Are you thinking about starting a business? If so, we think you’ll enjoy reading about how these seasoned entrepreneurs thought about the question when they were in your shoes.

Bernice Solorio | Balloon Artist & Stylist

My love for decorating events started at a young age. My assistant, who is also my godmother, introduced me to this industry. She’s had a love for this ever since I can remember. She would decorate our family’s quinceaneras, weddings, etc. and we would get together and help her out with décor. These are some of my most cherished memories because I really enjoyed helping her. As I grew up, my cousins would come to me and ask if I could decorate their events so, of course, I said yes. It eventually led to me exploring this industry a bit more. Read more>>

Viviana Medina | Founder & Artisanal Maker

I started Capistrano Sudsery with a clear mission: providing a genuine, skin-friendly alternative to store detergent bars. My motivation stemmed from recognizing that commercial soaps contain harsh chemicals and synthetic additives. Utilizing time-honored soap-making techniques guarantees the use of natural ingredients, showcasing a dedication to skin well-being. The artistic aspect of soap crafting is my creative expression, offering customers unique and visually appealing products. I prioritize moisturizing and nourishing properties to reinforce a dedication to promoting skin wellness. Read more>>

Daniel Munguia Goetz | Media Entertainer, Spiritual Guide & Philanthropist

I personally was looking to create a business that embodied both the entrepreneurship and the humanitarian aspects of life. I meditated on what my purpose should look like for me, specifically, and I came to the realization that the top two most important principles for myself are: to support and to guide others. Whether this is through advice, through teaching, by example, or by modeling, setting the tone for a prosperous life is the most rewarding gift of all. Read more>>

Jami Fisher | Owner of Perfetto Caffe

My husband and I are painting contractor. I have Lyme disease and the painting was too much on my body so we looked up my dream which was to own a coffee shop. We found Perfetto Caffe and this is how it started. ! Read more>>

Isa Griffin | Personal Professional Coach & Podcast Host

I have many businesses and the thought processes for all of them included revenue, lifestyle and success but the core value under all my endeavors is betterment. Whether that be through enjoyment that comes with an experience at one of my Airbnbs, a positive lifestyle shift through my coaching programs or visual/auditory inspiration through my modeling and podcasting. I want to inspire, improve and constructively collaborate with the lives of those who interact in my ethos. Read more>>

LaTasia Floyd | Dance Studio Director & Hip Hop Dance Choreographer

At the age of 10, I was deeply inspired by dance shows like “So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Best Dance Crew,” and “Born to Dance.” However, I couldn’t find a nearby studio that offered the hip hop and commercial dance styles I desperately wanted to train in. I continued to follow my dance dreams by teaching myself through online dance tutorials, joining my high school dance team, and studying dance in college. Although, I didn’t get to experience what it felt like to be apart of a dance studio, this fueled my journey to providing a quality dance studio experience for my community. Read more>>

Todd Hewitt | Founder- Last Ditch Design

Like most, I believe we all have aspirations to create something in life we can proudly put our stamp on. For me that has been a lingering dream throughout my wonderful career in the furniture industry. Fear, lack of confidence and anxiety have for a long time held me back but I finally felt that now was the right time to take this leap. This really just finally came down to a “gut check.”. Now or never. Perhaps I am getting a later start than most, but I can also rely on experience and relationships to better guide me through this is exciting new chapter in my life. Read more>>

Eryn Young | Rug Maker and Educator

I started Tuft House L.A. to give people a chance to try the craft of rugmaking without the large investment in materials that it takes to get started. Most of us who have learned how to tuft are self taught and there hasn’t been a lot of resources to get information and feedback in the process. I have created a program where someone who has never even heard of tufting can come in and create a rug in an afternoon. I also wanted to create a space where people who want to continue on can learn everything they need to know to do the entire process, start to finish, by themselves. Read more>>

Akash Bajaj MD MPH | Founder , Remedy Wellness & Anti Aging, Remedy Pain Solutions

