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.

Lori Royce | Coastal Artist & Model

I thought that when I started my own business I could finally be free to make my own decisions: when I wanted, how I wanted, and how often I needed to. Working for someone else often limits your ability to speak, to grow, to reach new heights or to conquer your own goals. Working for a company that doesn’t share your vision only delays your own path to becoming who you want to be and what you want to do with it all. Read more>>

Jeymarie Guerra | Licensed mental health counselor, registered play therapist and owner of Supportive Engagement

I was at a transitional point in my life, knowing I wanted to continue in private practice but also desiring the flexibility to shape my own business culture. I wanted to create an environment where we prioritize support, empathy, and community. Having more control over how we treat clients allowed me to build a space that feels inclusive, compassionate, and genuinely client centered. Read more>>

Feleksan Onar | Glass artist and designer

When I decided to start Fy-shan Glass Studio, it marked a significant second act for me. After a career in industrial textile apparel manufacturing and the successful sale of that business, I was ready to pursue my passion for glass. I had confidence in my ability to create a successful venture, drawing on my experience and enthusiasm for this beautiful material. Read more>>

Olivia Sage | Spiritual Guide, Trauma-informed Relationship Coach, Breathwork Facilitator

Both of my parents worked for the government when i was growing up in Turkey. We moved around 10 times by the time i finished high school. Even though I appreciate those experiences more now, it was challenging for me to see parents not have control over where they wanted to live and not have much time to relax, take care of themselves and spend time with me and my sister. Read more>>

Leins & Kira Rios | Owners & Gamers

At Tenth Level Tavern, we wanted to create a gaming paradise that feels just like your living room—only with cold beers and a little more excitement! Growing up, we all logged countless hours gaming, and now that we’re of legal drinking age, why not combine the two? So, in 2015 South Florida’s first Arcade Bar was opened, built by gamers, for gamers—where nerds and geeks can unite over their favorite games and brews! Read more>>

Michelle Miltenberger | Co-Owner, The Space Empire

My thoughts behind starting my own business was that I personally was experiencing a need – I needed a space I could go to heal, to feel seen, to feel like I was working towards being my best self, and to meet people going through similar experiences as me. I could not find a space like this that offered everything I desired, so I decided I needed to create it myself, trusting that I was not the only one needing this. Read more>>

Patricia Correa | Professional home organizer

I discovered my gift for being a professional organizer by chance when I lived in New York in 2016. I rented an apartment but it was a mess, so before starting anything I decided to organize it and then I realized that I loved it and knew how to do it intuitively. So I decided to learn more and become an assistant to a professional and then after 6 months I ended up opening my own business. Read more>>

Lovnyth Valcin | Licensed Florida REALTOR®

Honestly, starting my own business just made sense because I love how every day is different. No two days ever look the same, and that keeps things exciting for me. Plus, there’s something really rewarding about knowing that what you put in is what you get out. I love the feeling of building something from the ground up, seeing it grow, and knowing that I created it. It’s such a great feeling to look at my progress and know that I’ve been able to shape something that’s uniquely mine. And the best part? I get to work in a way that aligns with my values and passions, which makes it even more fulfilling. Read more>>

Ezgi Sertcetin | Artist & Entrepreneur

Art has always captivated me, igniting a passion that began long ago. It became my voice, my means of expression, marking the beginning of my creative journey. In those earlier days, finding the right tools to bring my visions to life was a challenge; the options were limited, and the mess of preparation often overshadowed the joy of creation. Read more>>

Laila Fakhoury | Creative Entrepreneur & Event Curator

My heart has always been dedicated to serving others. I remember realizing how much I valued service when I read a quote as a kid that really resonated with me. It said “as you grow older you learn you have two hands: one for helping yourself, one for helping others.” Read more>>

Todria Wiggins | Makeup Artist & Specialist

To be honest, I never thought about owning my own business. I didn’t know anything about it. I was actually scared to start a business. I just knew that I loved expressing myself through Makeup Artistry. As the time grew and after I took my first paid client that is when my feelings changed. It went from being “scared” to “wow, I can make money from creating. My work actually make women happy.” I wanted to keep that feeling with me forever. Read more>>

Laura Longmore | CEO, Founder & Designer

I started Unclad out of my pure frustration with an outdated fashion industry. Once I realized how much harm it was causing—both to the planet and the people behind the clothes—I knew I had to do something different. I wanted to create fashion that not only looked good but also felt good, knowing it was made sustainably and ethically. At Unclad, we’re all about focusing on sustainability and the emotion behind the clothes, because fashion shouldn’t come at the cost of the environment or workers. It’s empowering to know that we’re part of a movement to create change—fashion that’s kind to people and the planet. Read more>>

Andrea Maria Sampere Agüera | Homeopathic doctor Astrologer Biological decoder

At first I would like to clarify that I do not consider my work a business. Today my job consists of accompanying people through their crisis or working on their symptoms.It’s been 30 years since I graduated as a doctor and I practice healthcare. During these years my way of observing people and symptoms changed, thanks to the progressive incorporation of homeopathy, astrology and biological decoding. And this process is related to situations in my personal life that led me to look for tools to transform crises into opportunities.
Nothing was strictly planned by me, it was destiny that led me here, although many times I tried to resist. Read more>>

Carmen Garcia | CEO and Founder of Hudson Staffing

My career in the private household industry started 16 years ago in NYC. It all began with an incredible agency—one of New York’s most established agencies—that set the stage for my career. From there, I was recruited by a couple other firms, before going on my own! Read more>>

Antoine Esber | Founder & Director of Oasis Futsal Academy

After I graduated from Duke University I worked for two years at an Investment Bank in NYC. It was a proper introduction into the corporate workspace. Routine, office work, and a constant learning curve to get to the next stage. As a first job it was perfect, but it also made me realize I did not want to do this for the rest of my life. I decided that if I could put the same amount of hard work into my biggest passion, I would surely be able to make a living from it. Read more>>