Our city is home to so many incredible businesses and so we asked the founders how they came up with the ideas for their businesses and have shared their responses below.

Candice Kaye | Founder and Creative Director, Candice Kaye Design (CKD)

I always knew I wanted to work within the interior space but there was very little exposure to the textile industry. When studying interior design we were told you go to showrooms and choose from the selection that was available. No one told us that there are artists out there that actually created wallpaper, fabrics and embroideries by hand. Read more>>

Maria Gnoza | Writer & Performer

So, my solo show (THE IDITAROD) is about a young woman who finds out she ate her twin in the womb. She freaks out thinking she’s a murderer and decides to pursue her lifelong dream of racing in the Iditarod – that famous sled dog race in Alaska. Read more>>

Danielle Velasquez | Sales Director & Business Development Expert

My Mom was the spark that ignited my desire to start a creative business. She was an extremely talented woman; painting free hand around the house, a great chef, a dance instructor, and educator. When she passed, I dedicated time to do things she liked to do. Read more>>

Cearra Stinson | Multi-Hyphenate Wellness Entrepreneur & Yoga Instructor

My brain baby, Healing Health came into fruition between 2017-2018, post graduating with my Bachelors of Science in Health Sciences from Howard University. The idea came to me naturally, as I was trained by the nonprofit I was working for at the time, as a prenatal Health Coach. Read more>>