Starting a business can be terrifying. Weighing the pros and cons, the risks, and other considerations can be so overwhelming that often promising entrepreneurs stop before they even start. We asked some phenomenal entrepreneurs about their thought process behind starting their own businesses. Our hope is that by making the thought-process less intimidating we can help more folks think through whether they should take an entrepreneurial leap.

María Florencia Di Croche | Life Coach and Positive Impact Consultant

Starting my own business was a journey of self-discovery and reflection. After over 20 years of a successful career as a Marketing and Sales Director in digital media and renowned NGOs, I faced significant personal challenges that pushed me to build resilience and rethink what success really meant to me. During this time, I started questioning whether my actions aligned with my values. While I enjoyed marketing, I realized there was something missing when I was only focused on goals that didn’t fully resonate with my deeper values. Read more>>

Asuki Karimai | Flower Architect, Fashion Specialist

I was born and raised in the Harajuku area of Tokyo, Japan which is like a mix of Miami’s Design District & Wynwood, with its fashion and creative atmosphere. My grandmother and father were masters of traditional Japanese flower arrangements, while my mother graduated from a dressmaking school and sold accessories and clothes while raising us. With such parents and environment, I thought it was natural for me to become an artist. However, after graduating from university, I built a career in retail and wholesale sales for fashion companies, which also made me love business and numbers. Read more>>

Latoya Daye | Tax preparation , Model and Actress

I am a medically retired Marine Corps veteran who lives with chronic pain, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and the list goes on. When I started working a 9-5 job, I realized that the demands of my medical conditions were too much for me. I would get worn out during the day and need to nap; I would get nauseous or get a migraine and need to go home. The regular 9-5 was no match for my health. I needed to make a change.  Read more>>

Ana Hess | Smoke Shop Owner

My decision to start my own business was fueled entirely by my passion. I was motivated to launch a mobile smoke shop and online store because I’ve always been immersed in the smoking industry. Growing up, I was exposed to tobacco by my grandparents, who were smokers. Over time, this early exposure evolved into a genuine interest in the world of smoking. Read more>>

Niki Sung | CEO of Cigar Muse

Women have made significant and often overlooked contributions to the success of the cigar industry, from the cultivation of tobacco to the artistry of blending and rolling cigars. Historically, women have played crucial roles within the industry as skilled artisans, business leaders, and brand ambassadors. Despite their impact, recognition has often eluded them, leading to a persistent underrepresentation in the industry today. Read more>>

Mario Vivanco | Event Production

After a decade of passionately working as a DJ alongside my business partner, we decided to go part ways. This transition marked a pivotal moment for me, inspiring me to keep leading my team and channel my love for the industry into creating Fuego Productionz. Opening Fuego Productionz was driven not only by my deep-rooted passion for DJing and event production but also by my commitment my team, our clients and long-term affiliates who have valued and supported my brand. Read more>>

Graciela Diaz | Founder/ Owner

My thought process behind starting Virgo & Gem was rooted in my personal frustration with traditional nail polish and gel manicures. When I was younger, I worked as a server, and I’d always paint my nails before my shift. Without fail, I’d end up with smudged and chipped polish every time—so frustrating! I then decided to start doing my own gel nails, but that quickly became a chore because of how long it took. Read more>>

Yli Liriano | International Image Consultant , Makeup Artist & Model

From a young age, I’ve always wanted two things: 1. To be my boss and 2. To positively impact people’s lives through fashion and makeup artistry, leaving a trail of inspiration wherever I go. At age four, I confidently applied my first “wing eyeliner” and envisioned incredible makeovers for people, transforming their entire look in my mind. Following my dreams of transforming someone’s look inside and out, I became the Ceo of Yli’s Love Look, an international Image consulting brand focusing on personal and celebrity fashion styling. In addition, I’m also a makeup artist and CEO of Yli, Love How You Look Cosmetics. Read more>>

