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.

Gianina Roman | Food and Beverage Consultant

Well, after working for several companies such as Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Westin, Marriott, Wyndham, and many restaurants around the globe and here in Miami, I thought it was time to give myself the opportunity I always envisioned and had yet to fulfill. Feeling comfortable in a place of work, makes your goals fade away. I think the final push toward making my dream a reality was done by my mother. Read more>>

Yosbany Ballate | Director Of Operations, S-BR

Starting my own business was a challenging and rewarding decision. I was lucky to be a part of and wanted to provide a workplace that fostered growth and family values. With my background and experience in the industry I decided to offer specialty engineering services to the market and focus on delivering high-quality safe and durable work, while building relationships with our partners and giving them exceptional customer service. Read more>>

Jhoslen Muniz | CPA and Tax Strategy Expert

I have always loved the idea of having my own business which is why I chose a degree in business administration fresh out of high school. What having my own business meant is that I would have freedom to create my own unique solutions for the people I help. My father in his later years was an entrepreneur in a way – he was a carpenter, and he would work mainly boats doing what he knew best – carpentry. Read more>>

Idalia Salsamendi | Digital Marketing Business Strategist

After almost a decade of working in the fashion industry, I wanted to create a company that people could come to and know that they will be listened to and valued. I am all about the bigger picture – whether I am developing an impactful business strategy for an influencer or spearheading a creative campaign for a luxury brand, my focus is always on providing my clients with the guidance they need to not only succeed but to flourish. Read more>>

Christie Edwards | Herbalist, Angelic Reiki Master Teacher, Sound Healer and Podcast Co-host

Being fully transparent, my thought process behind starting my own business would that it would of course require hard work, but I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I heard about the challenges of entrepreneurship from friends and family, but your perspective is completely different and naive when you aren’t sitting in the front seat and actually driving. Read more>>

Luis Lacau | Convention showrunner

I have always had some sort of business going from managing local bands, digital art, film production, podcast and most recently organizing conventions. The story behind starting this last company was actually funny. Naomi Chusid my partner in everything now came to me and said “I did a thing”, I asked what was that, and she replied I rented a hotel. I immediately thought oh were going on vacation, I was wrong. She said nope, in 3 months we will be hosting a Villain convention. Read more>>

Ryan Sandoval | Vehicle Wrap Design Specialist

When I was let go from the sign shop where I first discovered my passion for vehicle wrap design, the job market wasn’t exactly welcoming. Despite having a degree and experience, securing interviews was an uphill battle. But I knew there was a growing demand for this type of design, so I decided to take a different approach. Read more>>

Cornell CK Era” Killebrew | 3D AR Graphic Designer & Marketing Specialist”

The driving force behind starting my own business started with seeing my grandparents run their businesses when I 13 years old. My grandmother was an author and she started her own publishing company. She was also an educator and would always tell me “grandson with God, you can do anything you set your mind to”. And for my grandfather, I would see pictures and hear stories of when he owned a wedding photography studio in Washington D.C. Read more>>

Aitana Bailey | Illustrator & Graphic Designer

My thought process behind starting my own lane of business with my art, was the drive to push myself out of my comfort zone, I’ve always been a creative behind the scene. But as I got more into the art world I got to realize how knowledgeable knowing the business aspect of art is. Networking, collaborative projects, art shows. and creating a marketable platform for my projects. Read more>>

Valentina Grajales | Chief Executive Officer

THE VAULT HOUSE emerged out of a pressing need that my business partner and I personally encountered when seeking a safe deposit box. Recognizing the dwindling availability of this service at traditional banks due to their shifting priorities, we realized that many individuals faced challenges accessing secure storage for their valuable belongings. Furthermore, the remaining options often entailed lengthy waiting lists and restrictive eligibility criteria. Read more>>

Hernando Caicedo | Investor

I have always wanted to work for myself, and manage my own time. I come from a family of entreprenaurial people so it just always seemed to be the way to do things. I have started more than one business, and I love projects. I love the challenges of creating and building a business. Read more>>

