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.

Maria Varela

I realized that, from my perspective, working for someone else in the United States felt like a form of servitude. I came to understand that true freedom required me to build my own business. Read More>> 

Nimal Samuel

When I first came to Miami from Sri Lanka, I worked very hard at different jobs to support my family and to save for a home. But deep down, I always dreamed of having something of my own, a business that reflected who I am and what I love. Growing up in a tropical country, I was surrounded by nature, and orchids always fascinated me with their beauty and resilience. One day, I saw someone selling orchids, and I thought, maybe I can do that too. Read More>> 

Maria Moreno

My journey into entrepreneurship was deeply personal. After experiencing postpartum depression following a miscarriage and then the exhausting nights with my rainbow baby, who woke every hour, I understood firsthand how sleep deprivation can impact a mother’s mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. Hiring a sleep consultant completely changed my life. My baby began sleeping through the night, my mental health improved, and I finally felt like myself again. Read More>>  

John Blizzard

Tara and I were always very passionate about health and wellness. As former athletes and now parents we are constantly working out and eating healthy, staying active. We were fortunate enough to meet our partner Ricardo Wilson in 2022. Ricardo’s knowledge of fitness and wellness space changed our whole mind set and we decided to Open Apollo Wellness in 2024, with the goal of being a First Class Anti-aging and HRT Therapy Model in South Florida. Read More>> 

Steven Holland

I decided to move from Atlanta to Miami to enjoy the “bachelor” life but came across the Hollywood area and really like the vibe – beach, artistic, family-oriented, beautiful downtown and convenient to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. But I couldn’t find a resource to tell me all that is happening in the Hollywood area. So I started Hollywood TAP – Trends And Places to give people like myself the resource to keep up on everything in the area (Hollywood, Dania Beach, Hallandale Beach, Miramar, Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, West Park and Davie). I consider these other 7 cities to be part of the Hollywood area because they all border Hollywood. 8 cities don’t border Miami or Fort Lauderdale so Hollywood must have something special! Read More>> 

ROMINA Orozco-Encio

Abbott Florist has been in my family since 1990, so for me, it wasn’t just about starting a business — it was about continuing a legacy and evolving it for today’s world. I grew up surrounded by flowers, creativity, and a strong work ethic. Taking over the business was a way to honor my parents’ hard work while putting my own vision into it — building community relationships, creating designs that tell a story, and showing that flowers can be part of everyday life, not just special occasions. Read More>> 

Pedro Abdala, William Ryan, & Marciano Oliveira

Temple Martial Arts came to life when we realized the Miami martial arts community was missing the deep connection and tradition that first drew us to the practice. While there are many studios in the area, few offer the intimacy and focus of a small, dedicated school. Our founders spent time immersed in the arts such as Wing Chun and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and knows firsthand the transformation that happens under the close guidance of a sensei. With Temple, we’ve returned to those roots—keeping our classes small, our approach personal, and our community grounded in the discipline and respect of true martial arts tradition. We offer a range of classes and welcome students of all ages, creating a space where everyone can train, grow, and belong. Read More>> 

Jade Fasano

Honestly, it came from a mix of passion and frustration. I’ve always loved movement and helping people feel strong in their bodies, but I was tired of environments where I didn’t feel fully supported or valued, like I was just another trainer fighting for clients. I wanted more freedom to express my own style, create meaningful connections, and build something that truly reflected my energy and values. Read More>>

Kaitlin Malley Aka Makeup Houdini

To be honest.. the one reoccurring thought that goes through my mind time and time again, “Why not just try?”

This is what gave me makeup in the very first place and it what keeps me going this day and what I encourage others to do too: why not just try? Read More>> 

Tony Redd

I always used to say i desired to start my own business because I saw my parents Jason and Taqueena Witherspoon in entrepreneurship a lot but I was still playing basketball at Gardener Webb. Many life changing events happened on my end spiritually, mentally, and physically which led me to ask God what was my purpose on this Earth, and he told me “Get your pen and pad” so i did. He then began giving me different business ventures and the last thing he told me was “2 Tone, there can be two sides to your story. Trust in Him.” I just took it and ran with it. Read More>> ‘

Rafael Montilla

When I founded Art Miami Magazine in 2012, my thought process was rooted in both passion and necessity. Miami had already emerged as a global hub for contemporary art, especially during Art Basel, yet there wasn’t an independent platform dedicated to consistently highlighting the incredible depth of creativity here year-round. I wanted to create a space where artists, galleries, curators, and art lovers could find thoughtful coverage, meaningful dialogue, and visibility beyond fleeting events. Read More>> 

Lisandra

For me, starting my own business came from a mix of personal experience and vision. I was born in Cuba and came to the United States when I was six years old. Growing up, I didn’t have many photographs from my childhood or family history, and now as an adult, I realize how much I wish I did. That shaped how I saw photography early on—not just as images for today, but as part of someone’s legacy that only grows more meaningful over time. Read More>> 

Phoebe O’Neill

At the start of 2025, my friends and I were making vision boards. I set the intention that by year’s end, I’d be looking at spaces for a hybrid office and gallery. I’ve always known that when I opened a studio for Phoebe O’Neill Interiors, it would be more than just an office—because art is at the heart of my work, I envisioned something that felt like a gallery, where exhibitions and design could live side by side. Read More>> 

Felicia Frazier

I’ve always been a curious person, interested in creating and reimagining various facets of life, from my passion for restoring old properties to devising innovative business solutions in my previous leadership roles in the corporate world. Building something, creating something, and solving problems have shaped my life for as long as I can remember, so starting a business felt like the natural next step in my life journey. Curiosity drives me forward always. I love the journey of creating and all the benefits, the life-affirming energy that creating, testing, and executing delivers. Read More>> 

Erika Collins

I’ve been an entrepreneur since I was probably 12 years old. I was the neighborhood babysitter and lawnmower, and then years later had a full childcare business. During that time I decided I wanted to go to college for business and earned my bachelors in international real estate. I had learned about human traffiking and wanted to be a part of the solution. Helping with business creation and rehabiliation in empoverished areas is the goal I am working towards. During my bachelors studies, I was given an assignment to learn about real estate developing as a means of enhancing local economies as well.  Read More>> 

Jovanna Correa

My business really came from two worlds colliding. On one side, I’ve always had the entrepreneurial drive; I even pursued my Master’s in International Business because I knew I wanted to build something of my own one day. On the other side, I’ve always been deeply passionate about fitness, health, and beauty (looking and feeling my best). When I realized I could combine my business knowledge with my personal passion, everything just clicked. It felt like the stars aligned, and that’s really how my brand was born. Read More>>