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.

Merrisha Gordon | Leadership Coach and Organisational Consultant

In many respects I fell into my business based on my personal needs, but I suppose I became clearer about my business model once I saw other peoples’ needs. I was a Coach way before getting my coaching qualification, and had always found ways to coach people in my day job as a Healthcare Manager, but I hadn’t thought about monetising this. That was, until my personal situation changed, I became a single parent a few months before the start of the Pandemic. Read more>>

Sherron Mitchell | Founder + Owner of YFSTY

I began yfsty to encourage people to invest in the most important thing- yourself. Yfsty wellness or Your future self thanks you wellness, began while I was at my lowest point physically, emotionally, and mentally. I was overwhelmed with the remaining years of my college degree, working two jobs full-time and struggling to slow down. After a long season of burnout, I learned the secret to becoming a better me, investing in my self-care. Things like getting excited to cook a healthy meal at home because I get to light my favorite candle after, or waking up early to make my favorite coffee at home in my new glass. Read more>>

Vanessa Morales | PTA, CLT, Ecstatic Dance DJ and Facilitator

Initially when we began thinking about this business over 3 years ago, we were trying to think of a place or a way for people to dance freely, judgment free and safely regardless of whether or not you’re a “good dancer”. A place where you can release all emotion from the day to day and to truly take a moment and feel present in your body, just enjoying the moment surrounded by a like minded community, just being happy no matter what. We had yet to hear about Ecstatic Dance at the time. Read more>>

Shelby Morrison | Personal Trainer, Founder of ShelbyFit

Fitness has always been a huge part of my life, as something I participate in, and have a passion for. Since being active and working out occupies a lot of my time, I figured why not try and turn this into a business?! Friends and family were also turning to me looking for workouts, so I realized I could be onto something with this! Read more>>

Zuleima Goncalves | Botanical & Floral Artist

Blossom Planners was created in 2013 with the concept of Botanical Weddings and Events. Additionally, I was working in the area of ​​botanical design, event planner, and floral artist for other companies for many years. With the new experience I learned from the other roles and companies, I reopened my business with other categories in the area of botanical design in 2020. Read more>>

Kisha Miller | Entrepreneur

Ideally, I was happy to offer assistance to persons through the products I formulated and created myself that were experiencing same or similar skin condition issues like I was. I must admit, I knew nothing about business and what it will take to run a business, as I didn’t complete any formal business education classes or programs. However, I was determine to make this venture a success, and applied myself to getting what it takes done to establish a successful business, including acquiring educational certificates in the area of business. Read more>>

Un Cutt | creator / philosopher / Spirit Guide / Artist

as an artist, starting your own business can be tricky… it requires a different part of you to be active for you to obtain success… you hav to be the everything to your business until you can get help… starting a business allows you to create a financial system to support yourself & your craft.. Read more>>

Judy Crowell | Visual Artist

I have a few of mantras I live by… Be the reason someone smiles today
If you don’t love it, don’t do it (related to your career) Do something you love and the money will come Since I was an officer in the Air Force, a teacher, a retail store manager and a human resource manager, I new I could run a business. I have always loved my career choices, but I always wanted to be a working artist. Read more>>

Mateo Attalla | FOUNDER and CEO of BOXR

What makes BOXR special THE PEOPLE. There is an energy you feel as soon as you walk through the doors. I made this very clear before I built it, this will be the mecca of gyms, like walking into a Las Vegas fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The aesthetic, music, art, exotic cars, and lights… but the glue of the culture of BOXR that holds it all together, is the people. This is large in part to our classes, the people are the foundation of BOXR. Read more>>

Jim Finck | Entrepreneur, Business Owner

Gratitude Organic Tea is my fourth business started from scratch, yet the first time attempting to bring a great product to the lips of people looking to improve the way they eat and drink. I recognized there is no ‘ready to drink” authentic green tea product on the market that was delicious, refreshing and good for you. The closest matches either contain an excess amount of added sugars and artificial sweeteners, or lack great taste. Gratitude Health is a lifestyle brand, with the concept and consideration for confidence, thoughtfulness, and thankfulness. A drink that is “for the good in you!” ™ and elicits smiles, I hope will be well received. Read more>>

