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.

Gustavo Olivieri

When I was a child growing up in Argentina, my father often took me to public auctions and allowed me to bid on items that i liked. I am certain that my love for collecting beautiful things was born from that experience. When I arrived in the United States, I knew that this was my chance to make my dream a reality of owning my own shop filled with things that I love. Read More>>

Talhia Rangel

I started my fellowship at NSU DIAL Clinic in 2020, teaching myself the ins and outs of guardian advocacy in Broward County and assisting low-income families in the community that needed these services for their children. Then in 2022, we expanded our legal services to include disability rights litigation, fair housing, public accommodations, service/emotional support animals, and special education. With my fellowship ending in June 2025, I knew I had to decide–find a firm that can allow me to still follow my passion or open my own firm and take the cases I want to take. Read More>>

Maria Lesmes-Zupo

When I started Nellarina’s magical Fairy hair in 2020, the thought process was completely different than what it would be today… I started my brand in the middle of a Pandemic with no intention on making it a business but you know what they say when you love what you do you won’t work a day; and that’s exactly how Nellarinas was born. The key ingredient when I decided to put it all together wasn’t so much what but the WHO AND WHY I was doing this for, and then everything clicked! What started as a Fairy hair business has now translated into a name brand that specializes in event entertainment regardless of Age and gender making Nellarinas an all inclusive household name in Palm beach! Read More>>

Chris Dietz

When I decided to start my own business, I realized the most important step was simply to begin. I didn’t overanalyze every small detail or wait for the perfect moment—I focused on what I had at my fingertips: social media. I knew I could use it as a tool to promote, connect, and most importantly, drive revenue. Rather than get stuck in the mechanics—websites, logos, or perfect systems—I took action. My thought process was rooted in momentum Read More>>

Manny

Are you good at what you do? Yes.

Do you like being told what to do? No.

Do you think you can do what you’re doing for your current employer on your own? Yes Read More>>

Amy Stone

My story is not unique. When my kids were very small I realized that a traditional work schedule didn’t fit perfectly for my family and so going to work for myself seemed like a good option. My business just started as an idea. I tend to get a lot of ideas but this one wouldn’t leave me alone. I am simply working to create something that I think there’s a need for in the world. If somebody else had built it first then maybe I would have applied to work with them as an employee instead of working to create something from scratch. Read More>>

Shani Johnson

Beautiful Exchange TV was born during the pandemic, in a moment where the world felt heavy and disconnected and I noticed that so many women, including myself, were craving a space where we could be seen, heard, and supported without having to be perfect. Read More>>

Karla Ortez Colindres

The idea for LandStudio came from a combination of professional growth and a very personal life transition. I founded the company in 2009, but the inspiration was rooted much earlier. Growing up in Honduras, I was surrounded by the richness of nature—its textures, colors, and rhythms shaped my perspective and continue to influence my work to this day. Read More>>

Dante Cerruti

So I got into the alcohol industry making fun and viral cocktails, I originally wanted to make creative at home drinks that you can enjoy with friends. From there my page and brand grew. Read More>>

Denny Baco

The decision to start my own business came from the need to have full control over my creative process. Art, for me, is a continuous exploration, a journey that brings together different disciplines such as painting, design, video-making, and photography. Working independently has given me the freedom to experiment and fully express my vision without external constraints. Read More>>

Fradel Barber

I knew I wanted more. I wanted control over my life, my time, and my money. Growing up in Brooklyn, NY, the oldest of 12 kids, we didn’t have much—and I didn’t want to repeat that cycle. At the time, I was 20, going to school for graphic design, just looking for a way to make money. I took a random interview in the financial industry, and it completely changed everything. I ended up leaving school and going all in. Read More>>

Fiorella Capriles

I’m an architect, and I’ve always been passionate about everything related to design. On top of that, I’ve always loved celebrations—I truly enjoy celebrating! Ever since I had my first daughter, that love for creating special moments has only grown. I naturally became the one in charge of organizing all the family gatherings because I love making everything look beautiful and meaningful. Read More>>

