed of owning a bakery. Back in high-school as a senior we had to come up with a mock business and present it to our teacher with samples and a plan on how it would run. Mine was called “Sweet Tooth Avenue”. After much consideration and back and fourth between would this really work, there’s so many similar businesses , and competition out there I jumped and launched my first Instagram post. I planned out one post a week for two months. Read more>>

Mitte Projects | Art Platform

The idea of starting Mitte Projects came from a deep passion for creating spaces that inspire and connect while making art more accessible to a wider audience. We envisioned a platform that goes beyond traditional galleries by curating immersive experiences where art transforms into something you don’t just view but truly feel and live. Read more>>

Robert Jeffers | Professional Photographer

I’ve always been a hustler. Ever since I was a kid. I always had my own little business or side hustle. So when U got older it was always a goal of mine to have my own business doing something that I enjoyed doing. And once I got serious about becoming a photographer, I absolutely knew I had to start my own photography business. Read more>>

Molly Harrington | Brand Founder & Marketing Executive

I knew I wanted to create a product that honored mothers, making them feel seen and special, and also one that gave back to mothers in need. Motherhood is quite possibly the most intimate shared experience women can have. Mamas who have absolutely nothing in common, and whose life and circumstance can look completely different from each other’s, share this deep bond through the experience of motherhood, and so the idea for the MAMASTE bracelet (pronounced like “namaste”) is a symbol & reminder of this divine connection that all mamas share. Read more>>