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.

Sarah-Jane & Giselle Liberty Newman

There wasn’t a grand plan when we started, everything evolved very organically. In 2020, Sarah-Jane began refinishing furniture during the Covid lockdowns as a creative outlet. She discovered a love for decoupage and bold wallpapers, but struggled to find designs that were truly colourful, expressive, and unique, so she began creating her own. What started as a personal project quickly caught the attention of the furniture artist community, and with their encouragement, Liberty James Studio naturally grew into a wallpaper brand. Read More>> 

Karina Rodriguez

Starting my own business was a deeply personal decision that grew from both passion and purpose. As a mental health professional, I had the privilege of working closely with women—especially mothers—during some of the most vulnerable and transformative moments of their lives. Over time, I noticed gaps in the kind of support many mothers were receiving, particularly around emotional health in the postpartum period. Read More>> 

Daniella

I started my business because I saw a need for landscapes that go beyond appearance — spaces that work with nature, not against it. Growing up in Miami, I was surrounded by lush tropical beauty, but also witnessed how quickly native ecosystems were being replaced by sterile, ornamental landscapes. I wanted to break away from the industry’s reliance on brightly colored, non-native plants that offer nothing to our pollinators, the constant use of chemical sprays, synthetic fertilizers, and the overwatered, herbicide-treated lawns that dominate so much of our environment.  Read More>>

Gio Negron

Starting my own business felt like the next step because most Audio Engineers in Miami studios are already 1099s, so it just made sense for me to go all in. My company, Jump Music Productions, is the main hub for music creation. From writing and recording to mixing and mastering, I do it all so clients get the full package when they work with me. I love being hands-on and making sure every step is just right to create hit records. Read More>> 

Malani Ramirez

My love for photography started when I was just a young girl, always with a camera in hand, photographing my little sister any chance I got. There was something magical about being able to freeze time—capturing her smile, laughter, and the everyday moments that felt like everything to me. Read More>> 

Paul Allen

I have an enormous passion for music. My father first asked me what I wanted to do and I said “I want to be a DJ.” Obviously he laughed but just like a good father he supported me. He helped me get all my equipment and even came out to a few of my venues. After a while I wanted to expand from just my single bar gig. I ventured out and put some time into some promo events for the community. It was then I did my first wedding.  Read More>> 

Defrizto Canton

For me it was about being able to have more control of my life and schedule. It was also about having a talent and figuring out how I can use said talent to create an actual business. Accountability is another one, when you work for yourself you are responsible for the outcome in most cases. Read More>> 

Tariya Allicock

My mindset when starting my business was simple:
I wanted freedom. Freedom to choose my clients, create on my own terms, and build something that wasn’t tied to anyone else’s rules. I wasn’t interested in being bound to a company—I wanted ownership over my craft, my schedule, and my success. Read More>> 

John Brooks

When I started Black Car Select, my vision was to provide the best luxury limo service in Miami and the surrounding areas. Miami is a bustling city, with key locations like Miami International Airport, Port of Miami, Miami Beach, and world-renowned event venues. There was a clear gap in the market for a private limo service in Miami that could cater to the premium needs of travelers, corporate clients, and special events. From the beginning, I wanted to create a transportation service that could deliver unparalleled comfort and reliability for both locals and visitors. Read More>> 

Mariana & Camila Castaneda

It all began with the desire to move forward in a country full of opportunities.
We are Camila and Mariana, sisters of Colombian origin, and moving to the United States taught us something powerful: to put love, care, and respect into everything we do.
Since we were little, we dreamed of starting our own business. That dream was deeply rooted in our father’s story. As a child, he saw the struggles of his mother —our grandmother— raising several children on her own, and he decided to start working and building a business at a young age to help support them. From him, we learned that hard work filled with love can open doors. Read More>> 

Marina Kuz

My name is Maryna Kuz. I’m a woman who loves beauty, meaningful details, and things that inspire. For me, business has always been more than numbers — it’s a way of expressing my soul, of connecting with others, and of creating something that brings joy.
My first business began with my dear friend Diana. Together, we launched an online store dianaandmarinadesign – Etsy for makers — people who work with wood, acrylic, and other creative materials. We offer toppers and custom-made accessories to help them bring beauty into special occasions. Read More>> 

Laurence Lansiart

I started my own online business to create a lifestyle of freedom and self-care. I focus on natural products because I believe in taking care of myself and the environment. My goal is to help people live healthier lives while also achieving financial freedom. It’s about building a life where I can work on my terms, do what I love, and make a positive impact. Read More>> 

Cory Pringle

My thought process behind starting my own business really came from hitting rock bottom. I had just filed for bankruptcy, and my previous business, Faith Hustle Media Group, wasn’t working out. I was doing a little bit of everything with no clear focus. That’s when I decided to hire a mentor to help me figure things out and finally create something that worked. Read More>> 

Mason Domecq

No matter what, everyone has to wake up in the morning and go do something with their lives. Go work, go study, go train, go volunteer, go raise children, go be a mother, a father, a role model. No matter what you may think, this is entirely voluntary! And even more important, this is entirely up to you to decide. The decisions you make on a daily basis put you exactly in the life positions you end up in. Read More>> 

Emilio Faim

I started my business because I saw how many great entrepreneurs had amazing products but were stuck in operational chaos or relying only on social media. They were working harder, not smarter, and their growth depended entirely on them being present every second. Read More>>