Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Marte Siebenhar | Executive Coach & Energy Healer

People have always come to me seeking guidance, advice, or directions, even in places I’ve never visited! This is the metaphor behind my business. After years of climbing the career ladder and never feeling quite fulfilled, I took my own direction. I now help others achieve success through a combination of strategic business coaching with evidence-based healing techniques, which help them clear internal obstacles toward greater prosperity and fulfillment. Read more>>

Marie Nativita Laurent | Owner & President of Multi Professional Services & Tax

Freedom. Growing up I always dreamed about being a successful woman in Corporate America. My dreams shattered when I had to face a harsh reality of having heart failure and surgery. Sitting on my hospital bed I felt my life had stopped in real time, wondering what will I do now. While being in surrender mode I realized that this experience does not have to be my end but my journey to freedom. This compelled me to start my own company, Multi Professional Services & Tax. Read more>>

Blanca Diaz | Studio Owner & Board Certified Behavior Analyst

Starting my own business was driven by a blend of passion and purpose. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with extensive experience in the autism community, I recognized the profound impact of inclusive spaces where everyone can express themselves freely and be celebrated for their unique perspectives. Read more>>

Manning Sumner | CEO and Founder of LEGACY and No Days Off

Starting my own business was driven by the realization that I could do things differently. After years of working as a personal trainer and traveling from gym to gym around the country with clients, I noticed a pattern — these gyms lacked energy and inspiration, they were all the same. For me, it wasn’t just about opening a gym; I wanted to create a space that motivated people, where fitness was not just a task but a lifestyle and a culture. Read more>> 

Sreshtha Tewari | Emotional Intelligence Love Coach

I started my coaching business because I always wanted to help and motivate other persons. At first I thought about volunteering at my former high school. However, something within me was driving me to focus on women. Read more>>

Attorney Heather Gomez | Florida Personal Injury Attorney and Gomez Law, PLLC Owner

Following graduation from the University of Miami School of Law, laboring long hours for someone else’s law firm wouldn’t serve my schedule or purpose. Prior to becoming an attorney, my career as a neurogenic speech pathologist led me to owning my therapy company, which continues to operate. Running that business, being a mother and working for a large law firm didn’t seem possible. I knew my days required flexibility, so I chose to start my own law firm the day after I was barred in Florida. Read more>>

Chloe Aloizos | Entrepreneur & Business Women

The thought process for me behind starting my own business was fairly slim. Slim to none actually. I never thought of having my own business. I had simply made my own jacket with the help of my sister to represent my boyfriend at his baseball games. I had seen some online that really caught my attention and I asked myself “why don’t you try to make it yourself?” In succeeding to make that jacket. I had worn it to games and had got so many compliments on it. His family and my family had told me so many times I should start to think about make them for others. Read more>>