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.

Pwendy Fenelus | Owner & Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Honestly, it pained me when I saw people in emotional pain and mental suffering. I was always curious about the human condition, so in college I felt led to switch my major from Business Administration to human behavior studies through pursuing a degree in social work. After obtaining my bachelors and masters of social work, I became licensed and I started to work as a therapist for an agency. However, I wasn’t satisfied with just working for an agency. My reality growing up was with parents who were entrepreneurs. Every day I watched them working for themselves and it felt normal to want to own my own business. I knew that whatever industry I ended up in, I would inevitably find a way to become a business owner. Read more>>

Nicole a.k.a Naomi Sky | Singer/Songwriter/Artist, Reiki Practitioner, & Intuitive Life Coach

I love music, and I’ve always loved singing, songwriting, and creating since I was a little girl. I’ve been releasing original music and creating a career for myself in the music industry since I was 18. I’ve also always loved to learn and grow. And as I embarked on a spiritual journey in high school and college, my spirituality and my artistry became more intertwined. This is part of what sparked my idea for creating my own business: combining all of my passions into one space! I created my business, Naomi Sky LLC, with the intention and hope of inspiring others to believe in the Love, Joy, & Infinite possibilities in the Universe. Naomi Sky is my performing and recording Artist/Stage name. Read more>>

Dr. Sandra DiMarco | Entrepreneur & Marriage and Family Therapist

I had just visited my family in beautiful Italy during the summer of 2019, when I successfully defended my 7-year dissertation. Finally, I was free from dissertation prison, and finally, I could get paid for the work I did. As a mental health therapist in training, oftentimes, you work for free to acquire your hours towards graduation and licensure. Since it took me 7 years to finish my doctorate program, you can say I did a lot of free work. Once I finally completed my Ph.d., all I could envision was myself in a big, fancy office with some prestigious title working at the company of my dreams while making a great salary. Read more>>

Gina Geiler | Wedding Planner

Gina Marie Events is an inclusive wedding planning company specializing in all kinds of love. We work with clients to either plan their wedding in it’s entirety or come in as they get closer to finalizing everything. My company was started after a love for events blossomed while working for a wedding planner. She inspired me to think outside the box and push the narrative of how weddings “should” look. One thing I stand by is that your wedding should be unique to you. It should encompass all the things that are important to you! Read more>>

Selines Silverio | Dedicated Financial Strategist and Community Champion, Fostering Empowerment Through Education and Events

The decision to start my own business was driven by a profound realization about the prevalent “vulture culture” in corporate America. Having experienced the cutthroat environment firsthand, I yearned to break free from it and pursue something I am genuinely passionate about. In launching my new business, I am excited to introduce a platform dedicated to providing financial education programs to nonprofit organizations with a special focus on empowering youth, women, and the broader community. Through this initiative, I aim to bridge gaps in financial literacy, particularly among demographics that may face greater challenges. Read more>>

Satin Fye | Green Gastronome: Plant-Forward Culinary Innovator, Food Justice Advocate, and Passionate Gardener

When I thought about starting my own business, money was definitely a leading lady in the decision-making process. Who doesn’t love the sound of financial freedom ringing in their ears, right? I’ve always been one to whip up some good food, and let me tell you, the compliments were never in short supply. My friends and family would take a bite and go, “Girl, you need to be selling this!” So, one day, I thought to myself, “Why not?” I’m always down for making a good coin, honey! Combining my culinary skills with my entrepreneurial spirit just made sense. It’s like mixing the perfect ingredients for a delicious success story! Read more>>

YaYa Marcano | Photographer & Creative Producer

The security in my knowledge and the desire to help others, has ultimately been what emerged as the beginning of the process to start the business. I saw that the need of others to generate photographs of themselves and quality images for their social networks was a real necessity and somehow help others to work on their self-confidence and development in front of a camera. I have a lot of passion for teaching, I had a nice time as a university professor at a School of Journalism and Audiovisual in Caracas, Venezuela and I wanted to develop a project where I would give my clients the possibility to learn and carry their social networks according to their own style but in a professional and aesthetic way. Read more>>

Marquetta Reid | Business Owner, LPN, & Author

I wanted to be able to work for myself so I had the time to help others. Each career field I have served in people are drawn to me. Personal connection with clients are important, but when you are working for others you have a set time schedule to accomplish things. When we are on a 9 to 5 for others we have to adapt to their methodologies and modalities. You are supporting and building another’s vision, but when you are self employed you live out your business. Read more>>

Sandra Erden | Jewelry designer

I always love gemstones and had already created few jewelry pieces and sale them to my close friends. Then decided it was best to start my own business. At that time I have spent some time abroad and I was ready to continue designing and creating jewelry in a more efficient way possible. Read more>>

Alexandra Cathcart | FAU Student & Florida Realtor

The genesis of my business stemmed from my deep involvement in the community during my upbringing. Whether assisting in swim lessons, babysitting, or coaching special needs children, my drive was always centered on aiding others. As we grow, the common question of “what do you want to be when you grow up?” resonated with me, and my response consistently revolved around either becoming a real estate agent or dedicating myself to helping others. It dawned on me that I could harmonize these passions, leading to the inception of my career as a realtor committed to fostering positivity and ensuring a smooth process for all involved. Witnessing individuals purchase their first or tenth home is a profound blessing. Read more>>

Esmeralda Chavez | CEO CrystalDust Designs

My thought process behind starting my own business of handmade jewelry in the USA was driven by my passion for jewelry making, the desire to fill a market need, and the pursuit of personal and professional fulfillment. Additionally, I wanted the freedom and flexibility that comes with being my own boss and running my own business. I knew that starting a business would be challenging, but I was willing to put in the hard work and dedication to make it successful. Read more>>

Sarah & Ben Leatherman | Farmers

Humble Roots Garden began as just an idea years ago and has only recently turned into reality. We wanted to become more self-reliant and truly know where and how our food was grown. We also both have a passion for growing plants and Ben has many years of experience in the agriculture industry and as a horticulture educator. From the beginning, our goal was to grow fresh, flavorful, and high-quality food to reduce our grocery bill, eat healthier, and contribute to our own food security. As the issues with our modern food systems become more apparent, it feels timely to help provide a reconnection between the food and the farmer. Read more>>

Carolina Merlano | Photographer

I’ve always been passionate about photography and I’m very grateful I could turn it into my profession. The decision to start my own business was fueled by a desire for creative independence—being able to direct the creative process, connect with my subjects, understand their stories, and turn them into visual narratives. This venture isn’t solely about producing images; it’s about creating meaningful experiences through my photography. Read more>>

Lina Schütze | Storyteller, Photo- & Videographer

It’s funny how life can lead you down unexpected paths. While working for a record company making music videos in Cologne, Germany, the thrill was undeniable. But there was a hitch—the themes often clashed with my values. One day, faced with filming yet another video that just didn’t sit right with my ethics, I couldn’t hold back the tears. That was my cue for a change.Around that time, my husband bought a drone and filmed friends doing deep-water soloing in Mallorca. I edited the footage, people loved it, and requests for projects poured in. This coincided with my struggles at the record company, prompting me to quit and we found together “Al Aire Films” in 2015. Read more>>