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.

Danielle Howe | Owner- The Munching Unicorn & Strategic Marketing Consultant

I have always wanted to give back to my community and give people the opportunity to make new and lasting memories while pursuing my passions. During the pandemic, I began making confectionary treats to share with my friends and family to share some joy during a difficult time. My family and friends encouraged me to turn my hobby into a business. Being a business owner allows me to give joy to persons through this unique culinary experience. Read more>>

Andrea Estefania Rubio | Macrame Fashion Designer

Ever since I was a little girl I always loved creating. It’s been a passion of mine for years and the more I traveled the world, the more that passion became alive. As a single parent, also my choices were extremely limited so I decided to come up with an idea that I could do from my home while still be there for my son. It all started as a hobby during the pandemic and then, as time progressed, I began to sell online and to people that saw my designs. It’s been 3 years now and every year is a different stage for my brand. I am happy to contribute to the slow fashion industry and help our beautiful planet Earth by creating timeless and unique pieces with macrame. Read more>>

Nelmary Rodriguez-Lipinski | Floral Designer

I had recently become a mom when I decided to start my own business and while I loved my corporate NYC job, I had a long commute and very little time to spend with my daughter when I got home from work. I have always been creative and I love designing so I decided to use those talents and start at Floral business. My thought process was if I started my own business I could create a schedule that works for me and my family while continuing to offer financial support. Read more>>

Dina Gosselin | Founder, Be The Light Malas

It all started with the desire to calm my anxious mind and facilitate meditation and mindfulness. I looked for a mala that could help me recite a mantra to calm my “monkey mind” while also matching my modern spirituality and style. After shopping around unsuccessfully, I decided to make my own. The feel and healing properties of real gemstones are utterly magical. While my fingers knot each stone to create each Be The Light Mala, it’s our journeys symbolically weaving us together that I see as a privilege of a lifetime. Read more>>

Caren Escatel | Entrepreneur

What made me start my own business is the simple fact that back in 2018 when I first had the thought in my head, there was no cute girly smoking accessory options. I realized it would be a great idea to open up a Girly Online Smoke shop for all. We initially went viral on Tiktok during the pandemic and got more known. All thought we have success there was many obstacles such as getting our pages deleted due to Cannabis Censorship and this issue is still going on for my business and many others. However I’m so thankful to have the opportunity to learn lessons and grow my business organically. Read more>>

Nancy Dumay | CEO and Owner of KalturalRoots

Being in the Diaspora, it was evident the Community was craving for something that could link them to their roots. I wanted to create something that not only represents the culture; but, something that can be worn. at any type of events and by anyone no matter your field of work. Read more>>

Elia Gasbarro | Entrepreneur

House of Onde is driven by a combination of personal aspirations and a deep connection to the ocean. The desire to be my own boss motivated me to step into the world of entrepreneurship, seeking the freedom to shape a creative path and fostering personal growth. Creativity and passion played a pivotal role in this journey. A profound love for crafting, ignited by the joy of beachcombing and discovering treasures like shells and shark teeth, became the driving force behind my creative endeavors. It isn’t just about running a business; it’s about crafting a unique identity and purpose. My goal is not just to create jewelry but to craft pieces that tell stories and hold sentimental value, creating a profound connection with customers on a deeply personal level. Read more>>

Brian Corriston | Golf Simulator Owner and Operator

For as far back as I can remember I was always happiest when sports were part of my life. I had played golf for a while before the COVID lockdown but my love and passion for the game really amped up during that time. Post lockdown when It was time to start going back to work I knew I wanted to make a change and be in the golf industry somehow. My game wasn’t quite ready to become a PGA teaching pro but I knew It was close. I decided opening up a golf simulator business would be a great way to stay around the game and make living doing something I love. Read more>>