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.

Stacey Roselli | CEO and Founder of The Reading Village

I am the proud owner and CEO of The Reading Village, a business idea that came out of need. We are an educational organization focused on bringing together students, families, teachers, and other professionals. Our mission is simple: We want all students to feel confident in their ability to learn; we support the mission by providing them with the resources they need for success in school and beyond. Our primary focus is working with students with language-based learning disabilities, specifically dyslexia. Read more>>

ashley Montejo | baker and creator

I always knew that I wanted to to have my own business, how I was going to go about it is a different story. I’m still trying to figure that out if I am being honest. I love having my own brand, my own name and the ability to be able to create my own thing whenever I want and I think that was a main factor in me wanting my own business. Read more>>

Rachel Bellerice | Creator & Founder of Flawless Queens LLC

I always had a sensitive heart towards women. God gave me this vision about 10yrs ago. I didn’t know how or when this vision would come to pass but in my prayer time all I could hear in my spirit was “FLAWLESS”. I had no plan or direction but I prayed and trusted God to provide and that is exactly what He did. In May of 2021 God paved the way and allowed me to meet the right people who believed in me and my vision and we joined together to pioneered to launch the 1st Flawless Women’s Conference in 2021. Read more>>

Leiden Gomis | Singer-songwriter, producer and director of a Record Label

Before developing Jueves Music, our record label with a gender perspective, we wanted to propose new routes in the way of doing industry within music that were more oriented towards a sense of community and mutual support. On the other hand, we wanted to open more spaces to support women’s projects in the musical ecosystem. Read more>>

Leanet and Nohra | Nurses

After being Nurses for over 10 years and serving children with special needs, we felt there was a gap in the services families were receiving due to the lack of knowledge of resources. We decided to open our center with the goal to not only help our children but also to connect families to the community and create a support system for the families that are very often overlooked. Read more>>

Audrey Valenti | Designer & Brand Founder

I had a really difficult time finding tasteful, comfortable nightgowns and sets to wear to bed. Most were either too sexy and uncomfortable or too frumpy with not much personality. In college, I was given my Mom’s old designer lingerie that didn’t suit her anymore and that temporarily solved my dilemma. Two decades old but still in great condition, these were high-quality, elegant designs that were comfortable and packed with details. When it came time to replace these pieces I ran into the same problem. Read more>>

Ella Davar | Celebrity Dietitian and Food Expert

As a licensed diet and food expert, my job is to empower people to eat their way to better health. I started my private counseling business after working in clinical settings at major hospitals and longevity clinics in NYC and Miami. I gained a lot of knowledge from studying nutrition science at NYU and working with people of different backgrounds. I’ve developed a specialization in digestive health optimization with the latest scientific advances in bio-wearable technology and mindfulness. My personalized nutrition program has helped my busy clients to feel and look their best! Read more>>

Amanda Cil & Mercy Arias | Designers & Founders of Ms.Cil Designs

Our business was definitely a pandemic business. More than a thought it was born from a feeling. Ms.Cil Designs was born out of love. We love to handmade and to personalize clothing items and accessories. It took us a long time to finally open it to the public and just like in any business we were scared of what people would think and how would they receive it. Our launch took us some time. We wanted everything to be perfect. Our main goal was to take affordable clothing items and accessories to families like ours. Read more>>

Sandra Doman | Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) & Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

I was diagnosed with scoliosis as a kid. Through all competitive sports it never bothered me until I was in my early 20s living in New York and working at USA TODAY the newspaper. I developed back pain so severe that I had to stop all physical activities. I couldn’t even walk my dog. I saw some of the best orthopedists, neurologists, and PTs between New York and DC. It wasn’t until I combined chiropractic care with yoga that I was able to not just get out of pain but back to all of my favorite sports like horseback riding and surfing. Read more>>

Michelle & Pete Fuentes | Intimate Wedding & Elopement Photography & Videography Team

My husband Pete and I (Michelle) have always wanted to be entrepreneurs. It’s something that connected us when we were first dating. We got into photography & videography when we started a travel blog back in 2017. We got married in 2019 and were very selective with the photographers & videographers we chose to capture it because we knew that was the only thing we would have after the day to remember it. We were SO happy with our photos and videos and still to this day look at them all the time and the experience we received from our photographers and videographers was incredible. Read more>>

Dyra Rimpf | Traveling Wedding | Elopement Photographer

To be honest, I never imagined being a business owner or a photographer, I actually went to college for Criminal Justice. Growing up, I can’t say that I had a wonderful childhood, it was actually very traumatic but my sweet, hard working, single momma did everything she could to take care of us. It wasn’t until later in life as I got older that I realized how traumatic my childhood was and how much it actually affected me. I had so much anger built up and somehow I still let my addicted father have a hold over me, that was the whole reason I was going to school for Criminal Justice. Read more>>

