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.

Jar

I always knew that I wanted to start my own company. Funny enough, years ago, I started Jar as a clothing brand with two other partners. We separated years later due to creative differences. Eventually I picked up tattooing after working as an assistant for celebrity tattoo artist Bang Bang Tattoos. I worked at that studio for almost a year where I was able to truly see the culture of the tattoo industry and fall in love with this art form. I made the decision to leave because I felt I had outgrown my time there and pursued an apprenticeship with my good friend Pablo who owned a shop in Staten Island. Read More>>

Rebecca Prephan

Thank you so much for having me. Starting my own business wasn’t just a decision but a calling. After experiencing a deeply personal health journey that led to a dark night of the soul, I knew I couldn’t go back to life as it was before. I had always been drawn to psychology and spirituality, but my own healing became the catalyst for creating SATARA Mystical Wellness.

I wanted to build a space where women could reconnect with themselves, where intuition was honored, and where healing was not just physical but deeply spiritual. I thought about all the women who, like me, had faced moments of doubt, feeling disconnected from their inner power. I envisioned a sanctuary where they could gather, support each other, and step into their fullest potential. Read More>>

Kim Trinh

Our mantra is ‘feed the soul, find your solace.’ At Made by Solace, we embrace the beauty of imperfection, the art of stillness, and the transformative power of mindful movement. Inspired by Wabi-Sabi, we believe wellness is not about perfection—it’s about finding harmony in the ebb and flow of life. My vision was to design a space where members feel at home, leaving their worries at the door and bringing their intentions into their workout. A place where movement meets mindfulness, where rest and recovery are just as important as strength, and where like-minded individuals can connect and build their community. Solace isn’t just a workout—it’s a lifestyle. Read More>>

Josh Gutier

I started my own pole dance studio because there wasn’t anything in my area. For years I was finding myself driving long distances just to get my pole fix and decided it was time to bring the joy of pole dance to my community in the SGV. I knew that my community would love pole as much as I did so I really felt like there wasn’t any other option. With a few bucks in my bank I took a scary leap and didn’t look back! Read More>>

Megan

I founded Wonky Hearts Animal Haven in 2020 after years of work in animal care & fostering. I knew I had a very particular way of doing things that I really wanted to pursue, focusing on involved cases and potentially the research they could provide to a bigger picture alongside their care. So when 2020 came around and my own chronically ill family had to isolate & stop our traditional work, it felt like exactly the right time to focus on Wonky Hearts & the similarly challenged animals that often just needed adjustment & understanding. Read More>>

Kojo Sarfo

I have always viewed myself as an entrepreneur, so from a young age, I was always looking for things to sell and for ways to garner attention.

When I decided to do social media full-time in 2021, I knew that I wanted to make content that could help educate and entertain people, and that eventually I would want to lengthen the content and turn it into long form. Read More>>

Stephanie Lekkos

I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I worked with different ideas over the years, but it wasn’t until I discovered Sound Therapy that I knew what my true calling in life was. What a relief and a gift that was!

During the Covid lockdown, I found myself not feeling well, even though I didn’t have the virus. I think I was simply agitated. I had terrible vertigo and couldn’t figure out why. With a single crystal singing bowl I started exploring sound vibrations. My daughters became interested and we embarked on a journey together that changed our lives forever. We loved it. Read More>>

Danielle Silva

I took an unconventional route to marketing—starting with opera at USC and then diving into print journalism at Boston University. It might sound like an odd mix for a marketer, but it gave me a unique edge. Opera taught me how to emotionally connect with an audience, and journalism gave me a love for storytelling. Both skills have shaped how I approach marketing—it’s all about connecting with people and creating stories that resonate. Read More>>

David Slatin

For me, it was a mix of creative drive and a desire for purpose. No matter where I worked, I often felt like I wasn’t being fully utilized. Like I had more to offer, but was constantly held back by structure, red tape, or the limits of someone else’s vision. I realized I was spending my time building other people’s dreams instead of my own, and that wasn’t what I wanted for myself. I wanted my work to reflect my values, my ambition, and my potential… not just spending my effort to fulfill someone else’s agenda. Read More>>

Melody Lee

My thought process behind starting my own business was to create something that would make people happy. I wanted to develop a product that reflected who I am and what I love. When I came up with the idea of noodles for pets, I was really excited—because I love my dog, and I love eating noodles. Making noodles for pets also reflects my background; growing up in Hong Kong, noodles were a staple in our meals. Read More>>

Carly Jean Brannon

Starting CJLA began with a simple desire: to help women simplify getting dressed and make everyday life feel more beautiful and intentional. I saw how overwhelming closets could be, and I wanted to offer pieces that made life easier, not harder.

