We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Emma Palova | Author, journalist and podcast producer

Independence and freedom to create using my voice and experience. I am privileged to have three major experiences: communist, capitalist, and catholic. The catharsis of the above has provided me with a broad base of ideas, and how to execute them using different philosophies and methods. Read more>>

Brianna Shortt | Registered Nurse and Previous Chronic Pain Sufferer

Starting Chronic Pain Hope was ultimately inspired by my own personal experience with chronic pain. When I had chronic pain I struggled with our healthcare system and finding answers to my pain. Read more>>

Caleigh London | Lip gloss CEO & Volleyball Player

As a 13-year-old entrepreneur from Redondo Beach, CA, balancing my business, C. London “Keep It Cute”, with my commitments as a student and athlete was a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Here’s a glimpse into my thought process and motivations behind starting my own business while managing a busy schedule: Read more>>

Liberian Peace | Creative Genius

When starting Personas, I wanted to combine my love of video production and background of theatre into a unique experience that people could not only watch but participate in. I think people frown on so many people wanting to be entertainers and content creators but it’s just the evolution of social interaction. Read more>>

Teresa Speight | Garden Communicator/ Landscape Gardener and Visionary

I was on a journey seeking other African Americans in horticulture that looked like me doing more than mowing grass. At the time I wanted to be a garden writer and wanted to connect. I found Anne Spencer and Lee May. I began a conversation with Mr. May prior to his passing. Read more>>

Ashton Swinford | Filmmaker & Actor

Being my own boss was a priority, but I only took the leap after learning the ropes on other people’s projects before realizing I can do the same for myself, but differently and possibly better. Read more>>

Everett Glenn | A retired” 45-year business attorney now leading a nonprofit effort to transform the lives of Black and Brown youth.”

The thought process behind starting the nonprofit organization I currently lead was to imagine the vibrant strokes of collaboration and innovation merging to create a masterpiece of empowerment and systemic change in the nonprofit sector.  Read more>>

Andi Krush | Singer & Songwriter

I started my first business by opening my new Restaurant, “Ristorante Tortellino,” at 7168 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. It’s an Italian restaurant specializing in fresh homemade pasta, but we also do soups and salads, and we have many vegetarian and vegan options. The Restaurant is small but cozy and very family-friendly. Read more>>

TIST ONE | ARTIST

My thought process behind starting my own business was quite straightforward. I desired the freedom to work on my own terms and have greater financial independence. By venturing into entrepreneurship, I aimed to create a path where I could set my own schedule, pursue my passions, and potentially earn more income. Read more>>  

Ciara Lyons-Ragains MSN, RN, PHN | Registered Nurse & Mama Coach

I started my business when I was 7 months postpartum with my daughter. I struggled a lot during the initial postpartum and newborn stages. I have a lot of familial support that helped carry my little family through but without them, I am not sure where we would be. The crazy part is that I am a Labor & Delivery nurse. Read more>>

Seth Holborow | Photographer

Starting my business in photography was an idea one day where I thought to myself: Why take photos just for myself when I can take photos for others? I had always enjoyed taking photos of everything that caught my attention ever since I was young and sharing them with friends and family. Read more>>

Harry Bagramian | Founder

We saw a need and we wanted to play a part in making it better. There are so many of kids in need in the foster care system and underserved population that need to feel seen and loved right here in Southern California. So we decided to start celebrating local kids in need on their birthdays and providing them joy and hope. Our mission was and still is to change the world, one child at a time. Read more>>

Matthew Tipold | Cinematographer

It happened organically. My business partner, David J Redman, and I just started to film events together and decided we should put a name on it. We never set out to make a company, but as we started to do more and more work together, it became clear that we should try and make this into a business. Read more>>

Scott Ramsay | Touring recording guitarist & tribute band leader and producer

I have been a performing guitar player in the city of Los Angeles for years and although I’ve been hired on for tours as well as gigs around town, I finally decided to start my own business in the area of tribute bands. Read more>>

Matthew ( Coaston ) Langford | Photographer & Tarot Reader

My thought process behind starting my own photography business was first to provide people with a creative space and outlet to express their visions and bring certain vibes and aesthetics to life. I felt like growing up I always had a hard time expressing myself artistically without judgement so I wanted to create a free judgement space for people to be themselves and have fun creating. Read more>>

