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.

Andrew Geil

My thought process started with a realization: The traditional healthcare model is designed for insurance companies, not for athletes. I saw high level performers in Fort Lauderdale getting stuck in ‘physical therapy mill’ clinics where patients are just numbers, treatments are generic, and recovery is agonizingly slow. Read More>>

Manuel Peña

My thought process behind starting my own business was driven by my Father Yahuah a combination of purpose, passion, and a commitment to delivering a higher standard of service. As an architect, I realized early on that clients value direct communication, transparency, and a hands-on approach throughout every phase of a project. I wanted to build a firm where those principles weren’t just expectations… Read More>>

Neyza Diaz

From the start I knew I wanted to build something that honored how children learn best through play. I believe early learning is not a check list of skills but a rich, playful process where curiosity, language, and social confidence grow naturally. That belief shaped every decision I made about curriculum, space, and daily routines. Read More>>

Yailem Suarez

Starting my own business came from seeing a real gap in how people were being served, especially small business owners and working families. Many felt overwhelmed by taxes, insurance, and finances, and I wanted to create a place where clients felt educated, supported, and genuinely cared for — not rushed or treated like a number. Read More>>

Ashley Alphonse

Starting my own healthcare staffing business came from a very personal place—as a Black woman and a licensed surgical tech, I saw firsthand how much talent exists in our field and how limited access can be when you’re not part of the “right” networks. Read More>>

Michelle Archilla

As a multi-hyphenate, I often found myself within roles that were limited, creativity speaking. I reached the point where I wanted to color outside of the lines and the only way I could explore that was through my own creative studio. Read More>> 

Fumiko Miyamoto

Starting Scoobie’s Veterinary Concierge Service came from a very personal place. Over the years, I noticed a growing disconnect between how much veterinarians care and how little time the traditional model allows us to truly connect with our clients and patients. Appointments felt rushed, families felt unheard, and pets—especially seniors, anxious animals, or those with chronic conditions—often struggled in a clinic setting. Read More>>

Aline Ndalla

I met Denisse Hiller, co-founder of our networking initiative PR & Media Professionals, while volunteering at a tech event. During our conversation, I mentioned that I wanted to pivot back into PR but felt discouraged because Miami didn’t seem to have any PR-focused networking events. She replied, “Well, why don’t you create one?” Then she suggested we partner and build it together. That’s how PR & Media Professionals was born. Read More>>

 Bob Knotts

I’m a writer — 27 books, five plays, countless poems, lyric s and thousands of journalism pieces for every kind of outlet: major magazines such as Sports Illustrated and Travel & Leisure; newspapers including the NY Times, broadcast pieces, both TV and radio. I worked as a journalist for CBS affiliates in broadcast for several years and for the Sun-Sentinel as an investigative reporter for five and a half years. My writings led me to feel the need to put my ideas into practical effect with a nonprofit group. I founded the Humanity Project in 2005. Read More>>

Randy Atlas

I was working for other architecture firms, when I got out of college. Every time the firm got a great contract in, and I did a wonderful job, that would be the last project coming, and they would do Firm layoffs. After being laid off twice with two different firms, I decided if I was going to be poor and unemployed, I would prefer to work for myself. So I formed my own company in 1984. Read More>>

Nathalie Garcia

The most important factor behind the success of my business is God. Waking up everyday and praying over my business and asking God to guide me wherever he needs me to go. Read More>>

Dr. Crystal-Ann England

The most important factor behind my success and the success of my brand is my commitment to truth, storytelling, and courageous healing, not just for others, but first within myself. Read More>>

Macy Broyles

My balance has most definitely changed over time. I’m far more protective of my time and energy now than I was years ago. I love what I do, so working comes naturally, but I’ve learned to equally prioritize rest, health, and the relationships that keep me grounded. I’ve realized that when I take care of myself, my work is more creative, focused, and consistent. Read More>>