The first step to starting a business is deciding to start a business. They say the first step is the hardest and in our experience this is especially true when it comes to starting a business. Getting over the mental roadblocks can be tough, often harder to overcome than the challenges you’ll face once you actually start the business. Fellow entrepreneurs share their thoughts below.

Gerry Ferretti | Writer/Director/Musician/Film Festival Director

I have started numerous businesses since fighting cancer 11 years ago. I decided I was going to pursue every dream I ever had. I had worked in theatre mostly but had dabbled in film work. I began Ferretti Films in 2017 and after a few Youtube series creations I made my first feature film The Mark. This led to more shorts and films and eventually to my current project the dramedy series The Fontanas. I also started my own band which began in 2019 and in 2023 evolved into one of the busiest bands on Long Island. And also in 2019 I founded The New York Long Island Film Festival (NYLIFF) which, now in its 6th year is growing every year. Starting each of these businesses came with its own set of goals and desires but all have at its central core a desire to create something for everyone that will elevate all who participate. As we rise we all rise. I am also father to two daughters and everything I do is also always with the goal of showing them that you can do anything and should always pursue your dreams, believe in yourself and do what you love. Read more>>

 Stefani Fryzel | Artist, Author & Coach

The thought process behind building my creative coaching business continues to be based on my mission to nurture and support artists and creatives. I try to look at the gaps that aren’t being filled, and needs that aren’t being met, and create and curate new spaces that haven’t yet been carved out to start to tend to those exact issues. As an artist and songwriter myself who’s been in the music industry for almost two decades, I completely understand and resonate with the position of the people that I’m serving. In addition to launching my first book, “Self-Care for the Creative: A Survival Guide for Creatives, Empaths, and Highly Sensitive People,” I’m focused on hosting/curating events, workshops, and panels that provide artists and songwriters with what they need the most to support their career. Read more>>

Kaylin Harris | Fashion Designer & Content Creator

I launched this brand because it’s what I’ve always dreamed of doing. Fashion design has always been my passion, but I couldn’t afford to attend fashion school. So, I chose business during my four years in undergrad, and unfortunately, I lost that initial passion. After graduation, I felt lost, like I wasn’t pursuing my dreams. That’s when I decided to take the leap. I started this brand to encourage women in our community to follow their dreams too. Read more>>

kerry lee | Casting Director

Born in Dayton Ohio, upon completing his high school education he was accepted into the University Of Cincinnati where he studied marketing. After college, moved to Atlanta and worked in telecommunications for 4 years as a customer service supervisor overseeing more then 200 customer service employees. While living in Atlanta, Kerry worked for superstar basketball player Dominique Wilkins as his personal assistant chief responsibilities handling all entertainment related business for the superstar this experience Read more>>

Maria Aminta Daniele | Owner of Pwc Milano

Pwc Milano is a small space that expertly mixes vintage and emerging brands from all over the world. The common denominator among all is doing good for the planet by giving people the opportunity to buy unique upcycling and secondhand pieces Read more>>

Susan Peirce | Founder and President of Red Bucket Equine Rescue and Sanctuary

I simply could not turn my back. Previously, I was unaware of how much suffering and unspeakable abuse existed within the Equine industry. Once I knew, I felt compelled to make a difference. While I have a full-time job as a partner and consultant at.DoorTwo, I started Red Bucket from scratch in January 2009. By March of that year we had already received 74 horses from slaughter, abuse, and starvation. I realized the urgency need and started a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We have been in business for over 15 years now, and has have saved thousands of Equine’s (horses, mules, donkeys, mini’s). so to answer the question briefly, I would say my thought process was, I couldn’t turn my back. I am fortunate to have the background in business and leadership and use my knowledge to differentiate the Red Bucket brand and set up a sustainable organizations that we can continue to save and serve high risk Equine‘s for many years to come. I’m still working on the sustainable part, and therefore platforms like this set, allow us to get our story out and introduce our story and life-saving work to others is incredibly valuable. Also, the mindset of Rescue in our industry is unacceptable to me, and that it is often that of a dog and cat model which doesn’t work for horses. We have set Red Bucket up to uniquely care for horses, and ensure that they never enter the slaughter or abuse pipeline once they’re rescued. Read more>>

Peter Deeble | Furniture Designer/Craftsman & Business Owner

I had very little thought going into it to tell you the truth! I was a high school math teacher at the time, and I built a couple pieces of furniture for me and my wife and was realizing how much I loved to build. I was teaching summer school (this was the summer of 2008) and one of my classes got cancelled due to low enrollment. So I was trying to figure out how I could earn an extra $1000 to get us through the summer. Read more>>

Fred Raphael | Entrepreneur and Philanthropist

As we all know that NYC is the capital of the world so, my thought process was to bring Haitian Food front and center to be experienced. I am driven by a desire to create something meaningful and make a positive impact in the community. Read more>>

