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.

Raquel Gomes | Founder and CEO of Stafi (www.getstafi.com)

I was very tired of working for others and following ideas and instructions that didn’t make sense to me. I built my career in Large Corporate america, in the technology and telecommunications space, climbed the corporate letter to become an executive and over the years my work became very robotic, it started loosing the deeper meaning that I believe one should have in life. That inner fire that is alive every day as a result of you following your “why” and your passion. Read more>>

Gabriel LLaurado | Co-Founder, Chief Marketing Officer

Meat N’ Bone is a purveyor of premium quality meats for consumers. Our goal is to empower everyone to have access to the absolute best proteins avaialble. When starting Meat N’ Bone we developed our plan, which really outlined everything we wanted to do. You start with a great exitement, and it is just amazing how you are able to track progress and see it coming along accoridng to the plan. Sometimes things might not go as planned, but the right attitude and the ability to learn from it is what makes you continue that path. Read more>>

Dayana Izquierdo | Logo, Web & Brand Designer

Starting my own design business was a decision fueled by both passion and opportunity. I was 21 when I began dabbling in drawing and designing, then gradually started developing a strong love for graphic and web design. I quickly realized that by starting my own business, I could not only do what I loved but also have the creative freedom to work on projects that truly resonated with me. Additionally, the demand for design services in the market provided a promising avenue for growth and success. Read more>>

Laura Lara | Content Creator & Cosplayer

When I was very young I had always loved theater and everything that has to do with pushing forward my imagination, I guess you could say I always had this huge imagination for everything. It really followed me into my teenage years and now as I’m in adulthood. I think that’s how my interest was peeked when I saw all these people posting cosplay shots of themselves as their favorite characters, I remember my first cosplay person to really tell me I could do it was Anna Faith. Read more>>

ERMAN ERKUR | Advertising Agency Owner Helping Startups and Small Businesses

My decision to launch my own business was rooted in my extensive experience as a creative director in the dynamic world of advertising agencies, spanning over two decades. During this time, I had the privilege of collaborating with various clients and agencies, contributing to creative endeavors, and aiding them in achieving their goals. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant shift in my perspective. Read more>>

Frank Barraza | Real Estate Specialist

Starting my own real estate business was a decision driven by my passion for helping people find their dream homes and make sound property investments. I wanted to create a personalized and client-centric experience, where I could provide tailored solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Additionally, I saw an opportunity to leverage my expertise and market insights to offer a higher level of service and value. Read more>>

Karima Lanfranco | Founder of The KLCC Group

hospitality industry and a strong desire to make a meaningful impact within it. The thought process behind launching this business stemmed from several key factors: Passion for Hospitality: At the core of it all, there’s a deep passion for hospitality. I believe that the hospitality industry is not just about providing services; it’s about creating memorable experiences that leave a lasting impression. Read more>>

Marcia Gomez | President of Blank Canvas Communications, UM Faculty and VP of Client Service for Wander PR

Working for a higher ed institution that focused on the arts allowed me to expand my abilities into a segment that I hadn’t yet. I love working in this field. I realized that I could combine my love of education and public relations by offering my services to multiple organizations – in the arts industry as well as other industries. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge, skills and passion. Read more>>

Debra Frenkel | Founder/Executive Director

I feel like I was meant to put Freedom Waters Foundation on the earth and I have done my job. I started with $1000 in my bank account and no idea of how to create a non profit and we are going strong 17 1/2 years later, providing therapeutic boating for people with disabilities, life threatening illnesses, youth at risk and veterans. We bring people together who may not otherwise have the opportunity to meet, while also providing a loving, caring, natural environment to lower stress and create new ways of being. Read more>>

Ariel Lavi | Award Winning International Film Producer and Screenwriter . Owner of Lavi Company

I wanted to open a film production company in Miami because of I wanted to control my career as an international film producer and screenwriter. I think it’s essential . Read more>>

Gina Grandchamp Milan | Speech Language Pathologist and President

The idea behind the project came from an employee who unfortunately passed before she could see it off the ground. We were talking about how many children and teens really had no place to go after school to partake in extracurricular activities because it was difficult to find the right fit for those who are neurodiverse. Most places and activities are not equipped or trained to deal with situations that may arise while with a neurodiverse person because of lack of training or exposure to such clientele. Read more>>

Adam Romasko | Cofounder of Gordo Web Design

From a young age, I was intrigued by the idea of starting a business, a sentiment shared by many Americans. However, the inception of Gordo Web Design was rooted more in practicality than mere aspiration. After college, I found myself in various roles that provided a panoramic view of potential career paths. Working for large entities, such as school districts and major telecoms, I observed how these organizations implemented specific workflows and tools. Read more>>

Victoria de la torre | Plant based nutrition expert & Yerba Mate Sommelier

I decided to embark on the journey of starting my own business that would focus on creating innovative products using Yerba mate as the main ingredient. With a passion for entrepreneurship and a desire to contribute to the growth of Argentina’s economy, I saw an opportunity to fill this gap and created Southmatea to introduce unique Yerba mate-based products to the world. My goal was not only to cater to the growing demand for healthy and natural products but It is known as well for its numerous health benefits, including providing an energy boost, improving mental focus, and aiding digestion. Read more>>

Sabrina Wilson | Interior Designer

I’ve always harbored the aspiration of establishing my own design firm. My upbringing was deeply rooted in the arts, with my mother being the proprietor of a fine art gallery, and my father running a photography studio. Witnessing their relentless commitment, unwavering dedication, and boundless creativity in managing their businesses left a deep impression on me. For 18 years, I honed my skills within the nurturing environment of a boutique design firm. Read more>>