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.

Kristine Garcia

I’ve always had a deep love for working with athletes and understanding the unique demands they face. My goal in starting my own business was to provide the best one-on-one care possible—without the ‘factory’ feel that can sometimes come with larger operations. I wanted to create an environment where every athlete feels truly heard, valued, and supported in achieving their performance and recovery goals. Read More>>

Vanessa Remijio

When I noticed that there was a missing element in my community-a space that truly embodied authenticity and offered a distraction-free environment- I felt compelled to step in. I observed that while many businesses had adopted the latest trends and noise of mainstream wellness culture, they lacked the genuine connection to quality and purpose that I knew was essential. After concluding that not every studio was truly committed to the art and integrity of its work, I recognized an opportunity to create something different. Read More>>

Diana Pedroni

When I started Ximma Boutique & Collective Showroom, I wanted to create a space where women entrepreneurs feel empowered and supported. I saw many women facing unique challenges in the business world and knew I could help.

My idea was to provide resources and build a community where we can uplift each other. By offering mini stores inside our collective showroom in a shopping center, women can test the waters in the retail industry. They have the chance to meet buyers every day and gain valuable experience while building their confidence. Read More>>

Charles Grippo

Honestly? It started with a bit of frustration and a whole lot of love for wallpaper. I’d been in the industry for many years, and I kept seeing the same thing: rushed jobs, unhappy clients, and a real lack of appreciation for the artistry involved. It felt like a craft was being lost. Read More>>

Randy Fenelus

The process to starting was very simple but tedious I had to hire two of my friends to help me get all my logistics in order but more than anything I just had an idea of what I wanted to do it just so happen to be able to bring us great Bussiness I thank the lord for the talents he gave me Read More>>

Valeria Guerrero

Honestly, it all came from intuition. Once I quieted the voices of family, friends, society- I could hear my own. And that voice kept telling me: there’s more for you.
From age 15 to 26, I worked under people who didn’t allow me to fully be myself. It wasn’t just about the job- it was the environment. Read More>>

Jimmy Chill

I spent years honing my craft and pouring my creativity into other people’s establishments, always soaking up as much knowledge and experience as I could. Over time, I realized I had been waiting for the right moment to strike out on my own. When I finally felt confident in my vision and skill set, I decided it was time to claim the credit and recognition for the work I was doing. That’s how Chill’s Table came to be. Read More>>

Vlada Lebedeva

I started my business in 2015, guided by intuition and a strong desire to do what I love on my own terms. I didn’t come from a business background — I just knew I had something real to offer, and I wanted to create a space that reflected not only beauty, but care, trust, and authenticity. With every year, the business grew alongside me. It became more than just work — it became a reflection of my journey, my evolution, and my belief that doing things with heart always pays off. Read More>>

Valeria Lizaraso

Since I was little, I’ve always loved fashion. I started by asking my mom to take pictures of me on the street, even when people looked at me strangely. But I kept going because I loved expressing myself through style. Over time, brands started reaching out, and I realized I could turn my passion into something bigger. Read More>>

Conchita Brito

When my grandmother Abuela Conchita passed away in December of 2020, my life changed in more ways the one, Primarily spiritually.
A little back story.. She suffered from dementia. From the time that I was 15 years old. I was never able to talk to her or have a conversation. After she passed I have felt her presence with me very strongly. I knew at that moment it was my calling to have her messages of healing and helping live on. Read More>>

Mariia Grachova

I came to America 1.5 years ago from Ukraine, and many of my friends told me it would be logical for me to start working at Starbucks or DoorDash. But I knew I couldn’t work that long because my ambition is to change the world.

My thought behind starting Loona, my full-cycle marketing agency for home improvement companies, was driven by two things: market opportunity and personal passion. Read More>>

Ronnier

The idea for my boba tea shop came to me during my honeymoon in Hawaii with my wife. While exploring the islands, we fell in love with the unique flavors and refreshing drinks, especially the high-quality boba teas we tried. When we returned home, I realized there was an opportunity to bring that same experience to my community. I saw a gap in the market for premium ingredients and creative flavors, and I wanted to create a space where people could enjoy high-quality boba in a fun, welcoming environment. Read More>>

Maiah De La Rosa

My grandfather was the spark that ignited my leap of faith. He passed when I was young, but his words still echo in my mind: ‘Work for yourself.’ I’ve lived many lives and gathered a kaleidoscope of experiences. Through it all, I discovered that my gift is creating something out of nothing. I’ve been fortunate to accumulate the skills to make that happen. Read More>>

Nouchise Rowe

My thought process behind starting my social media management program was all about helping creators and small business owners show up confidently and consistently online. As a content creator myself, I know how overwhelming it can feel to manage everything, creating content, staying on top of trends, analyzing insights, and still trying to grow a brand authentically. Read More>>