Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Adrian Ong | Boudoir, Glamour and Underwater Portrait Photographer

Scarlett Boudoir Studio started back in 2020 during the Pandemic when I met Anjellie, and she wanted to do a portrait session. I was curious to see what she had in mind, so she said she wanted to do a Boudoir session. Instinctively, I asked more questions and found out why she wanted to do the session, so we agreed to photograph her. The session changed her point of view in life, and it made her feel better and confident. After that, I asked my wife if we could open up the business of offering self-love and empowerment photo sessions for women and men, and she said yes. My wife’s support and understanding have allowed me to help people see themselves in a different light and give them the best experience in a boudoir session. Read more>>

Tasheena Medina | Educator | Entrepreneur | Writer

The thought process behind starting my own business was driven by a combination of passion, purpose, and a desire for greater independence. I had a burning passion for the industry or field I wanted to enter, firmly believing in the value of the products or services I intended to offer. The idea of being my own boss and having control over my destiny was incredibly appealing, and I wanted to create a work environment where I could set my own goals, make my own decisions, and shape the company culture. Additionally, I saw an opportunity to solve a problem or address a need in the market, and I relished the chance to continuously challenge myself and grow both personally and professionally through entrepreneurship. Read more>>

Kakea b Johnson | Creative Director, Artist, CEO

We identified unmet needs within the community. By addressing these needs, I planned to provide valuable solutions and services to improve people’s lives. When thinking about creating a Socially conscious businesses we aimed to create sustainable solutions to ongoing problems. This involves implementing practices that not only address immediate needs but also contribute to long-term, positive change. Rare X was a child of these needs and was created to positively impacts people’s lives and leaves a mark on the community in a powerful way. Read more>>

TAIOM da Selva | Visual and Tattoo artist

Tattooing is about exchanging, like ever. It was how the technique spread through millenia, by humans sharing their experiences to each other. Believing in this core, I felt an urge to move around and get in contact with as many scenarios as possible, which putted me tattooing in many different conditions, in many different studios in Brazil, Europe and now here in the United States, allowing me experience a wide range of ways to live in a space dedicated to tattoo. So I keep in movement as a way to avoid being stagnated and closed on my own thoughts, blind to the emerging mutation of the craft and its cultural relation to the zeitgeist. I wanna see what is going around and be able to participate in that as best as I can. Read more>>

Culture Power45 | Black Art, Music and Limited Vinyl, Tape, Designs, Record Label

We created Culture Power45 as a way to releases rare Vinyl and Tape Music rarely heard. We wanted to create a platform for for our sounds, our story. Black Culture of Art and Sound. Just create regardless of any obstacle, it no such thing as a financial challenge when you are truly creative. You must work regardless of the circumstances or else its a waste of life. Read more>>

Daniel Weidlein | Owner of BioSoul Music | Producer, Songwriter, Composer, Engineer

BioSoul Music is a place for personal storytelling, emotional excavation, and expansive sonic exploration through music. I have literally defined the term BioSoul as “the space where the physical and the spiritual meet.” This is the essence of what music making should be about. The term first was born out of a project with my dear friend and collaborator Ryan Amador when we were trying to come up with a term for the genre of music we were creating. It had elements of soul/neo-soul/r&b, but also had this organic element to it that we wanted to root in the natural, the human body, the dirt. Hence, BioSoul. Read more>>

Ali Kates | Trauma Recovery Coach & Somatic Experience Practitioner (In-Training)

During my personal healing journey, particularly through the challenges of grief and loss, I felt a deep desire to create a space where individuals could navigate their own paths of mental health and trauma recovery in a secure and supportive environment. During the initial stages of conceptualizing my business, a consistent thought echoed in my mind: people need a place to come and process their hard times. This vision emerged from the realization that people required a space where they could not only seek support but also be genuinely seen, heard, and validated. It became apparent that, before the pandemic, mental health wasn’t at the forefront of most people’s concerns. Read more>>

Matt Harry | Writer, Editor, Filmmaker

I never expected to own a business. My father was a salesman. He sold everything from cat food to Crayola crayons. Growing up, he would tell me that everything was a business. Since I was a teenage creative, I would respond, “Well, I’m not going into sales; I’m going to be an ARTIST!” Fifteen years later, the joke was on me: I discovered that being an artist meant doing CONSTANT sales. I’m perpetually pitching a story, or talking about my brand, or doing interviews with wonderful outlets like Shoutout LA. So while I first thought that being creative was the opposite of business, I realize now that my dad’s career and mine are more closely linked than I ever imagined. Today, I own a company called Codex Arcanum. I produce and sell books, filmmaking, and editing services. I run payrolls for employees. Read more>>