Kiara Boughner | Jeweler, Designer, Sculptor

From a very young age, I’ve always had a passion for rocks and crystals. I was fascinated with how each unique specimen was formed, and the time, pressure, and correct combination of minerals it took to create them. I knew I wanted to combined my love and knowledge of the mineral world with my passion for art & creating. The jewelry industry is saturated with mass produced, low quality jewelry and I wanted to be the change in that world. In 2017, I decided to pursue my dream career as an artist, designer, and jeweler and create a fine jewelry line that truly valued, high quality specimens crafted with unparalleled expertise. Read more>>

Todd Stashwick | Actor, Writer, Entrepeneur, Dungeon Master, Half Elf Sorcerer, Scoundrel

When I started the Nerd Circus, it came from a place of sharing something deep and meaningful to me. Where my passion for imagination is rooted. I’m a child of the 70s and 80s. So much of my play grows from those influences. Playing dungeons and Dragons in basements, with wood panelled walls and orange shag carpet. We would be spinning Styx records on the Hi-Fi, rolling dice, slaying goblins. We drank our Dr. Pepper out of the Burger King Star Wars Glasses. I wanted to distill that vibe and present ways for folks to share in that. It’s groovy, whimsical and trippy fun. Read more>>

Davide Fiore | Film Director & Editor

It came naturally after high school. I used to edit videos of school pranks when I was 17-18 and made a Pranks DVD collection years before YouTube and Facebook started. Then I had to choose the college. My parents wanted me to become a doctor but I couldn’t see myself there. When I discovered that I could be paid doing what I liked… hell yeah! I jumped on it. Not knowing anybody in this business, no family connections, or people to learn from I had to pave my way for myself. The future was uncertain but exciting… and still, it is like that. In the past 16 years of my career, I’ve never known what to expect from the next month but I’m still here doing it. And with this pure recklessness toward the future, I’ve produced and directed my first feature film, A Little Fellow. It’s the story of the Founder of Bank of America, A.P. Giannini. It has been a tough challenge but I learned a lot. Again, I don’t know what to expect from the future but it’s gonna be great. Read more>>

Abi Varghese | Writer/Director

The decision to start our own business stemmed from a fundamental desire to tell stories that we were deeply passionate about. When we were pitching our films and TV series to big production companies, we encountered a common challenge – a gap in understanding our unique narratives. Our shows like ‘Brown Nation’ and ‘Metro Park,’ focusing on the lives of South Asians in New York and New Jersey, filled a void no one else was addressing. Much of the humor in these shows emanated from observing our family dynamics and the wonderfully chaotic environment of our upbringing. Read more>>

Diamond Love | Independent Artist

To having something of my own . To be proud of myself for something that is mine built from my hard work and dedication. Read more>>

Johnny Two Thirds | Tattoo Artist

I have always had a passion for tattooing. The art of Tattoo is something I have always gravitated to, even as a young child I was captivated by the strength of the images; tigers, eagles, pin up girls. The image spoke for itself, you see a person with a tiger on their arm and you can read it straight off, they’re wanting to represent the tiger with in them. As far as going into business for myself, I wanted to be in Hermosa Beach and because of the laws, someone had to fight the existing prohibition and I just happen to be the guy that got to do that. The court case, Anderson v. Hermosa beach, is my footnote in the history of tattooing, its something I’m really proud of and still stoked I got to be a part of something so much bigger than myself. After winning the case which equated to tattooing being protected under the first amendment, the new precedence had to be tested, and thats why I opened in Hermosa Beach. Hometown boy makes good. Read more>>

Adeola Adeniyi | Creative Director & Talk Show Host

Growing up I was always the kid who would come up with ideas and find any way to bring them to life. It just brought so much joy to me to have something come to mind and then execute them. It wasn’t until college when it really started to hit me that I didn’t just want creating to be a hobby, but I truly wanted to make a career out of it. I had a podcast that I created junior year of high school called “Well… This is Awkward” where I talked about what was going on in my life, music I was listening to, shows and movies I was watching, and anything else that came to mind. When I got to college I would invite my friends to record episodes with me and talk about our college experiences. I was always told that I would be great at hosting a visual show but I was super shy and scared of being seen. I was so comfortable with the idea of people just hearing my voice and never having an image of myself attached to my work. However, in 2020 when the pandemic hit I was consuming a lot of art from filmmakers, creative directors, talk show hosts, writers, etc and realized it was time for me to step into my purpose and commit to my show and own being a creative director. So in 2021 I launched my production company Awkward Productions (named in honor of the super awkward kid I was growing up), and under the production company I produced, directed, wrote the first season of my show. After some workshop sessions I honed in on what I wanted my show to be, and I truly wanted it to be a reflection of the culture curators in the world who are contributing to the world through their gifts and to give them a platform to talk about their passions and share it with others. I also knew that something that I felt like I was missing from the things I consumed on TV whether that be in films, campaigns, tv shows etc was the relatable characters that I could look at and say “Wow, she reminds me of me”. So producing work that reflects the world I live in and the experiences that I know I share with others is something that is super important to me and I value. So with all of those things said, launching my production company “Awkward Productions” and producing my show which has since been renamed to “It’s Just Adeola The Show” is my way of fulfilling the passion that younger me has always known to be my purpose. Read more>>

