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.

Diann Tigner | Founder

Well, Mental health and people in a homeless state have always been dear to my heart. Partly because I have experienced both first hand, personally and with family members. I often see how mental health awareness is over looked in the Black community, even though I do see it becoming more normalized, we still have a long way to go. The Hidden Angels touches on these issues by providing resources, education and one day we hope to grow into providing skills training through a transition home to those individuals who are currently homeless and living with mental illness. So often I see individuals given a home, job, clothes and things but not taught the necessary skills to keep these things up so it becomes a cycle. I hope to break that cycle. I also own D’Lux Beauty. Read more>>

Tani Lopez | Founder & Social Media Strategist

My thought process began with my inspiration. My inspiration being my dad, who I watched become his own boss my whole life. He emigrated to the U.S. and started working in a manufacturing company and soon after followed his passion for soccer by launching his soccer school coaching kids of all ages for the past 40+ years. Because of this, I always asked myself, ‘If my dad could do it, why can’t I?’. So before taking the big risk in my career, I had many conversations with my dad about my ideas, goals, thoughts, or doubts. I listened carefully and asked him about any roadblocks he hit during his time of being an entrepreneur, that way I could use those lessons to my advantage in the future. But the greatest part behind this whole process is that he was 100% in support of my dreams. It’s a blessing to have him not only as a father but as a mentor. Read more>>

Miguelina Vasquez | Owner & Apparel Creator

My thought process behind creating my own was that I wanted to create something that represented me but also people can relate too. I wanted something that made people feel good but also had meaning behind. I always believe in the whole believe in yourself model and that you should be your own biggest fan. Unlimited Royalty means that you are a King or Queen and somebody important. Read more>>

Deborah Benoliel | Coaching & Life Design

A few years ago, I was the Global Marketing & Special Events Director of this amazing beach club company. I had ‘the dream job’ as everybody would tell me. You know, the type of job where you meet amazing people, you’re constantly traveling the world from St Barth to Marbella…but one day, after a rather exhausting Cannes Film Festival, I decided to pause and ask myself if this was it, if this was really making ME happy… Not long after, I decided to leave my career behind to pursue my dream. Life Coaching. Coaching to me is not just another job, it is my passion, my true calling. I am thriving when I’m able to help my clients reach their full potential, when I guide them towards their dreams, and help them become a better version of themselves. Read more>>