Chedie Raymundo | Owner/CEO

Oh man! Rome wasn’t built in a day and starting a business is indeed a long process. Back in 2018, I saw people online talk about launching their store, dropshipping, becoming an affiliate, etc. I was also fortunate to get acquainted with entrepreneurs and I was fascinated with the possibility that I too can do it. Read more>>

Phoebe Ping | Small Business Accessories Designer & Costumer

It started as a gift idea for a family friend who was taking a trip to Disneyland. I work as a costumer/costume maker, so whenever I have time, I like to hand craft gifts for people, and I especially love making accessories. I had seen many artists on Etsy and Instagram who made and sold beautifully unique ears for Disney lovers to wear to the parks, and felt a certain desire to do something similar.  Read more>>

Ebony Belser | CEO|Designer|Creative director

My thought process behind starting a business is PURPOSE! I believe that all meaningful and thriving businesses are built and sustained by the purpose behind the business, meaning what motivated you to start the business and what motivates you to keep going. Without purpose does a business have meaning? Read more>>

Sagi Isaac Azran | Entrepreneur & Construction Company Co-Founder

Over the years, I saw too many loved ones, friends and family, go through horrible home-renovation and construction experiences. Whether it was the work, the communication, the honesty of the company…. Everything that could go wrong for them, usually did. Read more>>

Dolly Arneja | Home Chef

I have always loved cooking and feeding everyone is my love language. All my friends and family have loved my food through the years so they would always push me to venture out to sell my food. I used to have a catering business in india as well and when I moved here I wanted to start something with authentic Indian food. Read more>>

Chris Farmer Music | Live Entertainment and Musical Performance Coach

Playing music while growing up came very naturally. It made sense for me to have my own business so I can book my own events as band leader, as well as offer my instrumental and vocal musical services to other groups and entertainment contractors, Read more>>

Joseph Travers | Pastor and Founder, Certified Missing & Exploited Child Investigator (CMECI)

On September 21, 2009 I was reading an article from the Orange County Register, “Retired Terror Hunters Hope to End Child Sex Slavery” (in foreign countries). This brought to mind the news I heard recently regarding a missing 17-year-old girl who left her parent’s home in New York. Read more>>

Annie Diamantidis | Designer & Founder of Annie Handbags and Accessories

As the designer of Annie Handbags, my thought process behind starting my own business revolves around several key points: 1. Creating one-of-a-kind pieces: I wanted to offer unique handbags that stand out from the crowd, reflecting individuality and personal style. 2. Giving back to charities: It’s important for me to support causes that are close to my heart. Read more>>

Xiang Zhou | Independent filmmaker & photographer

Starting my own business was a decision that stemmed from a desire to break free from the traditional boundaries and explore my creativity in a more authentic way. I wanted to create a platform where I could express my thoughts and emotions freely, without being constrained by external expectations. Read more>> 

Mika Ovcharova | Co-founder of Zorka Staging

I have to admit that I was lucky. When my husband and I decided to move to the United States, I left all my previous life behind. So I had the privilege to choose between continuing my career in the corporate world here or pursuing my dream.  Read more>>

Laquisha Moore | Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor

My thought process behind starting my own business was that I wanted to work in a way that was best for me and my children, having complete autonomy and time freedom. I also knew that my sexual trauma program, Levitate 4 Life, would help a lot of people and if I did not make money off of it, someone else would. Read more>>

Fatboi Sharif | musician, lyricist, creative

Wanting to take my destiny in my own hands in a field that I’ve always been interested in and inspired by. Read more>>

Tanit Lang | Creator of Natural & Organic Hair and Skincare Brand, Trinity Noire’

The thought behind starting Trinity Noire’ was a process. I recently changed the way I ate and eliminated meat and processed food. I also did the big chop and was growing my natural hair. I was feeling amazing yet unsatisfied with skincare as a whole. Read more>>

Beth Mounier | Founder of Mounshot Performance | Player Development Specialist

I had a mentor who told me that as an assistant basketball coach, every thing that touches performance is our job to be informed on and begin to develop mastery in. If we truly want to unlock performance and unlock people, we have to seek out knowledge in related fields: psychology, neuro science, leadership and communication, skill acquisition, basketball techniques and concepts. Read more>>