Tanya Clarke | Industrial Light Designer & Actress

I came across the building of lighting by accident. I needed a fixture to replace the fluorescent overhead in my newly rented Venice Beach apartment and decided to build it myself. I had just moved to California from New York City and my piece combined the industrial town I had left behind along with the water element which lay in front of me. Shortly after it was completed, I wandered into a gallery in Santa Monica that was exhibiting chandeliers created out of unexpected items. I showed the woman at the front desk a picture of the chandelier I had just built. She turned out to be the gallery owner and asked if I’d be interested in building another one to add to the collection… Read more>>

Joshua Ramirez | Executive Director, Saint Remy Arts and Culture & Associate Education Specialist, Youth Programs-J. Paul Getty Center

Growing up, I have always had to face and overcome tremendous obstacles. As a first-generation, low-income student with a disability, I faced homelessness as a teen and came from an unstable home. But I turned my pain into purpose, my struggles into strengths, as I challenged myself to rise from the fires of adversity. It was from these ashes that I began to create social justice initiatives that fought injustice, intolerance, and stigma through education and action. Read more>>

Elizabeth Lewis | Artist

I have a gnarly metal allergy, nickel in particular. It is so bad I could only wear a few select pieces of jewelry, and those were expensive to purchase. Sometimes jewelry is the best way to express oneself, and I was bummed that I couldnt. My husband was working in construction and saving scrap copper to recycle, and it gave me an idea. I did some research and found out that copper pipe is pure copper and contains zero allergens. So I started playing around. Eventually that led me to electroplating. Read more>>

Fabiola Lopez | Freelance Photographer & Aspiring Entrepreneur

As a driven and aspiring young Latina photographer, have identified a critical gap that impedes the progress of emerging talents – the lack of accessibility to professional studio spaces and high-quality photography equipment. Fueled by my passion for photography and a commitment to fostering inclusivity within the field, I envision an initiative named FLO Studios. Read more>>

Linus Queen | Student and hair stylist

I wanted starting up something I could use in providing for my needs and I know how working under other people can be so pressuring and taskful so I needed to figure out how to develop something on my own and work towards it Read more>>

Nakul Dev Mahajan | Bollywood Dance Choreographer and Dance Studio Owner

As a first generation South Asian American growing up in Los Angeles in the 80’s, there were no outlets for me to explore my hidden passion for Bollywood Dance. I had no choice other than popping in VHS tapes and copying what I saw and trying to get better at it. During that time, we had Indian classical dance teachers but Bollywood Dance teachers did not exist. It was then, at a very young age, when I made a decision that I am going to open the first Bollywood Dance school in the United States. In 2003, I did just that. I wanted to provide a space where Bollywood Dance enthusiasts can learn proper technique and feel a sense of cultural belonging. Read more>>

Caitlin Seager | Vocal Coach & Music Producer

I opened The Vocal Shed, NY back in 2019 in the Lower East Side, Manhattan, where I have lived for the past fifteen years. It’s a music studio specifically curated for singers. I wanted to offer not just voice technique training, but also opportunities for songwriting, music production, recording, artist development, setting up live performances, record releases and many more. Read more>>

Sanaa Antwine | CEO &’ College Student

Our motto is: “Be True to You” to bring awareness of the importance of having values and confidence in yourself, to be successful you must be true to yourself. When you look good, you feel good. We not only specialize in clothing and accessories for men and women but in the boost of confidence and self esteem for all of our customers. In 2019 I was a freshman in high school and I fell in love with lipgloss and my appearance. I began making all natural home made lipgloss for myself and others of no charge because it made us look and feel good. Along the way I began creating and putting outfits together for others. I had a passion for clothing but not within myself which takes us back to the motto “Be True to You”. I wanted to help and inspire others but wasn’t inspiring myself. I began praying and fasting for the love of myself and I received it. Upon the receiving of that blessing I began sharing it to others. I began selling the lipgloss, then added accessories for women and men, and took things one step at a time. My goal is to have everyone looking and feeling good! Read more>>

Courtney Watkins | Owner of Mine & Yours The Leader in Luxury Consignment in Canada