The most rewarding part has been seeing how much these pieces truly help women — giving them confidence, ease, and a sense of freedom in their day-to-day lives. And along the way, some beautiful overflow has happened too — like getting to fundraise, support causes we care deeply about, and donate clothing to women in need. That part has been such a joy! Read More>>

Amanda Taylor

I’ve always been a creative person, but I never felt like I fit the traditional mold of the 9-to-5 world. I struggled to find a career path that felt both fulfilling and aligned with who I am. What I did know was that I wanted to help people feel more confident in their own skin, and I wanted the freedom to build something on my own terms. When I discovered esthetics, it all clicked. I fell in love with skincare and the power it has to transform not just skin, but self-esteem. My own struggles with acne led me to become a Certified Acne Expert— Read More>>

Alex

The thought process behind starting our own business was to do something with passion for ourselves and ultimately something fun and creative. Something that can bring smiles and good vibes. Read More>>

Cameron Jeong

I grew up with a very business driven family and grew to realize that if I wanted to reach the goals and life I had in mind for myself, I was going to have to create my own path. I like many other artists and creatives – work, pray and hope for my passions to become a platform to build success on and make a comfortable living. The more I learned about the entertainment business and music industry I knew that I wanted to be the one to build the blueprint to my life. Read More>>

Dr. Tiana Burton

Starting my own business, wasn’t just a career decision- it was deeply personal. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. As wild as it sounds, I don’t know anyone (especially the men) who worked for anyone else but themselves. So, I watched and studied my grandfathers, my dad, and my uncles as a child. I saw the freedom the late nights and early mornings gave them. But I also witnessed the sacrifice and resilience it demanded. Read More>>

Julie Campbell

I never thought I would start my own business. I was a stay at home mom with three children, and they were my primary focus. While I was watching them grow and change I became obsessed with documenting their childhood. I was desperate to learn how to get high quality photographs of them. I didn’t want snapshots, I wanted works of art. This started my obsession with photography. I became frustrated with my point and shoot camera, so I saved and bought a used DSLR camera and a couple of lenses I could use to get to the next level.  Read More>>

Mikkel

Starting my own business was never part of my life plan. It wasn’t born from ambition or a lifelong dream, but emerged from necessity. Sometimes the most transformative journeys begin when we have no other choice.
I arrived in the United States as a seven-year-old immigrant, following my parents to Los Angeles. Through circumstances beyond my control, my visa expired. Suddenly, I found myself in an impossible position—no social security number, no driver’s license, and no legal path to traditional employment. All conventional routes to earning a living were closed to me. Read More>>

Daisy Rosales

Hello! My name is Daisy Rosales and I’m the owner at Black + Moon. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for design, both graphic and fashion. Let’s rewind back to my teenage years – I was in middle school when I first discovered alternative and punk music, which had an influence in the way I dressed (all-black). One day my dad said I was not allowed to wear black anymore (he thought I was depressed which I probably was LOL)  Read More>>

Amy Atkinson

For as long as I can remember, I’ve worked hard. I got my first job at 15, inspired by the values my parents instilled in me—my dad taught me the importance of seeing things through, while my mom insisted that if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. That mix of grit and perfectionism shaped me into a dedicated worker, though for years that meant pouring all my energy into someone else’s dream.