Cyndy Eldredge Radovich | Behavioral Therapist and Non-profit founder

I had a client that I worked with who was struggling outside of the typical work environment and didn’t feel like I had any other choice. When he was fired from his first job, I immediately started fundraising for a coffee shop that would employ individuals with developmental disabilities, because there was nothing in the Treasure Valley that provided jobs for those individuals specifically. I didn’t necessarily have a thought process. I just acted. Read more>>

Shakila Stewart | Premier Confidence and Presence Coach

I created Walk This Way Movement Inc. to empower women to conquer their fears, overcome obstacles and build confidence. My thought process behind it was, “There are many obstacles that women are forced to conquer, why not conquer your dreams? I had a passion to encourage women to pursue their dreams no matter what obstacles they encountered and I wanted to provide them with the personal development tools needed to achieve their dreams as well. Read more>>

Eric Hoang | Co-Founder, YATE Yerba Mate

YATE Yerba Mate is my second company and second in beverage/consumer packaged goods (CPG). If you know anything about the grind that is the beverage industry, then you might think I’m a masochist for doing it twice. Honestly I really just love the category. It’s fun, exciting, and has the potential for a very large exit. But these reasons weren’t exactly why I started my own business in the first place. I was raised in LA by my parents who had immigrated from Vietnam after the war. Growing up around other immigrants, I experienced, what I believed to be at the time, very unconventional paths to success. The most successful people I met weren’t investment bankers, doctors, or lawyers. Read more>>

Ani Krikorian | CEO

The decision to establish my desire in the event industry and dessert business was driven by a combination of my organizational skills, passion for creating memorable experiences, and commitment to delivering exceptional taste and quality. I aimed to create a business that not only offered delicious sweets but also resonated with customers looking for a personalized and memorable culinary experience. Read more>>

DAAMAN THANDI | Founding Editor, The Lipstick Politico

My journey leading to the creation of The Lipstick Politico has been a convergence of diverse experiences in media, foreign policy, international development, and a deep passion for gender issues. Each chapter of my career contributed to a unique perspective, fostering a belief in the power of intelligent South Asian content shaped through a nuanced gender lens. The idea behind The Lipstick Politico (TLP) was a realization that there wasn’t a comprehensive space dedicated to encapsulating the depth and diversity of South Asian narratives, especially from an informed gender perspective. It emerged from a desire to bridge this gap and curate a platform where these multifaceted stories could converge and flourish. Read more>>

Maya Korn | Creative Producer, Founder

My role as a film producer has led me to be somewhat of a self-starter. Often I come up with an idea for a project and bring on the relevant people/ elements to make it a reality. Running my own business is basically an extension of that, except instead of being a cog that helps make a section of the machine run (as I had previously in more corporate roles), you are the engine master of the machine. Read more>>

Donna Taylor Mayo | Glass Artist

As a graphic designer, I was responsible for conveying my client’s message through visuals and symbols . I loved the challenge. But there is a delightful freedom (and occasionally a terrifying risk) in sharing my own passions and direction. It’s worth it! I choose the subject matter to sculpt and ultimately produce in glass. It is from my imagination and heart – not just an assignment. Read more>>

Monique Griffin | Founder, The Pour Up

In the midst of the pandemic’s uncertainty, the Pour Up wine emerged as a testament to passion, opportunity, and the desire for independence. Founded by sisters Angela and Monique. The notion of collaborating emerged from our father’s desire for us to strengthen our bond, transcending the decade-wide age difference between us. Both entrepreneurs at heart, the pandemic provided the perfect backdrop for us to join forces and embark on a venture that would bring us closer together. Read more>>

Jenny and Lily Monbouquette | Founders

We knew if we were going to start a jewelry brand, our products would need to have a strong differentiator in an over-saturated, highly competitive market. We were determined to design something truly unique that people wouldn’t find anywhere else. Our brand concept from day one has been to create playful jewelry with a functional twist, whether it’s an element that moves, a hidden compartment, or a mechanism that transforms a piece for added versatility. We believe there is an opportunity in accessories to provide effortless versatility and playfulness for the wardrobe of stylish people on-the-go. Prioritizing a high standard for responsible manufacturing – from recycled metals to small batch production and local sourcing – has also been very important to our business strategy from the beginning. Read more>>