MARIA BELEN RIVERO | Entrepreneur

The thinking process behind my business, Sudd Company, was a gradual and extensive one that unfolded over a period of two years. It all started with my active involvement in social initiatives, particularly through my project called “Empowered Women of Formosa.” This project aimed to assist women in Formosa by providing them with comprehensive training in various areas such as finance management, business skills, psychological support, and vocational training. Read more>>

Gabriele Bauer | Hair Salon Owner

Growing up in Germany, I admired my mom who was a salon owner for over 50 years. I witnessed what it took to create a successful business- hard work, long hours, and a dedication to clients.For over thirty years, I have been a hairstylist in America. Read more>>

Carolina Mateo | Entrepreneur & CSI

As a mom of two children, finding ways to thrive not only for yourself but the individuals you are raising was always the first thought. Opening my business meant leaving a legacy to them, as well as creating more time and memories with them. I knew I had to set a name for myself and my children. Read more>>

Jada Boone | Home Baker & Treat Maker

When i decided to start my business. I was in a rough spot in my life. I had just graduated college with no backup plan and I was in need of a job. I always loved baking since I was a kid I remember being in the kitchen helping my mom. Baking was originally a hobby for me something to cope with life. So I said why not just give this a try and see where it can take me. It was definitely one of the best decisions of my life. Read more>>

Pat Chin | Home Health & Wellness Consultant

My first entry into entrepreneurship started with a bubble tea and coffee pop-up and catering business 9 years ago. We go to farmers markets and various events around town. Our longest tenure has been at the Parkland Farmers Market which runs from November to April, and we participate in many of the events hosted by the City of Sunrise. We are currently in the process of rebranding from Simply Perfect Java to AWA Drinks so quite a bit of activity is in progress. Read more>>

Charu Suri | Pianist and Composer

I’ve always wanted to contribute something really original to jazz and push the genre forward as well as bring my heritage into the mix. So when I visited Preservation Hall Jazz Band four years ago in New Orleans, my immediate thought was to have a jazz band using my Indian heritage. Read more>>

Yen Rodeiro | Founder Leopine Showroom

Before starting Leopine, we ran a business named Tiempo de Lujo, which was one of the largest horology-related media outlets in Spain and the biggest club for watch enthusiasts in Barcelona. Therefore, we had already been directly involved in the watchmaking industry for many years. In early 2015, while my partner and I were on the beach here in Barcelona, we came up with the idea of launching swimsuits with watchmaking motifs. Since swim shorts offer a lot of freedom to experiment and try unique designs, which can be challenging in other types of garments, we believed it would be an exceptional and enjoyable concept to combine our passion for watches with trunks. Read more>>

Stacey-Ann Steele | Attorney-at-Law and Real Estate Associate

Over the last year, I decided to venture into the world of Real Estate by becoming a Real Estate Associate. It was more work than I anticipated; but I felt that it would complement my 9 to 5 job as an Attorney-at-Law; since I was already exposed to land law. Also as a homeowner, I wanted to help persons find their dream home or an investment property. After much discussion and support, I was convinced that this was the path for me and enrolled with the Real Estate Training Institute and began my journey which is chronicled on Instagram @realtorstaceyann Read more>>

Daniel Gutierrez | Artist

I think after a certain point in your life you realize that you are not going to live forever, and you really do not know how much time you are going to get on this Earth. In 2008 I endured a terrible injury to my hands. I was fortunate to recover quickly and fully, but I realized that I had not been drawing and painting like I once did prior to my corporate career in the video game industry. Fate stepped in almost 3 years later in the form of a lay off, and my Wife and I determined that the time was right for me to walk away from that industry. Read more>>

Courtenay Harris | Owner, Christopher’s Bakery & High School Teacher

Starting Christopher’s Bakery was a way for me to take the baton from my father and continue running a race that he started. As long as I remember, my father had been making his famous Vanilla Wafer Cake. But notice I didn’t say he sold it. He would just make it and give it away! I wanted him to sell it and start a business. However, after many long talks, he convinced me that he was too old and lacked the expertise to do so. At this point, I was more passionate about a business than he was. So, I set out to start Christopher’s Bakery. Read more>>