Kimberley Dunn | Antiquarian Bookseller

As the owner of the Admont Library, I would describe it as an antiquarian bookstore, selling rare books in various languages and some of which even originating from a museum, but it is much more than merely a business. The Admont Library is an idea, a place “where pleasure meets pages.” And behind it is my passion: to provide all with the ultimate reading experience. As such, I hand-wrap each order with care, provide compassionate 24/7 customer service, ensure free shipping for all U.S. orders, and include a complimentary brew + bookmark with every purchase. Despite the stressful connotation of shipping and packing orders, I take pleasure in it; each order develops its own theme, its own personality, its own experience. Read more>>

Jamie Thomas Fitzpatrick | Dance Teacher & Business Owner

I’ve always had the love for dance. When I was in high-school, I started creating a plan to own my dance studio. Although I didn’t necessarily want to teach dance, I knew that I would benefit from dance education, so I decided take my passion further by getting my degree in Dance. After teaching for a couple of years and not passing the required test to keep my position, encouraged me to step out on faith to officially start my business. Read more>>

Annie R. | Artist & Manicurist

In almost all my previous jobs, I felt that if I went above and beyond that I would be rewarded proportionately to the impact I made on the general efficiency and creativity of my workplace. However, each time, I would instead be met with more responsibilities and no growth opportunities that were to my benefit. I decided I was more than capable of running a business on my own, since I seemed to be doing fine providing similar administrative services in my previous workplace. I knew that, unless I started my own business, I was not going to have the opportunity to make a living wage in my city, and it was a risk I had to take! Read more>>

Kate Pinto | Artist and Owner of Bean Horse Car Designs

I started doing digitial pet and people portraits for friends and family to help with a depressive eposide, and they conviced me I needed to start charging for them. I researched setting up an Etsy shop and how to start a business. I sat down and mapped out my “why”, what I really wanted out of a business, and some core values. I love making folks laugh and feel seen. I am a nerdy gal at heart, so I knew I wanted to incorporate animals into my values and designs. Read more>>

Jahleel Gordon | MNxBeauty

I have always been keen on skincare. Skincare has so many different avenues but the avenue that is highlighted the most is ACNE. But here’s the thing is, not everyone has acne as their skincare issue. Some people have psoriasis, some have eczema, others have hyperpigmentation, and some people just want something that works with their sensitive skin. I am one of those people who have contact dermatitis aka eczema and it was such a whirlwind trying to heal my skin. I tried OTC (over the counter) and those were a dead end, prescribed remedies were too potent and caused my skin to react terribly, and everything in between just made it worse. Read more>>

Dimelo305 | Since we are a company, Dimelo305, would be best.

Dimelo305 began as a way to see what Miami was thinking. What was the vibe of the city? How was Miami feeling? We noticed a lack of content creation through social media platforms. Therefore, we decided to ask the city questions. Our purpose was to amplify the voices of Miami through our production. In 1.5 years we have been able to create and produce over 700 original posts. It has been a wonderful journey. Read more>>

Mariela Valera | Event planner

I had a million thoughts about starting my own business, but I always knew I was meant for more. I thought about all the negative things that can go wrong. I easily started to realize that it was normal to feel this way. It is normal to feel like you’re taking a risk. If you see the vision don’t let all the negative thoughts get in the way and just go for it. The more you wait, the more you won’t do it. Put it on a calendar and get to work. It is scary but it’s so worth it in the end. I call it a learning experience. Read more>>

Wendell Ordonez | Chef

Fortunately, with all the experience we both shared we wanted to share the passion/ knowledge to a community. We also have a family and realized we were both dedicating a lot of our time in the corporate world which required traveling. We knew if we became our own bosses we would have some flexibility to incorporate our children and have them experience the restaurant industry. Read more>>

Dexter Smith | Entrepreneur

I’ve started and own a few businesses but this one in particular I seen a particular need and trend that was catching on so I decided to jump on the train. The 360 photobooth business is growing and competitive market and I decided that it would be a great fit to my portfolio. Read more>>

Mercy Perez | Body contouring specialist

I always wanted to started my own business but as a single mother it’s was very difficult, So I waited until my daughters were old enough for I can start my own business Read more>>

Yolanda (Yoli) De La Mora | Life & Executive Coach | Indie Retailer

Well, my business is Everything Yoli which is the parent to my companies SHEcorp and The Nervy Girl Foundation. Everything Yoli encompasses ALL the things I love, have passion for and live for. I was a teen mom so I had a lot to prove in my life. I needed to first prove to my mom that ‘I got this’ secondly, i wanted to prove all the naysayers wrong. Was this a difficult task? YES indeed! With the support of my mom i was able to do it. I overcame everything that was meant to destroy me. Read more>>