David Abou Chehadeh | Owner | STYLORD Boutique | Clothing Brand

I had always dreamed of working for myself. Being passionate about clothing; I decided to start my own business, because I was called to buy back my time and pursue other dreams. Dreams that would provide products and a brand experience that would enhance another woman’s life and lifestyle. Read more>>

Danielle Macdonald | Writer, editor and content consultant

I love to interpret a client’s ideas for a project. I always research the motivation behind that idea, what is the driving force behind it, and what results do they expect. This theme has carried me through my career, and now into my own business. What does a company need? What do they stand for? What does their brand encapsulate? I have always loved to read and write. Like characters in a book, once you know a business’s background, ideology, goals, and aspirations, you are halfway there, in telling their story. Read more>>

Yiseo Noh | Painter& teacher

I’ve been drawing since I was little, but I didn’t have much money to make as an artist at the time, so I did other jobs together. But when the pandemic started, I couldn’t work, and on the contrary, I focused more on painting. and this has better results. Read more>>

Deborah Graham | Psychic

In my case [as a psychic], it’s a gift from God. It’s something that you’re born with. And when you have a calling, whether being a psychic, a healer and an energy coach like I am, or being a writer or a teacher. Or even a singer or an opera singer, you have a gift. And all of us have a gift, and we all have a calling. And if you really connect with your true calling, anything and everything is a possibility. And that’s why people are successful in whatever they do because they’re actually connecting to their calling. And that’s how people become successful in their business. Read more>>

Junior Bautista-Lopez | Entrepreneur & Creative (Photographer to be specific but I prefer the term Creative. Artists are experts

I’d say it was more of “I like this and this” so I’m going to do a & b to get into that position where I can do the things I enjoy and make money to support it. Read more>>

Irina Petrosyan | Dancer, Choreographer & Designer

I think I wanted to create something new for people but it was really hard to find in which direction I have to go. Also, I knew from the beginning that I want to design something, it wasn’t important if it will be clothes or accessories like phone cases. I remember that I was looking for a new phone case for myself and non of the cases were good enough for me. I wanted something new, fresh, and unique but all of the phone cases were the same, boring or the quotes/texts on them were overrated. From the beginning, Read more>>

Kevin Raponey | Theatre and Dance Education

During the Covid-19 shut down, ZOOM became a great way to stay connected to people. I decided to create an Instagram page and start promoting low priced dance, vocal and acting lessons to kids on ZOOM. My Instagram following is a wide spectrum of my hometown friends and family, people I have met out on the road or at sea and also friends here in NYC. I figured I could reach a ton of people and keep the arts alive at even the most depressing times. It started off slow with only a couple of students per week and then, a few weeks into the shut down, I had dozens of kids per week taking private lessons with me out of the comfort of their homes. Read more>>

Zola Janae | Ceo and Founder of T-Shirt Trap

A few years ago, I left my government job because I wanted more than just a 9-5. Being a mother of three young children, I quickly learned I wanted something that would allow me freedom as well as being more active with my children’s everyday lives. I discovered the benefits to being my own boss and that is how T-shirt Trap was born. Read more>>

Chelsea Lewis | Hat Designer & Pyrography Artist

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. As a kid I was always crafting and my father owned a wood working business. I believe watching and working with him inspired me to know I could run my own business too. When I became a stay at home mom 6 years ago I picked up crafts that I started selling to fill my down time. That lead me to where I am today designing hats. Read more>>

Michael Sandak | Principal – The Sandak Team

When I first graduated college I took a job working at a larger company. Very quickly I realized that office politics and favoritism played a disproportionate role in one’s ability to advance and earn more income. That felt incredibly silly to me. It should be hard work and the production of results that dictate how far someone goes in their career. I quickly left that first job, recognizing I did not want some middle manager determining my career path or what I could earn – I wanted to decide that myself through my own efforts. Read more>>