Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Sumayah Lea | Clinical Herbalist & Henna artist

My dad owned his own business and I’d say that he had a huge impact on me in regards to self employment. However, I have never been good to being tied down to someone telling me what to do. I’m a free spirit in the way that I wanna do me and while I navigated the realms of employment through different companies. It always came down to someone stifling my creativity. Read more>> 

Lucas Rychlicki | Model, chef, businessman, hard-working

You know what ,it all came to me, I always dreamed of having more than one business and always being independent being a kid where it always was like that. I don’t know if you know but I’m an individualist and I like to work for myself where I get satisfaction from it, my ideas, my decisions thats it, my live. Read more>>

Abby Jahaira | Afro-Latina Content Creator

My creative journey started in 2017 when I decided to share my natural hair and self care journey on Youtube. The community of people that found value in my words compelled me to share my lifestyle, Caribbean culture, and so much more within my work. This allowed me the opportunity to go a step further and create Abby Jahaira the brand. Read more>>

Daiana Guastella | Manager FastForward US

When I think back to the origins of FastForward, the decision to start my own business was fueled by a blend of passion and necessity. Having studied Law in Buenos Aires, I recognized a gap in the market when it came to guiding businesses through the intricate web of regulatory compliance. My move to the United States only solidified this realization. Read more>>

Faby Alvarez | Founder & Artistic Director of BreakThru Dance Company

I’ve been thinking that dance has been an inaccessible discipline for too long. It costs lots of money, takes time out of busy parents’ schedules, and requires much dedication. I wanted to create a business where aspiring dancers who may not have the resources or time to go to a physical dance studio can learn from the comfort of their own homes, at a price that’s reasonable. Read more>>

Ana Garcia | Lead Designer

Prior to founding Bloom and Behold, I spent years working in a corporate environment elaborating sophisticated spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations – I was your typical corporate baddie. Although my corporate job was fulfilling and fun, I was still missing quality time with family and friends. In hopes to create bonding quality time with loved ones, I started purchasing flowers and bringing them home to make cutesy arrangements. Read more>>

Wendy Taliaferro | business

As a fine art photographer, I fell into graphic design through the printing industry. In fact, my first agency was born from a failed print shop. Eventually, a lifelong love of tech and a passion for innovation led me to launch Mad twenty-two years ago – it was just me and my laptop. Since then, the company has grown to include over 100 employees, comprising Mad Agency, Mad Studio, Mad Dev, Mad Arts, and MadLabs, with multiple locations across the U.S. and one in São Paulo, Brazil. Read more>>

Bree Flemings | Founder of Jem

My thought process was and has always been to make an impact, make a difference. If not, I won’t be motivated to pursue it. When I thought about Jem originally, I was at a gas station in Doral, FL working a job I completely hated and was more so upset that I wasn’t making enough money doing what I loved which was DJ’ing. The reason I couldn’t solely rely on DJ’ing is because I couldn’t find a way to continue finding consistent gigs. Read more>>

Francesca Bliss | South Florida Goddess Photographer

I had always been drawn to photography but for many years did not allow myself to try it because of my own personal limiting beliefs. Ten years ago I bought my first digital camera and signed up for a class at a local art school. The teacher gave us an assignment to photograph people, and when I saw how women’s faces lit up when they saw photos of themselves, I realized the transformational power of portrait photography. Read more>>

Mattia Casarotto | Area Manager

IDEA. Everything start with a vision and I checked if that idea was doable and if there was a market for that service/product. RESEARCH. Trying to understand the costs involved; check future competitors; look PLAN. Trying to put down a plan for start the business dividing all process in small steps Read more>>

Ariana Fein | small business owner, college student & model

I started my clothing like business to empower other woman. I made the theme of my business science/chemistry knowing I have a passion to one day become a Dr, but I also love fashion. Why not put the two together into one? Read more>>

Stafford Hall | IT Consultant

I have always enjoyed repairing and finding solutions for people. From the age of 12, I was interested in all things Tech. Repairing and finding solutions for family members, led to the eventual comment “you should start a business doing this”. So I did. Its been one of the most rewarding choices I have made and do not regret it. Read more>>

Amir Guirguis | Dentist and CEO

I wanted more freedom in my life. I knew if I worked for someone the rest of my life, I would be stuck in the daily grind. Because I made the decision to start my own company, I’m able to spend more time with family. Read more>>

Jeanette Balayla | Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Relationship Coach

My journey towards establishing my own business was rooted in my innate passion for listening and helping others. From a young age, I possessed a natural inclination to lend an ear and provide support. This desire to contribute positively led me to pursue a master’s in family therapy, with the aspiration of crafting something that would not only grant me personal fulfillment and financial stability but also allow me the time to give back to the community. Read more>>

Dr Benjamin R. Zedler | Chiropractic Physician

The mission of Evolve Family Chiropractic is to provide individuals, families, and athletes with scientific, specific, and results driven chiropractic care. We are dedicated to the promotion of health, the importance of chiropractic care, and the prevention of poor lifestyle decisions. In short, I wanted to be the change in health care in all of Miami-Dade County. Read more>>