Bhavya Arora | Creative Director

I want to build a platform for all small fashion businesses who don’t have that much budget to spread all around the world but have an amazing talent of fashion through denim Patch work, creating their own print inspired by nature, tropical paradise, Greece location. And doing hand work embroidery. Through the collaboration with Arcade collection expertise, I am able to participate to provide sustainable and eco friendly fashion to all. Read more>>

Lindsay Dunlap | Trainer, Consultant, Speaker

I went into my business without much direction. I was really following a deep knowing that I was supposed to be taking this path. I still remember when I told my husband that I wanted to get enroll in my coaching certification program. I tossed and turned until almost midnight and then said “hey…” and started that conversation. But I knew I couldn’t NOT do it. I just knew I was meant to do something BIGGER. Read more>>

Danelle and Michele Pino | Gallery Director & Assistant Gallery Director

1. What was your thought process starting your business? Our dad, who loved art and painted whenever he could, influenced our love of paintings and all other expressions of art. We started going to art openings and galleries with him at a very young age.  The older we got, the more Michele and I enjoyed meeting artists and art collectors. We developed a passion for murals and all kinds of urban art and decided to open a gallery to give more artists a platform to showcase their art. Read more>>

Noam Tamir | CEO & Founder

At TS Fitness, I have a philosophy that guides my methods: Together Stronger. It’s what the “T” and the “S” stand for. I believe that our model of training together allows people to develop friendships with fellow gym goers. I strive to create a community. I believe in creating stronger people, not just stronger bodies. I aim to build our clients up–by pushing them out of their comfort zone to help them grow, not break. We create a fitness program to build a stronger you. Read more>>

Dominick Spaulding | Business Owner

My thought process behind creating my business was centered around being someone I never had when I was growing up. I wanted to create a system that could benefit everyone in a sense of development from a standpoint of training(weight room), sprinting(more efficient runners), mentality, physicality, nutrition, how to recover and more. Holistically I wanted to create something that could allow people to be better athletes, and healthier human beings. Read more>>

Jonathan King-Cretot | Founder & CEO | English Language Guide | Professor of Global Studies

Starting KingCretot Experience wasn’t a hard decision, it ultimately came down to timing, which I believe I was still a bit off on. I grew curious watching my husband teach French, brilliantly, across several different online platforms, putting in hours of planning and being paid pennies on the dollar, while receiving glowing accolades from all of his students. Meanwhile, I also taught English as a second language while attending to my full-time duties as a professor of global studies at Marist College. Read more>>

Vanessa Covington | Aesthetic ARNP

I wanted to create a fun, high energy practice so that when my patients would leave the office they would feel amazing about themselves and their confidence would boost. I wanted to have good energy so that when patients walked in they felt nothing but relaxation and positivity. I wanted to have a team who loved working there. A team that was high energy and positive! I wanted everyone to win! Read more>>

Malaeja White | Stationery and Candle Maker

I wanted to help others who may have went through or were going through a dark time like I had experienced with anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. It took me a good 6 years to understand that I brought myself to a sense of peace with getting my mindset out of that dark place. I had taken action, and saw hope on the other side. When I realized all I kept doing was repeating the process of utilizing a planner, creating the harmonious space I felt I deserved, understood my feelings first and then effectively communicated, stopped worrying about what I don’t have and taking action on what I can control; Read more>>

Valery Minano | Bounce house and party business

Losing my job during the pandemic and having to provide for my son forced me out of my comfort zone and made me realize that I wanted to create a business that not only I would love, but so would others. Read more>>

Brieann Cassidy | Body Contouring & Postoperative Care Specialist

I started this business 6 months into my maternity leave with my second child. I was in debt up to my ears and living off employment insurance and very limited savings. My boss at the time was pressing me for an answer, but I really didn’t want to go back to that dreaded desk where I’d likely retire. I never completed my college course and had zero postsecondary education. However, I’ve always had the ‘gift of gab’ and was able to market myself to employers without relying on diplomas/degrees. That being said, I floated from one entry level, dead end job to the next, wondering if I’d ever have a career I was passionate about… Read more>>

Yuval Monka | Event planner & designer, owner of Y Upscale Events

To be honest, and I know it sounds cliche, I always knew that I want to be a part of the event planning industry and open my own business. I thought about it for many years, I guess I waited for the right time or moment but I realised there is no right time. Instead of keep thinking I got in action and make the first step, I moved to Miami and step-by-step start to build my business and make this dream come true. It’s not easy to start something new by yourself that I didn’t let fear interfere any decision that I’m going to make in this journey. Read more>>

christoff studniczka | Content Creator & Tour Guide

I was always in the creative space, after studying Photography in college and i then dived into videography all on my own, after creating for myself, others were so amazed by the footage that I was putting out , so I thought I can definitely make a business out of it and it was something I love to do, in addition I decided to become a tour guide on the western side of Jamaica, where I combined both jobs as one, offering content while on tour. I call it “STOFFINJA” (stoff in jamaica ) Read more>>