Starting a business is a commitment and requires dedication, resources and sacrifice. We asked some of the rising stars in our community how they thought through the idea of starting their own businesses.

Noela Kim

“This is it.” That’s what I told myself after my very first Lagree class. Like many college students overwhelmed by the pressure of finding their place in the world, I found mine. I knew this was my calling. Read More>>

Sara Meshmesh

It might sound crazy to say, but there was hardly any thought process that went into opening my studio. It was just months of following my instincts and letting circumstances fall into place. If you asked me a year ago if I wanted to be a business owner, I would’ve told you “absolutely not.” Everything happened so organically that it still shocks me sometimes. Read More>>

Morgan Matthews

When I moved to LA for acting back in 2011, I did what a lot of people in this industry do to get by, I started waiting tables. It made sense at the time: I could keep my days open for auditions and still earn enough to survive in one of the most expensive cities in the country. But after 8 years, my body, mind, and spirit were drained. I knew I wanted to spend my time doing something more meaningful, something that actually made a difference. Read More>>

Jonathan Holbrook

I am a creator and I am in control of my own destiny. I never liked working for another person as I feel they have control of my independence. Creating content and acting is where I feel I am in my element. Read More>>

Aisha Ishtiaq

As a first-generation Muslim American, my journey into therapy has always been deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed how cultural expectations, family pressures, and the weight of navigating multiple identities could quietly shape mental health, leaving people feeling isolated, misunderstood, or unseen. Those experiences stayed with me, quietly guiding my decision to dedicate my life to helping others navigate the complexities of their own stories. Read More>>

Amy Jenner

It wasn’t a decision I made lightly I weighed the risks, responsibilities, and sacrifices but ultimately, I knew the reward of building something meaningful outweighed the fear of stepping out on my own. That thought process gave me the confidence to move forward and create a business that I’m proud of Read More>>

Manal Adam

The decision to launch my own business was rooted in both purpose and expertise. As a former pharmaceutical compliance specialist, I had spent years immersed in clinical research, safety protocols, and regulatory precision. But it was during a pivotal life transition—becoming a mother—that I recognized a major gap in the body care industry: there were no products that delivered true clinical performance without sacrificing sensory elegance or simplicity. Read More>>

James Wong

Hi James, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I’ve always had a passion for remodeling. I’ve own four homes in my lifetime, and I’ve remodeled every single one of them. I always felt like closets were overlooked and the spaces were never fully utilized to their full potential. Also, it really bothered me with the lack of details some of the contractors would leave out, so I knew I would do a much better job than other companies with my custom closet business.  Read More>>

Kayla Rhode

When I started my business, my motivation was deeply personal. I was a single mom with a toddler who has special needs, working 15-hour days, five days a week, and I felt like I was missing her entire childhood. The guilt of everyone else raising her pushed me to make a change. As a mom to a child with special needs, I knew she needed me more than anything — and whether my business succeeded or failed, being present for her came first. Read More>>

Helena Lin

My thought process behind starting my own business was a combination of family influence and passion. I grew up with parents who were entrepreneurs, so from an early age I saw what it meant to take initiative, work hard, and build wealth with something of your own. In many ways, it felt natural that I would eventually do the same. Read More>>

Katrina Kelley

When I started Cigar Bella, my thought process was simple but deeply personal: how can I create a luxury experience in a traditionally male-dominated industry, led by women, and make it unforgettable? Read More>>

Paige Camryn

Honestly, my business naturally evolved over time. I’ve grown up performing with my harp from a young age and I am also the baby of a very entrepreneurial family. My parents had their own business for many years while we were growing up. After studying communication and music in college, my family really encouraged me to pursue playing the harp as a profession.  Read More>>

Angela Belleville

I spent many years in the nonprofit sector consulting with teams, rolling out programs, and training clinicians. It was incredibly meaningful, and I saw firsthand how trauma affects people and the need for trauma-informed, evidence-based care. Over time, I wanted the freedom to fully align my work with my values and create a trauma-focused therapy space and training.
PTSD treatment goes beyond general trauma-informed care. Read More>>