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.

Edmanuel Font

The thought process of starting my own business, was the liberty of doing something that I was passionate about on my own time, and most importantly when I wanted to. I didn’t like the fact I would work a 9 to 5 job, sometimes more than 8 hours a day, come home tired and I didn’t have the energy to work on my craft or plan out my business. Read More>>

Yari V.

Starting my own business was driven by a passion for storytelling and design, and a deep desire to help others bring their vision to life. I realized there was a real need for accessible, intentional branding—especially for small business owners who had incredible ideas but didn’t always have the tools or guidance to bring them to market effectively. Read More>>

Brianna Gabriela

From a young age, I developed a strong work ethic, beginning my first job at just 14 years old. This early start not only taught me valuable skills but also sparked my ambition to pursue my goals with determination. As I navigated through various jobs, I realized that, while I enjoyed hard work, I also deeply valued my freedom and the ability to shape my own path. Read More>>

Tamara Fayad

When I first entered the workforce after college, I quickly learned that the typical corporate environment wasn’t the right fit for me. While many people thrive in that setting, I found myself being pulled to a different path—I knew there had to be another way. I wanted to find a way to make a living while also feeling deeply fulfilled and having the time to pursue the life I envisioned for myself. So, I took the leap, quit my job and became a certified yoga instructor. It took years of struggle, working multiple “gigs” and many thoughts of doubt. I kept pushing because I knew deep down inside I could do this, I could make that dream of mine come true. 10 years later, my business is thriving, and I’m so grateful for the resilience that kept me going and the incredible support system that helped me along the way. Read More>>

Christina Shaneyfelt

This business is a true reflection of my lifestyle, it’s built around my passion for movement, human connection and helping people feel good from the inside out. I grew up in a household that valued a holistic touch, but I pursued a traditional medical path through university and into my career. For a long time I had this internal conflict with how to merge my love for science with a deep belief in the power of holistic health. It wasn’t until I discovered Pilates that everything came together. Pilates taught me that movement is more than just physical, it’s healing, empowering and transformative. Read More>>

Preya/Jade Dharampaul

To be able to apply our passion and turn it into meaningful careers. This was instilled at an early age as we were both raised with families who have generational entrepreneurial mindsets. Jade’s grandma operated her own horse training school and her dad followed his passion and currently owns a construction company. Preya’s maternal grandparents inherited rice farming and her paternal grandparents operated a taxi service while running a liquor store. Her dad also followed his passion in auto repair and owns his own shop. Read More>>

 Diana Marin

27 TrendStore was born from a deeply personal need to reconnect with myself as I approached my 40s. It wasn’t a strategic business decision, it was a heart-led one.
I’m Diana proud Latina, mom of two, and founder of this brand.
I’ve worked for over 15 years in marketing, online sales, business administration, licensing, accounting, payroll, tech you name it. I helped others build their dreams. I was the best at it. But for so long, I didn’t believe I could do the same for myself. Read More>>

Helena Carmouze

All of my life, I’ve loved the arts and creating. Photography was not an original form that I used to create, but once I discovered it, it quickly became something that filled my heart. I discovered my love for photography after I had a session done of myself. That day, I had my hair and makeup done and the experience made me feel so beautiful. I knew that I wanted other women to feel what I did. I picked up a camera and invited a few of my friends over for a girls day. We took so many photos, had such a great time that it only confirmed what I had already known… I was smitten with photography. My friends started recommending me to their friends and my business was born. Read More>>

Sarahi Batista

The idea for starting my business came very naturally. I’ve always loved having picnics, painting, and enjoying drinks with friends or my partner. One day, while we were at a beautiful lake doing just that, it just clicked — I wanted to create an experience where more people could enjoy these simple joys, but with a high-end, luxury touch. I wanted to blend my love for art, creativity, nature, and entrepreneurship into one unique experience. Read More>>