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.

Lauren Klein

After years in Big Law, I saw firsthand how high-quality legal services were often reserved for the few—and how impersonal the experience could be. My law partner, Kristen Landon, and I knew we could take the skills, training, and strategic insight we gained and bring it back to our own community in a way that felt more human and that was available to clients of all levels of wealth. Read More>> 

Bernard Bentley

My thought process behind each business that I’ve ever started has stemmed from 3 aspects. Creativity, helping others and freedom. Along the way I have a passion for everything that I do. The very first business I ever started was a premium streetwear brand called LoveLifeSwagger in which I started at my desk while working at a sweatshop mortgage company in Metro Detroit. Soon after starting the company, I quit my job and moved to Chicago where I studied fashion at the Merchandise Mart Downtown while sleeping on the floor at my uncles house.  Read More>> 

Carol Edmond

Starting Place of Aroma came from a place of healing and purpose. After experiencing the loss of my nephew due to health issues linked to environmental toxins, I became hyper-aware of what we’re putting on and around our bodies especially fragrances. I realized that scent is powerful: it can trigger emotions, memories, and even healing. But so many products on the market are either filled with harmful ingredients or lack a personal connection. Read More>> 

Alexandra Moulavi

I honestly had no thought process. It sort of just happened. I never planned to start a brand, and maybe that’s why it worked. I didn’t spend a long time strategizing or developing. I recognized a need in that moment and acted on it without overthinking. Many times in life, it’s the ‘what ifs’ and tiny details that hold us back more than anything. When you have that instinctual idea, that’s when you have to act. You’ll make mistakes along the way (a lot of them), but that’s the only real way to grow. Read More>> 

Gen.wav

As a Producer and Software Engineer I always wanted to be able to contribute to other artists projects as well as working on my own. As an artist with many mediums it took me a while to be able to narrow down what I really wanted to do. After 4 years of Professional experience coding and 6 years of releasing music as an Artist, I decided to start my own Production Agency, Enigma Labs. Read More>> 

Sofia Ayala

Since university, something sparked in me about entrepreneurship. I started selling sweets like brownies, donuts, and cupcakes. It was my way of learning what it really takes to run a business — everything from organizing it, managing the financials, to thinking strategically. Later, I graduated as an industrial engineer, which gave me the foundation I needed to take the next step and follow my true passion for entrepreneurship. Read More>> 

Carley Sauce

It started with a craving for freedom: creative, spiritual, and professional. I had spent years working in corporate advertising and media, helping major brands shape their narratives and drive results. Over time, I realized I could take all of that strategy, storytelling, and industry experience and channel it into something of my own. I didn’t want to just help build other people’s visions anymore. I wanted to build mine. Read More>> 

Graceann Scherer

I began training Krav Maga under Randall Koch at Krav Maga Worldwide Fort Lauderdale in 2022. Prior to this, I participated in competitive gymnastics, soccer, and track and field, but really had no prior martial arts training. Since beginning Krav Maga, it has become an integral part of my life, and now my career as I have spearheaded and cultivated our Kids Bullyproof Self-Defense Program. Throughout my childhood, depending on who you ask, they would tell you how I have either been praised or criticized for being “too aggressive” or “too intense.”  Read More>> 

LJ Ugarte

My thought process was establishing Firecreek Entertainment, my multimedia production company, which requires creativity, ambition, strength, perseverance, innovative ideas, and a commitment to excellence, as well as the ability to tap into my inner creativity and nurture it to fruition, much like cultivating a plant from seed to maturity. Incorporating my business with the state, registering an LLC, obtaining necessary licenses, and securing trademarks demands time, effort, financial resources, and unwavering ambition. Read More>> 

Bailee Elkin

I’ve always known I wanted to create something of my own. Entrepreneurship is in my blood. My family has owned their own business for over 30 years. The name ‘Jigsaw’ actually comes from my parents’ hair salon, which has been a staple in our community for decades. When it came time to build my own vision, it felt only right to carry that name forward and give it new life through The Jigsaw Collection. Read More>>