Silvana Johnson | Jewelry Designer and entrepreneur…77

The thought process behind starting my handmade jewelry business stemmed from a deep passion for creating and designing. Witnessing my ideas come to life is incredibly fulfilling and jewelry with its lasting sentimental value, hold a unique place. Crafting something that others will wear and cherish adds a meaningful dimension to my artistic expression. Read more>>

J’Lamar Nichols | Executive Matchmaker & Dating Coach

I started We Find HIM after my second engagement ended. After a year of therapy I realized that I wanted to turn my pain into purpose so I decided that I wanted to help same gender loving men find real love. My mission from day one has not been to just match two people and keep it moving, the true mission will always be to help those two men find self love first and then assist them with finding someone that loves them as much as they love themselves. This was a flaw that I realized that I lacked in both of engagements and I wanted to make sure I could help as many people not make the same mistake that I made. So to answer the question the process behind starting my business was truly heartbreak that turned into healing that turned into self love that turned into me finding my purpose than then turned into We Find HIM Matchmaking and Dating Services. Read more>>

Kraig Herrera | Podcaster / Dj

I wanted to bring a show to the internet audience about the life of a DJ ’cause everybody knows who the DJ is, but do they really know the person so that was my motivation in regards to starting behind the headphones? Podcast show Read more>>

Katie Brightside | Imagineer & Illustrator

Sometimes a business just happens, like it was predestined. The concept grew like wild bamboo and one day I realized I was in the middle of bushland, and the only road out was to walk one foot in front of the other and finish the journey that was started. In 2018, I was between clients when the infancy of Once Upon a Cocktail was noodled. As work picked up, the concept was set aside, awaiting a more opportune moment for the project to come to fruition. Then, the unexpected stillness of the pandemic descended upon us, and suddenly the world became a blank canvas for creative endeavors. It was during this invaluable period of introspection that the idea of Once Upon a Cocktail gained momentum. I refined the concept, crafting a pitch deck that I presented to my longtime collaborator, Nick Rimedio. Read more>>

Robert Nunn | Tech Entrepreneur

From a young age I’ve always liked the concept of being able to control my own destiny and the limitless opportunities that come with being a reputable and authentic business owner. Thinking back to even my high school teenage years, I remember trying different things to make extra money with my friends, like asking the kids who had lunch passes that were allowed to leave the school to bring back restaurant fast food that everyone wanted more than the cafeteria food that we could sell. I also have always had an interest in knowing how business work, how things were created and knowing who is in control. These types of things is what I find fun, fulfilling and rewarding so I also knew I was going to start my own business. Read more>>

Rich Cassone | Acting Coach

Initially, I was interested in coaching because I had been lucky enough to study with two coaches that I admired greatly. I noticed from talking to many of my colleagues that the things I was learning were really very different from what the average acting class offered. I wanted to share those philosophies and methods with a wider group of actors. Because the thing is this, acting is a really really important thing to do. And I think that a lot of actors in LA, especially in LA, don’t look at it like that, and because of that they tend to bring maybe 50% of what they could to their work. The people I learned from looked at it differently. They saw acting as a way to bring your vision to people. Read more>>

Samia Verbist | Passionate French Artistpreneur / Interior Designer

Starting my own business was a decision that stemmed from a combination of passion, resilience, and a thirst for personal and professional growth. Moving from France to a new country with just a bachelor’s degree in interior architecture presented a multitude of challenges, but it also opened doors to endless possibilities. The initial thought process behind embarking on this entrepreneurial journey was driven by the desire to create a space where I could not only apply my skills in interior architecture but also carve a niche for myself in a new and diverse market. The decision to start a business in a foreign land involved embracing the challenges as opportunities for learning and adaptation. Read more>>

Rena Davenport | CEO Exquisite Air Charter (private jet charter brokerage firm)

When I decided to start my own business, I had seen my industry operate from varying perspectives and felt like I had a clear understanding of strengths and weaknesses from varying perspectives. As a result, I felt I could do it better than my competitors and set out to do so. My thought process wasn’t to re-invent the wheel but rather to smooth out the bumps in a way that benefited the industry and the customers. Read more>>

