Readers often email us asking us for advice about new businesses they are thinking about starting and we often find that many of them don’t have a framework for thinking about a more fundamental question: why should or shouldn’t you start a business?

Below, you’ll find how successful entrepreneurs from across the city thought about this very question when they were considering whether to start their businesses.

Lee Evans

Wow, I love this question. For me, the main questions are, “Is there a gap in the marketplace?” and “Does this product exist already?” I didn’t want to create just another shade of red lipstick, I wanted to disrupt the entire marketplace by bringing something to retail that actually did not exist. After dreaming of the idea, I spent about a month researching if a blend of luxury wear and athletic material had been done. Once I had confirmed that it hadn’t, the path was set. Read more>>

Yvonne, Nicole And Cecille Levy | Alev Jewelry Co-Owners

We had a passion for jewelry and recognized a gap in Miami for modern, trendy, fine jewelry that could be worn daily. To fill this void, we set out to innovate. Our goal was to offer clients the chance to wear stunning fine jewelry personalized to their taste, with options to select the gold color, the diamonds’ shape, and different contemporary designs—all at competitive prices. Read more>>

Nicole Minotti | Master Cerologist (Esthetician/ Waxer)

I started my own business for a combination of reasons; first my passion for beauty and self care. My enthusiasm for these areas drove my dedication and determination. I also came from working at a huge franchise and wanted to open a space that was intimate and offered a more personal experience. The beauty industry is constantly evolving and being able to have my own creative freedom to experiment with new products , techniques and trends has been such a game changer for me. Flexibility and independence; also a big one for me 🙂 I will say being your own boss definitely has its ups and downs, but its very rewarding at the end. Read more>>

Maddy Allure | Pro Makeup Artist

Initially, I Was in a lot of doubt because there was no concrete guarantee that things would work out. But this is something I’ve always wanted to do. In high school my teacher gave us an assignment about careers we wanted to do. And at the time I wrote down Makeup Artist. Years have passed by since I turned that assignment in and I decided to pursued other things. But my heart kept pulling me back in that direction. Read more>>

Casey Morris | Owner, See Worthy Consulting

I had been freelancing for two years when I decided to make it official. As a marketing consultant who helps small businesses grow by building websites, managing social media, and providing digital advertising, I knew I needed a website to better market my services. Since I was already building a website, I wanted to go one step further and create an entire brand and company. You have to walk the walk, you know? Read more>>

Jero Arias | Founder & Project Director at RLT Visualization Studio

Starting my own business was a decision driven by a mix of passion and opportunity. I’d been working in the 3D modeling and 3D visualization since 2013, and I realized there was a growing demand for high-quality visuals, especially as industries like interior design, and architecture. Read more>>

Stacey Martin | Owner- SHERO CANDLE COLLECTION

My brand is extremely important to me and as I thought about what that meant and how I wanted others to know more about me and my brand, it was a no brainer to dedicate my brand in memory of my mother who lost her battle in 2020 to pancreatic cancer. In 2020 we created a scent together that I made special for her with the hope it would provide a sense of peace and comfort as she was fighting the good fight. Read more>>

Don Nechtman | American fashion designer and entrepreneur

Off-Stitch began as Super Soles in 2013 when I was just 12 years old, but while the name has changed, the mission remains the same. Off-Stitch exists to innovate and play a vital role in the ever-evolving fashion industry. As a proud American, I’m dedicated to giving back to my country in meaningful ways—by creating local manufacturing jobs in South Florida, committing to sustainability to help keep God’s green earth thriving, and offering affordable premium goods so that quality fashion is accessible to everyone. Off-Stitch isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement that redefines fashion with every stitch, empowering you to wear your confidence boldly. Read more>>

Shantel Davis | Fashion Designer/Seamstress

My thoughts were how was I gonna go about it? Where am I gonna get the startup money? So I have done plenty of research to answer these questions. I have worked with a lot of Fashion Designers and Seamstresses and one of them told me that I need to register my business. So she gave me a website to try out which www.sunbiz.org. So in 2019 I decided to get my Sewing and Fashion Business registered so I filled out the forms in order to get an LLC and it was approved right away. Read more>>

Katelin Arroliga | Pro Brow artist

Honestly the thought process behind starting my own business goes wayyy back to when I was a regular employee . I was miserable at every job and I was never content. I always called out and found any excuse not to go to work because none of those jobs fulfilled me . My last straw was being told no when I needed a day off to take my son to the doctors . As a young mom , bosses never took me serious so I vowed to never have to ask for a day off again ! From there, I left it in God’s hands and I used the gift he gave me to build the business I have today. Read more>>

Kemuel Pierre-louis | Creative Director

Upon graduating with my masters, I had tons of networking experience in Miami, Florida and figured most people would come to me for the services I rendered throughout my collegiate career. This calculated risked allowed me to employ some of the most skilled crew members to produce some creative and original visuals production in and out. Read more>>

Stephanie Denooyer | Event planner & Promoter

As I embarked on the journey of opening an event company catering to the LGBTQ community, my thought process was fueled by a deep sense of inclusivity and celebration of love in all its forms. I recognized the importance of creating safe, welcoming spaces where individuals could express themselves freely and authentically without fear of judgment. Read more>>

Pollethe Ramirez | Digital Marketing Expert

Starting my marketing agency came at a pivotal moment in my career. After being laid off and working with other agencies, I saw this as the perfect opportunity to take control of my own path. Having worked in this field for over 7+ years and make a big impact in an agency successfully before, I knew that I had both experience and skillset to successfully launch and scale another. Read more>>

Aytia Tarpley | CEO & HT Consultant

The impetus for starting my business stemmed from recognizing a gap within my community. Broward County excels in educating the public about human trafficking and offering support to survivors. However, I observed a notable absence of survivor voices contributing to these discussions and providing training on the subject. As a survivor of human trafficking myself, I felt compelled to address this gap by becoming a prominent advocate and consultant. I believe that those with firsthand experience offer unparalleled insights into the issue. Read more>>

Zainab Munir | Customer Relations Manager

The and the purpose behind starting this business was the solely concerned providing customers with quality products at economical rates.
We see that not everyone has the buying power enough to meet the prices of Zara, LV , Gucci, and many other huge brands. Being born into the city where the raw material is easily available at cheaper rates as well as having full knowledge of exporting clothes and sports goods to the rest of the world encouraged us to take this huge step at the age of 18. Read more>>

Attila Yildiz | Team Leader – Team Attila Yildiz

Being a self employed business owner was a very difficult decision but it was my dream. After working many years in multi national companies and holding up to C level Executive positions this decision was tough but necessary. It meant freedom for me. Read more>>

Angelica Lopez | Nail Enthusiast & Artist

I wanted something to do especially after having no hobbies even after the covid pandemic and so I chose to start doing nails even if I knew I wouldn’t be good at it right then and there. Read more>>

Karelle Levy

I love to knit and create fabrics. The best use for fabrics is wearing them! Fashion allows me to create wearable fabric. We change our clothes everyday, so this to me is the most utilitarian fabric ever made. As an artist I use the materials like paint, through color and texture I am able to create unique, wearable and comfortable clothes for all women who want something special. Read more>>