Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Reema Ameer | Artist

I was surrounded by art and creativity at an early age. Art, female empowerment, and entrepreneurship have all been natural interests for me and my business has allowed me to practice all these interests and share them with others. I use my art as a tool to tell visual stories that touch and inspire the women around me. Read more>>

Patricia Luciano | Kastaco CEO,Voice Over Artist, Oratory Mentor, Podcaster, Speaker Host of Dominican Sister’s Podcast and Business woman

I was clear about the idea, but i didn’t know anything about technology… so being able to explain the idea, and what it was going to solve, and why i wanted it the way i wanted it… was a tough path. Fortunatelly i found somebody who i told my plan and connected me to the right people… and with that, i could see my vision come to life… Read more>>

Louise Ruiz | Entrepreneur

The idea came to me when the pandemic hit. I wanted to see my friends, so the only solution was to meet outside. Picnics by Louise was born. Read more>>

Jen Alico | Corporate Wellness Consultant & Certified Meditation Coach

Beginning in 2018, I suffered from an extreme case of corporate burnout. This burnout caused a chronic illness flare-up worse than I had ever experienced before. For months, I traveled around the country visiting doctors and trying to find the answers to what was causing me to feel so sick and what I could do to heal. Unfortunately, after countless appointments, I still had no answers. Read more>>

Catarina Zolotareva | Color & Style Consultant – Color Signature

Starting my own business in image consulting and personal color analysis was a process that began with a deep personal reflection. Despite having a successful career in fashion and marketing, I felt the need to rediscover the true meaning of fashion for myself. As I reflected on my values and priorities, I realized that I wanted to make a positive impact on people’s lives by promoting sustainable and authentic fashion choices. Read more>>

Tiffany Noele Leonhart | Florida Wedding and Family Photographer

Being a single mom with a hearing impairment, it was difficult finding employment in the mainstream market. As a child, my dad used to take photographs documenting our family and I became interested in photography. I got a Pentax camera in high school from parents as a gift and I never went anywhere without it. Read more>>

Marlene Martinez-Dorlus | Cake artist

My thought process behind starting a business was it’s easy enough! I ordered a cake for my daughter’s first birthday and when I saw the cake and the price I said to myself I can do this. I love making cakes. We have so many kids in our family so I can get lots of practice. Read more>>

Courtney Russell | Freelance Videographer

Majority of my work history was spent in the BPO industry where customer service was king. Having spent 7 years learning from some of the most customer centric companies in the world I decided to hang up my headsets and venture into something that I would be more passionate about Read more>>

Stella Olga Tkachenko | Nutritionist & fitness trainer

My thought process behind my business are to help people to be more healthy, more fit and just to look and feel amazing by creating healthy and tasty nutritions and fitness programs. Read more>>