There can be many unnecessary obstacles in businesses that have been doing things a certain way for a long time. In starting my own practice, I am embracing the autonomy to provide a certain level of service and care utilizing modern day technology to make things seamless and efficient, without all the red tape. Read more>>

Moises Parra | Media Company

All my life I was a big fan of sports and entertainment. Had dreams of being a sports broadcaster for ESPN’s sports center. As I grew I noticed people on sportcenter didn’t look or speak like me. I also noticed I wasn’t their target audience. That didn’t feel good. I recognized a void or a lack of representation in the entertainment industry and decided to fill it. That’s when I creadted The Lit Outlet. Worrying about the business side of my company would eventually be priority number 1 in the future. To me the most important thing to focus on is creating a self sustaining culture were people like me can come and be entertained in not only sports but music and other popular art forms. Read more>>

Lola Boutée | CEO & Creative Director, The Dollface Dames

My thought process behind starting my own business was I wanted to take control of my own career and provide women with a safe space to explore their passions and embrace their inner beauty and sensuality. I wanted women’s voices to be heard and to provide more opportunities for women in the arts. I love being a woman owned business. We started with just four women, myself included, and now I work with thousands of performers all over the world with weekly shows in different states. It’s rewarding to see our company continue to develop over time and it’s amazing watching our artists showcase their artistic visions and seeing how much happiness we can provide to our patrons through this creativity. Read more>>

Rebecca Godoy | Founder, BashBooth SoCal

The idea to start my own photo booth business emerged from a mix of wanting to be part of others’ special moments, making parties more fun and exciting, and creating something that is truly my own. My husband and I began designing and building our own photo backdrops to add an extra layer of fun to our parties and celebrations. I’ve always been dedicated to capturing special moments, whether it’s through photographs, videos, or holding onto meaningful mementos. What better way to cherish memories than through a photo booth company, where not only can you capture the moment, but also preserve it as a keepsake! I envisioned a company that could provide not just a photo-taking service, but a complete experience that would add an extra layer of fun and excitement to any event. Read more>>

Dr. Daniel Hamedani | Reproductive Acupuncturist

I grew up seeing holistic doctors, and their approach to health always resonated with me. This inspired me to delve into the world of acupuncture and Chinese medicine. As I furthered my studies, I observed troubling global trends: countries like Japan, the U.S., China, and South Korea, to name a few, have been seeing declining birth rates. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s indicative of challenges that many individuals face in their reproductive journeys, compounded by various environmental and societal factors. I felt there was a need for holistic, affordable options to support those wanting to embark on the journey of parenthood. Read more>>

Richard Yang | XR Developer & Entrepreneur

The major theme behind my decision to start my own business revolved around following my instincts, interests, and passions, while also understanding the course of my destiny. From a young age, I was deeply interested in video games and often connected with friends online. However, my initial career trajectory was in finance. While my family could provide resources in this domain, I felt it stifled my inherent drive for creativity and self-expression. After undertaking internships at several prestigious banking institutions, I realized that the work was monotonous, lacking in creativity, and devoid of innovative opportunities. Read more>>

Vanessa Fierstadt | Grief Therapist and Educator, Director of Kintsugi Grief Center

Kintsugi Grief Center had always been a tiny speck on my horizon, waiting to come to fruition. As a grief therapist and educator of the last 10 years creating community and a place for those who are grieving a place to rest was always a vision. At the age of 26 my husband died from a rare form of cancer. As a young therapist in LA at the time it was a very isolating and strange place to be. Grief groups for my age group were nonexistent. We know that death and dying education is very small not to mention that we live in a very death phobic society. It became very healing and necessary for me to create spaces for grievers of all ages, including children to have a place where they feel seen and heard. Read more>>

Terrell Samuels | CEO

After the pandemic happened, I wanted to figure out a way to keep every charity, university, business, and regular folk funded on a monthly basis using entertainment spending. Because I also saw people spent 70 percent more annually on home entertainment around 500 MM a year. I figured if I can capture these funds an put them back into the community it would create a whole new financial eco system and it has! Read more>>

