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.

Jennifer Todd

The creation of 8evolve was sparked by two things. First, my own curious nature about personal development and the rise of the collective consciousness; and second, the need among wellness facilitators in my circle for technology tools to facilitate the scheduling and monetizing of private and group session offerings. Read more>>

Iomikoe Johnson woods | Entrepreneur

I want to make something for women that are different like myself they is no vitiligo woman that owns her own cosmetics company I’m the first and I skin is so sensitive so I wanted to create something that was safe for women to be able to put on the lips and skin Read more>>

Selim Nurudeen | Brand Identity/Web Designer

What gave me the idea to start my business was that I felt that there was a disconnect between the imagination of the business owner and what they received from their designer when it came to their brand identity. I wanted to make sure that whatever was created for the business owner’s brand came from the depths of their imagination. My job as their designer was simply to lend my creativity to help them culminate their dream. This meant that I would need to bring a level of creativity in my services that met scale as well as time constraints. Read more>>

Stacy McFarlane | Doggie Bakery Miami Owner

The Doggie Bakery Miami dream all started as an idea to help local homeless dogs. I lived in St. Kitts and Nevis where I was studying Veterinary Medicine. While living there, I noticed many animals didn’t have shelter, food, or someone to care for them. The island had a few good programs that helped the homeless and sick animals. I wanted to create something that could help these animals too! We had animal adoption centers and fosters on the island but not many treats or toys. With my veterinarian education and passion to help, I created healthy and nutritious treats for these dogs. Read more>>

Nicholas Jimenez | Entrepreneur

Ever since I was little I knew that I wasn’t going to have the traditional job for 30+ years and retire it just never made sense to me. Like what if I didn’t like that job after 10 years than what. So owning my own business is deep rooted since I was about 9 years old. Read more>>

Will Johnson | Food Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting Mia & Me Catering was to ensure my daughter would live a better life than I did. Over the years, working in different restaurants I felt like the talent that was ahead of me in terms of position and skill were not better than me. I knew starting my own business would propel me to heights I never imagined. Meaning, once I put my success in my own hands I wouldn’t be stopped as to how far I could go. Read more>>

Krysty J | Photographer & Dance Teacher

Initially, I took an interest in photography just for fun and the artistry involved. As I became more serious about it and devoted more time to my new found hobby, I decided to officially create my photography business, Visual Urge. Read more>>

Jamiea Lawton | College Student & Entrepreneur

My thought process behind starting my own business was to work for myself. I thought about waking up every day working for myself and being happy and cheerful. Being able to say that I  am an entrepreneur / Ceo of my own business in addition to  being able to create my own schedule and to run things the way I want to. More of my thoughts would be with me having financial freedom and taking care of my family so that they don’t have to worry about anything, not having to worry if a job was going to fire me or not if I wasn’t good enough.  Read more>>