About a decade ago, I found myself spiraling into the textbook definition of a workaholic. My job always came first, and although I was achieving professional success, I was sacrificing my well-being in the process. It wasn’t sustainable—and it certainly wasn’t living. Read More>>

Chad And Grazia Brunochelli

My Thought Process Behind Opening My Own Business

I’ve always had a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to create something of my own. For me, building a business is not just about making money—it’s about having the freedom to bring my ideas to life without limitations. I thrive when I have control over my vision and direction, rather than being restricted by someone else’s rules or decisions in a traditional workplace. Read More>>

Amanda Ma

Starting my own business was driven by a desire to create something bigger than myself, something with impact, purpose, and heart. I saw a gap in the events industry: many agencies could execute logistics, but few focused on meaningful connection, cultural intelligence, and true partnership. I wanted to build a company that not only delivered great events but also left a lasting imprint on people and communities. Read More>>

Nancy Hagan

It started in 2018, on a train in Thailand, of all places. My friend and I were watching the documentary *Chasing Coral*, and as an outdoor enthusiast and lover of all things nature, when I learned that the northern section of the Great Barrier Reef had lost 67% of its coral in less than a year in 2016, I was floored. I had always pictured the Reef as this vibrant, thriving ecosystem that I longed to visit some day, and it shocked me to learn of its devastation. Read More>>

Jazzmonae Lockette

The idea of starting my own business stemmed from a personal experience I went through after having my son. Like many new mothers, I experienced postpartum hair loss, which really affected my confidence. I’ve always had a passion for hair care, so I found myself frustrated by spending hundreds of dollars on products that didn’t work and often contained ingredients I wasn’t familiar with. Read More>>

Monica Valdez

After many years of working with individuals navigating complex trauma—through yoga therapy and Reiki energy healing—I felt called to create a warm, nurturing space where people feel truly safe to heal.

Healing, I’ve learned through both experience and ongoing study, is not a path we walk alone. It unfolds in the presence of compassionate guidance and within the safety of a supportive community. Read More>>

Supersonia

I like to present Supersonia as a a daring odyssey through electric dreamscapes and grungy guitars. The though of starting my own musical project came from the artistic need to put out something that is myself, that is independent, that is unaccountable, does not care of the mainstream, that holds its own identity, and that only has the ambition to be heard by those who wants to. Read More>>

Ashley Glass

After high school, I was searching for purpose and direction in life, so I spent some time soul-searching and rediscovered my passion for the arts and its impact on the world. I fell back in love with drawing, picked up painting shortly after, and wanted to share my work. In 2019, I set out to do just that by creating a brand where I could share my work as well as inspire other artists and creatives to create unique and original work.  Read More>>

Chef Lisa Robinson

LuLu Belle first came to fruition (pun intended) in the summer of 2020 at the height of Covid-19. As a trained private chef, catering chef, & food stylist, like hordes of people, my work ground to a halt in March 2020. Needing to channel my creative and physical energy I started making and selling jams, jellies and marmalades from locally sourced fruits found in Santa Barbara, Carpinteria, Ojai, Ventura, and Oxnard. Read More>>

Kaitlin Olson

Ever since I decided to become a therapist, I dreamed of opening my own private practice.

One of the biggest draws to this career was its flexibility. At the time, I didn’t have children yet, but I knew I wanted to be present with them—to take them to school, be home when they needed me, and still have a meaningful career helping others and providing for my family. Read More>>

Samantha Redfern

I have always been a very driven individual. Fresh out of university I knew I wanted to make money and start putting roots down to forge a successful future. My first job was literally knocking on doors. What appealed to me about this role was the possibility that you could do very well if you hit your targets. However, English weather isn’t the optimum condition for outdoors working. Next up I secured an office role as a Recruitment Consultant, before Field Sales and lastly Business Development. Read More>>

HisNails Dope

There was no thought process, I was a high school drop out at 16, I knew if I left school I didn’t wanna be a bum at home so I got myself a job working security. I remember I lied about my age & told them I was 19, they didn’t ask for my ID, social, birth certificate they just said you’ll do 12 hours everyday and get paid 20$ an hour under the table, I was at the job for 6 months until my boss caught me sleeping than fired me, I remember going home that same day not knowing what was the next move, I was a drop out & now jobless. I knew I could make money with nails, so I went to facebook and posted an ad about my nails, it was just a hustle something to put money in my pocket, that ad was up for two days, within those two days I was booked out for 3 months. It was a hustle at first. Read More>>