Joshua Powell | Producer and Writer

In December 2021 I had just graduated from the School of Cinematic Arts, into an industry reeling from a global Pandemic. Job opportunities and internships were scarce, and being an international student, I risked losing my visa and ability to stay and work in the country without finding steady work. I had two main reasons for starting my own business: First, I wanted a dedicated platform to shape the kind of stories I wanted to tell. Secondly, I honestly believed it offered a greater sense of job security! The decision wasn’t easy; starting a business, especially in the creative industry during a period of global uncertainty, was fraught with challenges, but I felt secure enough in the skills I’d learned and, more importantly, the relationships I’d developed in my time in LA that I could make a go of it. Read more>>

Carl Anderson | Photographer

After leaving the mental health field I wanted to still interact with people and help create great memories for people. Being a wedding and event photographer I get a chance to do that and it’s a great feeling seeing a moment that no one might not even know exist and I see it and “click”! Then once the family she’s the images and they start smiling or even tearing up my job is done! Read more>>

Jill Ettinger | Founder and CEO, Ethos

Having been in digital media and e-commerce for more than a decade, I saw a gap in the market about the alignment between our personal well-being and the health of the planet. There were lots of platforms speaking to one or the other, but not the connection. I also noticed a lot of the sustainability coverage was missing a large segment of the market and an audience eager to support higher-end brands and products than what was being offered by most platforms. So Ethos was born out of that. We’re now the leading digital home for personal and planetary well-being. We’ve now got a newsletter list of more than 40,000 subscribers and growing. Read more>>

Shanesa Fath | Designer + Curator Lifestylist

The genesis of my business is grounded in honoring intuition, letting creativity flow freely, and reviving a beloved establishment. Central to this endeavor is the cultivation of deep, meaningful connections—a cornerstone that has profoundly shaped our journey. We’ve been fortunate to forge genuine, respectful relationships, fostering an environment where ideas thrive. Collaborating with clients who embraced the design process enabled us to explore creative paths uninhibitedly. Their openness fueled a delightful synergy that made the collaboration incredibly rewarding. Read more>>

Kevin Kim | Owner

My family had a Sbarro Pizzeria for seven years inside the galleria. It was then that I served people from all walks of life and I cherished the connections made with people that I would have never crossed paths with otherwise. Due to the galleria needing to overhaul the wing where the store was located, we were forced to close our doors. As much as it was heartbreaking just as it was a relief, a void had been created. I missed having regulars, I missed the community, I missed the longtime employees we had. When I fell in love with coffee, I decided that I wanted to start my own coffee shop. I took a job making minimum wage at the age of 37 at a coffee shop so that I could learn the craft from front to back. Read more>>

Klaudia Naqvi | Entrepeneur

I started as a copywriter/editor for tech companies in their business-to-business sectors and also collaborated with various clothing labels. Over the years, I learned a lot about what it means to create and communicate a business narrative. Combining my love of storytelling with an increasing awareness of the state of our environment, I saw firsthand how businesses often fall short in fully grasping the power they hold in the context of sustainability and ethical consumerism. As I delved more into this, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, reshaping our lives and priorities. For me it became apparent more than ever that our world needed more than just a business-as-usual approach. Read more>>

Bri Kilmartin | Owner, Happy Trails Bar Co.

I was raised by a family of entrepreneurs. My mom and dad owned several businesses throughout my youth – Gymborees, a mobile oil change business, a campground resort in Kentucky, and a few others to name. They always worked so hard, but their passion was palpable. From watching them, I feel like being a small business owner was in my blood. I had been seeing companies like mine off and on all over the internet, and I was intrigued at the idea. I had an epiphany one day, and I felt like it was actually the perfect way to marry my 13+ years of experience in the alcohol/beverage industry and my complete love of events. Read more>>

Jessica Perez, LCSW | Mother, Founder, CEO

In 2017 I became a mom and it should have been the happiest time of my life. I experienced Postpartum Depression and Anxiety which made it difficult to fully enjoy the beginning of motherhood. I searched for therapist in my area with the help of my insurance and here we are 6 years later and not one therapist has ever called me back. I had to drive 1.5 hours one way and 2+ hours back with a newborn to go to therapy. After I was done with my treatment and I was in a better place emotionally and mentally, I began to think of all the mothers out there that are feeling the same way – alone, scared, depressed. I felt how unfair and unjust it was for our community and our moms to not have access to the appropriate mental health services. Read more>>