Robnitia Weekley | Entrepreneur

When starting Stamped For You LLC, my thought process was driven by a combination of passion, practicality, and the desire for personal and professional growth. First, I identified a need in my community for accessible, reliable, and professional notary services. Many people struggle to find a notary who is not only convenient but also knowledgeable about different types of documentation, from legal forms to real estate transactions. Recognizing this gap inspired me to create a business that could provide those services with efficiency and personalized attention. Read more>>

Lindsay Scherr Burgess | CEO & Moss Boss

Unlike most businesses, I started Green Wallscapes by accident. I saw a piece of European moss art on Pinterest in 2016 and thought it would be fun to make one for myself. I went to the craft store, bought a frame and some moss and glued it on (all the moss fell off since I used the wrong adhesive, but that’s another story). We showed some friends what we made and they asked us to make some for them too. Read more>>

Mariana Pino-chaluja | Founder & CEO

The Vision Behind All the Vibes. The creation of All the Vibes, an athleisure wear company specifically for women, stemmed from a blend of personal passion and market insight. Observing the athleisure market, it became clear that many existing options lacked the functionality and comfort women truly needed. This realization highlighted a significant gap and inspired me to launch a brand that could address these shortcomings. Read more>>

Roxanne Wilmath | Owner and transformational stylist

My thought process behind starting my own business was the desire to create a one stop shop where people could enjoy themselves in a more intimate setting. I wanted to provide community, high end pampering, exceptional service and detailed results. I wanted a place of honesty and integrity between other stylists working together, a place where we could learn technique and etiquette. It was important to me that we have open conversations through monthly meetings to attain goals and brainstorm together to build connection and trust. Read more>>

Holly Cleckler | Doctor of Physical Therapy & Personal Trainer

I didn’t originally set out to start my own business. After graduating from physical therapy school, I envisioned a career in an outpatient sports ortho clinic, believing that would be my lifelong path. However, once I began working, I realized the clinic setting often limited my ability to guide patients through their complete recovery. Around the same time, I began what I initially considered a fitness side hustle, working with both fitness and physical therapy clients outside of my corporate job. When the pandemic hit the following year, I transitioned to seeing clients independently. Read more>>

Randy Fifield | Founder & Chairwoman

When I first thought of starting my own business, freedom was extremely important to me. There weren’t many women in my line of work, so actually having the time to incubate my ideas was essential to creating a business that represented me. I was granted the ability to create something completely unique on my own terms that reflects my ethos. One that truly allowed my life, work, and play to feel different than a man’s. Read more>>

Chernele Lloyd | Trusted Residential & Commercial Realtor

Risk is a fundamental part of many aspects of life, including personal growth and career development. In a broad sense, taking risks often involves stepping out of one’s comfort zone and facing uncertainties, which can lead to both opportunities and challenges. In May 2024 I decided it was time for me to step out on faith and pursue real estate full-time. I resigned from my corporate job and took my leap of faith knowing that between God and my work ethic I would be ok. Was it a risk? Yes. Read more>>

Cleophus P. Franklin Jr. | Author/Entrepreneur/Professor

First, I must disclose that I have always been a risk-taker. It’s not that I move about with a cavalier and overconfident attitude; it’s just that I view taking risks as an opportunity versus something that is to be feared. To go from good to great is all in your ability to take risks! There’s a quote from a story in my leadership book, Conversations From Cleo, that also illustrates my perspective on taking risks. The quote is, “Don’t wait to create. Because while you wait, someone else is perfecting what you are waiting for!” Read more>>

Amber | Managing Director & Event Specialist

I think taking risk plays a huge role in the entrepreneurial journey. It’s something that is present in our day to day life and decision making. As an entrepreneur we are not guaranteed a certain salary or monthly income. So literally every decision, must be calculated and must make sense. I’ve taken many risks on my journey and I’ve failed many times but I’ve also learned from my set backs and use them to refine my strategy. You know the saying “A setback is nothing but a set up for a comeback!” Read more>>