12 years ago I had moved back to Vancouver to take over my family business, a sawmill, after spending a lot of time back and forth between LA. It was definitely not my dream job but there were some life circumstances where the business required my help. I ran the business for 3 years and we tripled sales. I figured if I could do well in a business where I wasn’t passionate about the products I could do even better if I got into the fashion industry. Read more>>

Betty Benal Topuzlu | Founder, Trade Ambassadors

Embarking on the journey of starting my own business was driven by a profound desire for autonomy and the pursuit of a passion that had long fueled my imagination. The corporate world, while providing stability, left me yearning for a more direct connection with my work. The thought of creating something unique, leaving an indelible mark, and crafting a narrative that reflected my values became irresistibly compelling. I envisioned a venture where innovation could flourish, and where the blend of my skills and vision could redefine possibilities. It was about taking a leap of faith, embracing challenges as opportunities, and sculpting a business that echoed not only my professional aspirations but also contributed meaningfully to the broader community. The excitement of charting unexplored territories and the prospect of building a legacy fueled the thought process behind my entrepreneurial journey, transforming it from a mere idea into a tangible and thriving reality. Read more>>

Chris Frara | Chris Frara Studios Professional Commercial Photographer

Becoming a photographer has been my chosen path because I believe in the profound impact visuals can have on helping brands thrive. It’s not just about capturing images; it’s about crafting a visual language that speaks to the essence of each brand, fostering a meaningful connection with the audience. I am driven by the desire to be more than just a photographer; I aspire to be a brand storyteller, collaborating with businesses to amplify their identity and facilitate growth in the dynamic world of visual communication. Every photograph is a deliberate step in contributing to the success and expansion of the brands I am privileged to work with. My journey behind the lens is a commitment to elevating brands and creating a lasting impression that extends beyond the pixels. Join me on this transformative adventure, where the art of photography becomes a catalyst for brand evolution. Read more>>

Mai Tran | Founder

I started Cavology when I was searching for accessories for my own dogs and saw something was lacking. Rope leashes were getting very popular in 2017 and I couldn’t find exactly the ones I wanted to use. I did some research, purchased some materials and started dyeing and assembling leashes in my tiny kitchen condo. From there we slowly expanded our product offering to harnesses, leashes, collars, human apparel, dog-friendly candles, dog shampoo bars. We offer accessories that are fashionable and functional, designed with the modern dog parent in mind. Everything that Cavology offers is something I would personally use on my dogs. Read more>>

Stefani & Brad Boyd | Husband and Wife Wedding Photographer & Videographer

I knew I wanted to start my own business when I realized that I wanted to be my own boss and make my own schedule. I knew I’d have a hard time sitting behind a desk from 9am-5pm. My family all works in the wedding business so I was able to see firsthand the benefits of being your own boss. It didn’t come without challenges, but it’s been well worth it after 13 years in business for myself. Read more>>

Candice Young | Adventure Nonprofit Founder

As the founder of Trek Relief, my journey began with a deeply personal response to the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal. Witnessing its devastating impact while trekking through a remote Himalayan village, I, Candice Young, along with co-founder Dr. Rob Williams, launched a fundraising campaign to aid the Langtang Valley survivors by bringing fundraising trekkers into the region. Read more>>

Arturo Nunez | Photographer/ Videographer/ Owner of Clips Photography & Videography

My thought process regarding starting my own business was kind of an evolution of a desire to want to do more with this thing called photography but I felt hindered by the camera I had at the time. It wasn’t a bad camera at all and as a matter of fact, I still have and use it to this day as a secondary. However, at the time that’s what I felt. I have had many hobbies in my life and with most of those hobbies I spent a lot of money I didn’t really have. I never followed through on anything really, and now as a single father that worked so hard for my money I didn’t really have the means to drop money on any new equipment, I told myself “You will only buy a new camera if the camera I had made the money”. I was kind of a test for myself to see if I could do it. It took a lot longer than expected but I finally did it! After that it was just a snowball of opportunities I had to seize so, one camera two became starting an Instagram, to a website, to filing a DBA and getting legit business license. Read more>>

Ciecie Ho | Interior Designer & Home Stylist

Deciding to start my own business was a carefully thought-out decision & commitment to myself influenced by my passion for Interior Design, education, & work/life experiences. I studied Interior Design for my undergraduate degree then developed a deeper focus while obtaining my Master’s degree at UCLA, which altogether gave me a clear vision of what I wanted to dedicate myself to professionally. Read more>>

Mike Caputo | Musician, Composer and Vocalist

Being a musician, vocalist and writer I wanted to form GOOD STUFF with specific people that I had in mind in order to accomplish being one of the best and most unique tribute bands as well as being able to branch out into original music projects with the skill and versatility I knew would exist with the musicians I chose to be the integral part of this. Read more>>