Caitlyn May | Fashion Stylist & Consultant

Starting my own business was not something I ever planned. If you asked me a few years ago what my career ambitions were I would have told you I wanted to be a VP of sales to a major luxury fashion brand. I had an unexpected layoff from at the time what was my dream job during the pandemic. This was a big turning point in my life.This situation left me feeling lost, confused and asking myself the question of what I really wanted to do in my life and what made me the most happy? My answer to this question consisted of a few things. Read more>>

Yvette Murray | CEO & Founder

Purpose Nomad came to be from a trip I took years ago that changed my life forever. I participated in a community volunteer project with my colleagues in a small, rural town just outside of Berlin, Germany. We built a playground for a kindergarten class that had no outdoor play equipment to play in during recess . The look on their faces and show of appreciation moved me to tears. I vowed I would one day start a company or nonprofit dedicated to avid travelers who want to explore the world with a purpose and give back to causes that mean something to them during their travels. Read more>>

Seema Choudhary | Dr. Seema Choudhary Executive Director Montessori Preschool Irvine & Lake Forest

“The thought of starting a preschool business, with the flexibility to align it with my own kids’ school schedule, was a concept born out of personal necessity and a desire for work-life balance. As a parent, I understood the challenges of juggling work and family responsibilities, especially when it came to my own children’s school routines. By creating a preschool business with a flexible schedule that mirrored my kids’ school hours, I saw an opportunity to not only be actively involved in their education but also cater to the needs of other parents facing similar challenges. This approach allowed me to be present for drop-offs and pick-ups, attend school events, and maintain a harmonious work-life integration. Read more>>

Chana Gedy | Entrepreneur & Broker at Chana Gedy Concierge Real Estate Services

In my pursuit of independence as a woman, I’ve faced challenges in the workplace related to pay inequality, sexual harassment, and unhealthy power dynamics. This inspired me to establish my own brokerage rather than continue building someone else’s success. While it might not have been the easiest path, it has been profoundly rewarding. My mission is to empower girls and women to recognize their potential, encouraging them to thrive as businesswomen, entrepreneurs, CEOs, and in any role they aspire to. Regardless of the challenges, this mission drives me. Read more>>

Keynen a.k.a Saint Grunge Trice | Licensed Cosmetologist, Model, and Indie Musician

The initial influence behind my personal interest to create my own brand that would, by default blossom into a business. came from my motivation being influenced alongside a consistent feeling or the emotion of getting “Short-changed”. As the hidden agendas I came to know on a personal level and by way of experience within corporate america. as well as some highly reputable brands and specific industries. Where it appears your mere existence, level professionalism, and good work ethics literally don’t constitute or render an employee’s value or wether or not they are an actual asset to anything less than or short of the understanding behind the term: “Expendable”. (LOL) I was raised to understand and also hold firm belief in the fact of my value! and to maintain a reasonable and rational morale compass. Read more>>

Kristllel Zavala | Esthetician & Educator

After being laid off during the pathetic from the law firm I use to work for after being there for eight years, it made me realize at the end of the day everybody is replaceable and no matter how long you been somewhere a business that doesn’t appreciate you will truly just do what is best for them at the end of the day. I never wanted to give a business I gave so much of my time and dedication the power to once again cut my income especially during a critical time in the world. It made me realize I had to pursue what truly made me happy and take the risk of being fully in control when it came down to not only my true happiness but my income. Read more>>

Angela Moore | Stand-up Comedian, Actress & Comedy Show Producer

I started my own comedy business, Moore Laughter Entertainment. My thought process was I wanted to be taken seriously as a Stand-up Comedian. I wanted to own a business that was devoted Clean Comedy as a Comedian and a Comedy Show Producer. Read more>>

Decheng Cui | Artist&Gallerist

4C means for Contemporary Art, for Conceptual Art, for Chinese speaking Community. We aim to provide a pure land for Chinese-speaking artist and audiences in the gap between Chinese culture and American culture, and to nurture their own soil. We will provide a continuous and professional exhibition space for Chinese American contemporary art in Los Angeles, and organize our own cultural activities for Chinese-speaking community in the United States. Read more>>