Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Rene Hernandez | Fashion and Lifestyle Photographer

Starting my own business was something I was always hesitant to do. I had many distractions day to day in my life including my job, college and other personal responsibilities that made it difficult to expand myself out of my comfort zone. Read more>>

Danishka Williams | Creative Project Manager & Plant-Based Transition Coach

Growing up I knew I wanted to own and operate several businesses but I was never clear on the types of businesses I wanted to run. I left high school with a passion for the construction industry and applied to university to study Construction Management. Read more>>

Erica Arrechea | Matchmaker to Millionaire’s Across the US and Canada

In 2011, I wanted to start a matchmaking service connecting my wealthy men’s network to their perfect match. Since then we’ve expanded our matchmaking team across the US and Canada. Our matchmakers will only work with a handful of high-profile men each year, allowing us to have a high success rate. Read more>>

Dallas It Girls | Food, Fashion, Travel & Lifestyle Influences & Content Creators

All four of us have always loved the idea of starting a blog/social media page, but have been scared to do so. We were scared of failure, what others may think of us, the time commitment, etc. Read more>>

Nathalie Yerak | Co-Founder of Sama Solutions

I come from a family history of entrepreneurs, I think it’s in my blood because I have always known that at some point in my life I was going to start my own business. However, in the last couple of years this thought became more prominent as I experienced different situations that made me feel that this was the right time! Read more>>

Aubrey Sadia Walker | Cosmetologist & Silk Press Master

Blush And Bundles is the name of my business, something I thought long and hard on. I was so excited to actually go all the way with naming my business, creating a business page, a website and content for my business. Read more>>

Travis Suit | Social Impact Entrepreneur

When my daughter Piper was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at four years old, I was completely ignorant about this terminal disease. Read more>>

Jhenny Favelus | CEO of Fave Creations

The thought process around starting my own business was simple: Finding a way to help as many women as possible feel good in their skin and regain their self-confidence. Read more>>

Rebecca Proenza | Writer/Author

I’ve always had a love of writing. When I was twelve years old, I started writing my first book. I was halfway through book two when my computer crashed and I lost all my files. This made me realize that I wanted to be an author/writer and share my stories with the world. Read more>>

Chrissy Doles | Owner of Parlare Wines by Chrissy

Starting your own business is never a easy thought process. Its painful! I say that because you go through a list of things you “think” your good at before you find your passion. I’ve been starting businesses for over 20 yrs now. Read more>>

Andrew Schwartz & Dan Gonzalez | Co-Founders and Film Festival Organizers

Other festivals are fine at what they do, but we never quite found what we were looking for at any of them–so, in DIY spirit, we decided to make our own. We look for work on the fringes, raw undiscovered gems that might just need a venue where they can shine. Read more>>

Alejandra Stier | Building Administrator

My thought behind starting my own business is being happy and healthy with my work every day and to share it with other people. Read more>>