The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Yuliana Arroyave | Founder and Ceo of Miami Best Tours, customer service and tourism specialist

The story begins when 12 years ago I arrived in the United States with a job proposal that I started in my country of origin in one of the largest tourism fairs “Anato” in Bogotá, Colombia. where I attended representing a very well-known company in Medellin “Turibus”. There, I met the owner of a famous and very well-known double-decker bus company in Miami. This proposal came a month after attending this fair. Read more>>

Tracy Milgram | Founder of BRCAStrong

Tracy Milgram, the founder of BRCAStrong, was driven by a deep sense of purpose and a desire to create a supportive community for individuals facing hereditary cancer risks. Her journey began with her own experience as a BRCA carrier, which opened her eyes to the unique challenges faced by those in similar situations. Tracy recognized the need for a space where previvors, survivors, and thrivers could find resources, share their stories, and feel empowered. With this vision, she founded BRCAStrong, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education, support, and advocacy for individuals at high risk for breast and ovarian cancer. Tracy’s thought process was rooted in empathy, resilience, and a commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others, turning her personal experience into a powerful mission to uplift and inspire. Read more>>

Alyssa Grover | Executive Chef & Co-Founder

I am an innovative entrepreneur. When the opportunity came to reinvent ourselves to become a viable business through the pandemic, I wanted to go back to my roots and cook the food that I am passionate about. As a trained chef and business woman, I found the opportunity to show our local community food that I grew up with and love to share with others. Read more>>

Emily Nikolenko | Multi Artist & Designer

It has to be an idea that represents you and your perception. This perception you have is then shared with the world. You are the main character not just because of who you are or what you look like, but it’s what you’re doing and what message you are portraying. This business I am working to create is a combination of curating, serving others, singing, and creating my work that I pour myself into to resonate with others. It’s an entire experience and I look forward to finding a way to bring a community together of like-minded folks to spread this message of love, patience, consolation, beauty, and empathy. Read more>>

Miichii | Electronic Music Producer, DJ and Audio Engineer

The idea for starting Readysound.io came from a place of pure nerdiness and passion, as well as my desire to output everything I learned in Full Sail University as an Audio Engineer. I’ve been deep into electronic music production for a while, and as I kept growing and experimenting, I found myself really enjoying the technical side of things—like, way too much. I realized I was constantly talking to friends and other producers about the ins and outs of audio engineering, and I figured, why not turn that into something more structured? Read more>>

Alfio Lora | Professional Photographer / Videographer

The first and most important thing was doing something that I feel passionate about. Life has taught me that as long as I do something that I love and I feel passionate about, It will never be “work”. That has proven to be true to me. Read more>>

Ron Jones | CEO and Developer

I started Collective Minds Inc to help artists and entrepreneurs gain exposure. I did that because a I saw a gap in talent and recognition and wanted to help any way I could.

I started ATH – Pickup Basketball App because I love hooping. I hate showing up to empty courts when I’m looking for runs and I’m tired of not knowing where the good games are at. So I built a tool for all hoopers Read more>>

Freya Pan | Sommelier, Founder of Somm Copy Co. & Writer for Somm Copy Co

I have been in the restaurant industry for 13 years, and witnessed the scene change a lot after COVID-19.

Businesses that used to be profitable suddenly lost touch with their customer base and struggled to recover. Due to the digitalization of nearly everything during the pandemic, effective marketing changed for restaurants. Most consumer-based businesses saw a need for social media promotion, let alone restaurants. Read more>>

Savage The Dapper Barber | Barber, Shop Owner, Author, & Brand Owner

Starting my own business was born out of a desire to help other shop owners in the barbershops where I had worked. Over time, I realized that while my advice and suggestions were well-intentioned, they weren’t always welcomed or implemented. This led me to a pivotal decision: if I wanted to truly embrace my vision and creative potential, I needed to step out on my own. It wasn’t an easy choice by any means, but it was a necessary one for my personal and professional growth. Taking this leap allowed me to fully express my creativity and build a business that reflects my passion and values. Read more>>

Dakota Kalbacher | CEO & Founder of Kota Marketing

I started my company, Kota Marketing, while I was still in college, during my last semester at Long Island University in New York. There was no planning whatsoever. In fact, it all kind of fell into place. The pandemic hit and, for those who aren’t aware, New York was a different world during Covid, especially where I was living in the Hamptons. Businesses were shutting down left and right and I saw a need amongst local businesses- the need to modernize and have an online presence, whether that be through social media or by having an awesome website. Restaurants and boutique stores in the Hamptons needed to make a shift towards technology, and I was there to help them. Not only did we help them survive, we helped them thrive by reinventing their brands for the modern world. Read more>>

Abdul Arham Zeeshan | Business Man

Starting Clothing Enhancer was driven by my passion for high-quality, sustainable fashion and a desire to offer brands unique, customizable apparel that tells their story. I wanted to make a positive impact in the industry by combining exceptional craftsmanship with ethical practices. Read more>>

Amy Walberg

When I started PRESS, my thought process was simple: I wanted to give consumers a choice they weren’t getting. Too often, we’re swept into the marketing machines of big-name brands without being offered something different. With PRESS, I saw an opportunity to create a seltzer brand born out of pure passion for the product—a passion that I knew wasn’t being tapped into by the market. PRESS is about filling that gap and offering something unique to consumers who deserve better. Read more>>