Art Ruffin | Photographer

I wanted to build my own. I didn’t like working for others while they took the credit. I also wouldn’t make as much money as I would on my own. It just felt like the best option to have everything on my own. Read more>>

Arisha Povolotskaia | Portrait Photographer

By establishing my own business, I knew I could have the creative freedom and flexibility to bring my vision to life. Being able to provide a tailored, one-on-one experience, I wanted to offer every person a chance to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera, resulting in truly authentic and stunning portraits! Although, the journey of starting my own business has been challenging, I have to admit it is deeply rewarding, as it has allowed me to connect with different people, discover new styles and find friends. Read more>>

Essence Go. | Personal Trainer & Lifestyle Influencer

Embarking on the journey of starting my own fitness business, “Thee Essence of Fitness,” was a deeply personal endeavor rooted in overcoming unique challenges. As a single mom with a child diagnosed with Autism, I found myself needing to think outside the box. The necessity to create a space where I could be near my daughter, provide the necessary care, and still pursue my passion for fitness while making a living became a driving force. The path was undeniably challenging but immensely rewarding. Leaving corporate America was a decision fueled by the fatigue of constantly having to choose between taking my daughter to school or picking her up, rushing through lunch breaks for teacher conferences, and facing consequences for minor tardiness despite being a top performer in the company. Read more>>

Cassie Butcher | Self-Care Mentor

When I first thought of creating my business, my initial thought was to create a non-judgmental self-care community. I wanted to create a community that focuses heavily on self-love, self-care, and prioritizing peace. I wanted to offer safe spaces for people to grow in the name of self-care. I couldn’t find this anywhere so I took it as a sign for me to be the one to create it. Read more>>

Michael Sanville | Fashion and Portrait photographer

I knew I didn’t want to work a 9-5 for someone else. My father ran his own business and he told me when I was a young teen that working for yourself can be more difficult at times because of the hours necessary to become successful, but it is also so much more rewarding! I took that advice and never looked back. And he was right.. the hours are longer and sometimes it feels like its a 24/7 gig but if its something you love to do, then it doesnt even seem like work! Read more>>

Ferid Hasbun | Videographer & Camera Specialist

With business shifting to online in the last couple of years, I recognized my potential for offering my clients a complete video service that would help them stand out on social media by combining years of training in the camera department on professional film sets in Los Angeles with my business degree and years of experience as Administrative Supervisor in Switzerland, and my arts degree. Thanks to my experience in a business setting working with the different teams from Marketing to Sales, I accumulated extensive knowledge ranging from SEO to budgeting. I connected with different Photographers, Editors, and Producers in the last couple of years collaborating on commercial projects. Read more>>

DOROTHY ENRIQUEZ | Principal Founder & Consultant

I started The Ellevate Collective, for a several reasons. But the top three reasons are 1. Over my fifteen years serving in corporate America, I had seen similar gaps time and time again. Across fields and industries, folks were struggling with what many of us know as soft skills. I never liked that term because in my mind if it can prevent me from accelerating…it’s a hard skill. I wanted to create a firm that could focus on one of the larger gaps that companies identified over the years. 2. I wanted to create a new voice in Leadership with a commitment to redefining the color of leadership from two stand points. Part A is that there should be more diversity at higher levels in our fortune 100, 500 and 1000 companies. Part B the fathers and mothers of leadership have been older white people, it’s time to offer leadership insight from a diverse perspective. Read more>>

Kelly Mazzotta | Brand Strategist & Website Designer

The powerful impact of brand strategy in business has the ability to catapult your business – or hold you back. How you develop it is up to you, but design it thoughtfully, purposefully and strategically, and you can be set up for success. Develop it based on trends, copycat DIY-ing and zero strategy, and it’s as good as talking to an empty room. No one will notice you. I’m Kelly, a fast-talking California girl living in the “big apple”, a slightly coffee-obsessed mama to two amazing kids & a rescued fur-baby, and the child of a King. My love of design hit me when I was a kid growing up in sunny California… Books with no pictures – no thanks. Dissecting bugs under a telescope – I’ll pass. Animating 3D designs in CAD – heck yes! Read more>>

Gavin Keilly | Visionary and CEO

I initially started GBK in 2001, after wanting to make a shift in my career as a financial advisor. I choose to work in the non-profit sector helping organizations grow while using the power of celebrities to build awareness and funds. While working with the celebrities, I realized that I could also help brands grow by creating win-wins.. Read more>>