 Josh Shore

BoardsByShore grew from a curious interest in creating wooden cutting boards when I was an utter newbie in around 2013. I was looking for a woodworking school to learn woodcraft. I could not find a school in South Florida, but I stumbled upon a group of amazing woodworking artists called the South Florida Woodworking Guild in Fort Lauderdale. They took me under their wing and I learned and absorbed information and techniques quickly.  Read More>>

Sharon Feiereisen

I’m originally from NYC but 10 years ago I moved to Tel Aviv. After the horrors of October 7th, I came back to the city with my two kids while my husband stayed in Israel. There was almost no thought process in starting The Mom Club – it was a way to meet other parents while entertaining my kids and raising some funds for October 7-related charities. Read More>>

Carlos Solano

It all started when my mother arrived at my vacation home on December 31, 2024, and since I had known her kitchen for years, since she does not live with me, I told her mommy let me make this lasagna, you just guide me in the process, so I started making it, and after finishing everything and serving it at the end of the 31st and New Year’s dinner, everyone liked it, and I said to myself why not make it to sell it and that’s how “LA ITALIANA” was born with my wife. Read More>>

Elizabeth Cuervo

The thought process behind starting my own business really began with a simple desire for creative expression. I started Buttercream Blooms as a fun way to channel my creativity. I’ve always loved baking and decorating, and making cakes just felt natural and joyful to me. What surprised me was how quickly people responded to it. Orders started rolling in little by little, and before I knew it, I was getting more requests than I had space or time for.  Read More>>

Brady Curtin

I had a good friend of mine that had cancer and at the time I was just a broker for exotic car rentals, I promised him I would get him a car for a day so he could make a music video because he was a rapper. He unfortunately passed away and it ate away at me that I was in my own little bubble being busy and never made it happen when I easily could’ve , I just lost sight of important things like that trying to make it and it really bothered me so I decided to make my own company to make sure everyone got the chance to get into an exotic car because being behind the wheel of something like that is the most eye opening thing I’ve ever encountered, especially being from a small town like I’m from we don’t see that this stuff is possible besides online. Read More>>

Kacie Mae

Honestly, it started out of pure passion and hustle. I moved to Charleston for college with a dream to perform live music, but no connections or roadmap. So I started door-knocking at venues, introducing myself and offering to play. I wasn’t waiting for opportunities—I created them. As I began collaborating with local bands, my network and confidence grew. That momentum eventually led me to expand to Philly and New Jersey, where I started working with a booking agent. The process taught me that if you show up with consistency and heart, people will listen—and doors will open. Read More>>

Rose-Gaelle Jolissaint

The idea behind Timeless Vision Agency was born from a deep passion for storytelling through photography. As a photographer, I’ve always been drawn to capturing raw emotions, powerful moods, and iconic moments that transcend time. Whether it’s working with celebrities like Troubleboy Hitmaker, Kodak Black, or covering major events for L’Union Suite and the Mayor’s Office, I realized there was a need for a photography brand that didn’t just take pictures—but told stories. Read More>>

 Dardan Bela

wanted to create a space where independent artists—especially those from out of state—could feel at home, connect with other creatives, and have real opportunities to grow. I’ve always believed in the power of community, and I saw the need for a true hub where artists could network, perform, and develop their craft. Read More>>

Mariana Ianovska

Honestly? It started with a camera, a curious mind, and a question: “Why do so many great ideas look… boring on video?” I saw incredible entrepreneurs, powerful speakers, and brilliant businesses struggling to visually express their value. So I thought—what if I could help them not just look good, but connect deeply with their audience? Read More>>

Lynda Osorio

I was born with an entrepreneurial spirit. I worked for many years in various companies, but I always knew I wanted to have my own business. Along the way, I explored several disciplines, such as design, marketing, and sales, before discovering that image consulting was the service I was truly passionate about offering to individuals and corporations. It was the perfect combination of all the strengths and skills I had accumulated in my career. This is where I found my true calling. Read More>>

Corvaa

I knew I wasn’t meant for the typical
9-5 or 8-4 job. I tried more regular work for years and it just never felt natural to me. I always took friends from everywhere I’ve ever worked but the jobs just didn’t fulfill me. I had no passion towards any of them and I knew I couldn’t go through life feeling that way. Read More>>