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.

Henrique Gomes

I began my career as a producer at advertising agencies

I worked at multinational companies such as FCB and Ogilvy & Mather in Rio de Janeiro, and
after about 10 years in the industry, I decided I needed to become a
more well-rounded and adaptable professional, better equipped to handle changes. Read More>>

Sophia Osmani

The idea came to me after a deeply traumatic breakup. I was in a serious, committed relationship where marriage was discussed, yet throughout it all, I intuitively felt a strong inner sense that something was fundamentally wrong—but I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. All I knew with every ounce of my being, was that it wasn’t a normal relationship. It wasn’t until after the breakup that I came across an Instagram profile on my explore page who’s posts were all about NPD: Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  Read More>>

Sofiia Safonova

My decision to start my own business was driven by a mix of passion, creativity, and the desire for autonomy. I’ve always been drawn to visual storytelling, and after working in the industry as a producer for a while, I realized there was a gap in the market for high-quality, visually compelling director’s treatments. I saw an opportunity to fill that space by providing a service that not only met but elevated the creative needs of filmmakers and production companies. Read More>>

Rania Alomar

I started RA-DA after working for a couple of large US based architectural firms. I’d been working on stadium, arena and theater projects as a lead designer with these firms but I knew since Graduate School that what I really wanted was to have my own firm so it had always been a goal of mine. In a way I had been learning the business and the craft throughout those 10 years with this in mind. I was always open to every aspect of the work – Read More>>

Maria Becerra

Thank you for sharing your story—it’s heartfelt and inspiring. Here’s a polished version that keeps your voice and authenticity while refining the structure and flow. This could work well for your website, a bio, or social media intro:

How It All Started Read More>>

Justin Drury

For most of my early adult life, I was fully immersed in the world of music. As a DJ, music producer and signed music artist, I had the incredible fortune of touring globally and experiencing life through a lens few get to see. From packed nightclubs in Europe, Asia, and South America to festivals/clubs across the U.S., it was a dream realized. I got to live passionately, creatively, and on my own terms. But as thrilling and fulfilling as that chapter was, I came to a point where I realized that the lifestyle was not sustainable long term. Read More>>

Brandon Reed

The driving force behind my decision to establish my own business was the desire for growth and the creation of a safe haven for my clients to have an exceptional experience. I had worked in various types of barbershops, and I yearned to have my own establishment where I could craft the ambiance that my clients would truly appreciate. Read More>>

Juliza Castellanos

My thought process behind starting my own business was to build something rooted in freedom, passion, creativity, integrity, and fulfillment. I wanted the freedom to take on projects that align with my values, and I’ve learned that the relationships I build along the way are just as fulfilling as the work itself. Being able to express my creativity and bring people personalized spaces that reflect who they are is incredibly rewarding.  Read More>>

Sadie Katz

People don’t normally associate opening a business with pursuing acting. However, when you decide to pursue acting as a profession, you are opening a small business: you, the actor. I’ve always been an actor. I think on a level, it’s who you are, but pursuing it outside of being just a hobby requires a different kind of commitment. Like opening a small business, you have to study the market, Read More>>

Sara Gotfredsen

After nearly two decades at ESPN developing high-impact marketing platforms for marquee events like Monday Night Football, the NBA Finals, and the College Football Playoff—working with powerhouse brands like Nike, Toyota, Google, and Sony PlayStation—I recognized a major white space: women’s sports.

In 2022, well before the Caitlin Clark phenomenon took over the WNBA, there were strong signals that the women’s sports landscape was primed for explosive growth. I knew I could take the strategic know-how I had built in men’s sports and channel it into something purpose-driven: helping brands authentically and meaningfully connect with women’s sports leagues, athletes, and fans. Read More>>

Marisa Hope

Tulla started from my personal story with my health. I personally struggled for years with debilitating chronic health conditions, my hair was falling out, I could barely eat anything without feeling sick. I tried everything, I mean everything in an effort to heal; from traditional treatments and medications to non-traditional treatments such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, herbs, supplements, dozens of different diets and the list goes on.  Read More>>

Adenike Oladosu

It all started with what idea that innovation can contribute to solving societal issues; where to start from and who to speak with. Thus, there was no platform to leverage my work. I reached out to some people to write an article for their newspaper, but I didn’t get a response from them. I thought I could just start from somewhere by using my digital platforms for the needed actions. I began to research environmental instability in Nigeria and around the world.  Read More>>

Colin Lawrence

It really was a natural progression as the work evolved and grew. I started needing more space to build and create and I started needing and wanting help from other talented artists to achieve designs. I decided to create an identity that was centered around the work and allowed flexibility in the types of design and art I could do. Read More>>

Julie Golden

Honestly, I didn’t set out to start a business—I set out to create a space I wish had existed when I got divorced.

As a stand-up comic, reality TV producer, and someone who compulsively talks to strangers trying to make them laugh and lift their spirits (an ex-boyfriend used to mockingly say I love to “spread sunshine all over the place…” – guilty as charged – sue me?), I’ve always been drawn to connection and storytelling. Read More>>

Drake Africa

We started The Startup Sisterhood LA (SUSLA) during the pandemic when we saw so many women in our community, especially those living at Alexandria House, suddenly facing job loss and financial instability. The crisis made it clear that traditional employment couldn’t always be relied on and we needed to create new pathways for stability, ownership, and long-term income. Read More>>

Lizzy Madrigal

I found myself an entrepreneur because I found myself having a hard time fitting into one place, and even now, I’m proud to say that I wear many hats. When I was a teenager, I had dreams and aspirations of becoming a writer, but at the time my parents encouraged me to pursue something a bit more realistic instead (to be fair, it was 2007). While in undergrad, I came across sociology which eventually led me to pursue a masters in clinical psych.  Read More>>

Rachel Long

Truthfully, it started with a leap. I had just landed two contracts that, at the time, felt “big” enough to cover a few months of expenses and offer the kind of soft landing I needed to leave a cushy tech job that, while stable, felt misaligned. I knew I wanted more freedom in my days, more creativity in my hands, and more meaning in the work I was doing. Read More>>

Candace North

The Heart Behind Guiding Hope Counseling

Guiding Hope Counseling was founded with the intention of creating a safe, welcoming space where individuals can begin their healing journey—one step at a time. The practice was born from a deep belief that authentic, compassionate care can restore even the most wounded parts of us. Here, healing is not rushed; it’s honored. Read More>>

Kaiya Warren

I worked at an ice cream shop for years and decorated ice cream cakes. When I had my son I wanted to generate an income while being at home with him. I decided to make a cake for my friend’s birthday and received amazing feedback. It was then that I decided I was going to take the plunge and start my own business Read More>>

Nicole Ross

Honestly? After 15+ years of practicing law, I climbed pretty far up the corporate ladder—I got to travel the world, sit in the executive conference rooms, and scratch that glass ceiling. But no matter how high I climbed, I was always working on executing someone else’s vision. I started to crave the freedom to create something that was completely mine—start to finish, imperfect, personal, and, frankly, fun Read More>>

 Joshua Alvarez

The idea behind starting VibePrint USA came from a real passion for design and helping businesses stand out. I’ve always had a creative eye and a drive to build something of my own, but what really pushed me was noticing how many businesses struggled to find a one-stop shop for quality printing, signage, and branding services. Either the turnaround was slow, the quality wasn’t there, or the service felt disconnected. Read More>>

Melinda Carrera

Honestly I have always known I’d work for myself. My dad was a successful entrepreneur, so I grew up watching him do what he loves and I always admired being like him when “I grow up”. After he passed away kin 2011, I was a little lost but I really was able to realize how much of an individual I really was. I’ve always been a hustler and a creative. I literally was that kid selling things at school as early as first grade lol. By third grade, I was running a full on Pokemon card business during recess lol. Read More>>

Randy Madden

After COVID and putting everything I had into a salon I deeply believed in, I found myself doing mostly house calls. It was a challenging time, but it also reminded me how much people value personal, one-on-one service—and how much I value creating that kind of connection. As I continued that work, I kept coming back to a long-held dream: having a live-work space where I could fully integrate my creativity, business, and lifestyle. Read More>>

Emily Carrera

Since I was very young, the kitchen has always been my happy place — where I felt most creative and at peace. I grew up making recipes from scratch and unknowingly building a dream with every meal. For years, I worked jobs that didn’t fuel me, and I eventually realized I was letting fear hold me back. I was exhausted, overworked, and unfulfilled — so I quit. Cold turkey. I walked away from a job that had me traveling and working endlessly, and I decided to bet on myself. Read More>>

Michelle & Alexis

On our first date, we talked about our goals and realized we both wanted to own a coffee shop. After two years together, we started thinking seriously if we kept waiting for the “right time,” especially with how expensive LA is, it might never come. So in December 2023, we decided to just start even if it meant beginning as a pop-up. We named it Brew Sting because we love bees, and our coffee is bold like a sting. Beyond just serving drinks, we’ve created a supportive and welcoming community. That’s what pushed us not just the dream, but the community we started to build and see every weekend. Read More>>

Sunita Param

As an actor, work can be sporadic and you truly have no control – whether it’s acquiring the audition or getting the job. The only control you have is doing the work and being prepared for the audition. After years of living the actors life, I wanted and needed to have more stability. Especially as I was getting older and now a mother. I was a musician first – and wanted to get back to my roots. My mother was a pianist and piano teacher and I had played piano since I was 5 and I even started teaching piano during my senior year of high school. But how to start teaching in LA?  Read More>>

Kristin Rowan

Comedy and performing in general has been my dream job for a long time. I got into theater first, starting in middle school and then went on to major in it. There are not that many roles that I fit well though and I always loved making people laugh, so when one of my theater friends told me about standup it sounded fantastic. You get to create your own roles and make your own schedule.  Read More>>

Babak Hajhosseini

After completing 16 years of rigorous medical training at some of the most prestigious institutions in the world—including Stanford University and UCLA—through medical school, research, residency, and fellowships, one thing became very clear to me: the current healthcare system often doesn’t allow physicians the time or space to truly care for their patients the way they deserve. Read More>>

Joanne

My journey into my wellness coaching business was more like a calling that unfolded through personal upheaval and deep reflection. I started my career as a pharmacist, working in clinical settings and helping people understand their medications, counseling and speaking about lifestyle factors to help improve patient’s health conditions. I always cared about education and advocacy — making sure people had the knowledge they needed to take better care of themselves. Read More>>

Anthony Lauletta

When I was growing up, I always struggled with identity. For me, clothing was always a sense of relief—it helped me find myself and learn who I really was, what I thought was cool, and what I related to.

As I’ve continued to learn who I am, I felt compelled to create and share pieces that might help someone else come into themselves, too. Read More>>