Viktor Drago

Starting my own business was never just about making money — it was about freedom, impact, and legacy. As an athlete and life coach, I’ve always believed in pushing limits, but I wanted to do that on my own terms. I saw a gap where I could merge discipline, entertainment, and motivation into something bigger than myself — to inspire people not just to watch, but to act. My thought process was simple: if I could build a brand that reflects my values and energy, I could connect with millions and help them transform their own lives while staying true to who I am. Read More>>

Ruth Swissa

My thought process when starting my business was rooted in a deep sense of purpose: I felt I had been given a gift from G‑d that I was meant to share with the world. It didn’t begin as a grand, meticulously planned enterprise—it started with a sincere desire to help people feel whole again and to enhance their already natural beauty.

In the early days, I worked with just one or two patients a day in a small studio I created in my garage. I wore many hats, including that of my own receptionist, and nurtured a vision that was still unfolding. Each year, I set personal goals and explored ways to merge my background in both art and medicine. That journey led me to medical tattooing—a deeply meaningful fusion of my passions. Read More>>

Yeawon Lee

In my practice, I seek to evoke the timeless elegance of the celadon glaze found in traditional Goryeo ceramics, reimagining it through the application of silver overlay to introduce a contemporary sensibility. The silver overlay functions as a visual mediator between tradition and modernity, offering an ongoing dialogue that reshapes how celadon can be perceived and understood today. Drawing inspiration from my research into Roman glass, I incorporate goblet-like forms into my teacups, reflecting my broader interest in reinterpreting historical artifacts from both Eastern and Western cultures. Read More>>

Robert Schmidt

When I started my pest control business, my goal was simple: to provide a higher standard of service that larger companies often overlook. I saw how many pest control providers rushed through appointments, offering only temporary fixes instead of addressing the root causes of pest problems. I believed homeowners and businesses deserved better—detailed inspections, tailored treatments, and long-term solutions they could count on. Read More>>

Sarah Nicole Fisk

My decision to start my own business stemmed from repeated experiences interviewing with companies I had long admired and dreamed of working for. After progressing through multiple interview rounds, I would often be told I wasn’t selected. Over time, I realized that instead of waiting for opportunities to be given to me, I needed to use my creativity to build my own path. When you continue to put yourself out there and face disappointment, it pushes you to think outside the box and take control of your future. I learned that you can’t wait for the life you envision — you have to take risks and create it yourself. Read More>>

Sean Jordan

For years, I climbed the corporate ladder in entertainment, achieving exactly what I thought I wanted in life. On paper, it was my definition of success. But in doing so I learned that professional success often comes at the expense of something vitally important: playfulness.

Losing playfulness meant I was taking life too seriously, avoiding new experiences, and forgetting how to simply have fun. Read More>>

Garine Kiroian

When it comes to a any business or career, it all starts from a thought and a picture. That picture is you doing what you want in your head and seeing it all in your imagination, Then will come come all the work that needs to be done to get there. I was in a bad place at my old job and was seeking a creative outlet. Always wondering where to put my creative visions to life. I have always thought that a space that you live in, sleep in, laugh in, eat in, always mattered on how it made you feel. I enjoyed my home being a beautiful place and the importance of taking care of it, its like self care of sorts. Read More>>

Derek Levy

My lifestyle drove me. I grew up in Hermosa Beach and have surfed for 60 years. In my late teens, I realized how lucky I was to live there. But, I could not expect to continue living with my Dad, and professional surfing at that time paid very little, so I went to college to become a Chiropractor. Read More>>

Sian Trombley

Starting Couteur.com was both a return and a reclamation. After years immersed in the editorial world — from attending New York Fashion Week to working with GLAM4GOOD and founding fashion-forward platforms — I took a break to pursue my graduate studies and become a psychotherapist. Yet the creative pull never left. I realized how much I missed storytelling, art, and curating culture, especially as I began to witness firsthand how creativity plays a vital role in emotional healing. Couteur became my way of merging these two worlds — a space where my eye for fashion and my heart for healing could coexist and inform one another. Read More>>

Jordan Halem

I had been working as a barber in West Hollywood for a few years and honestly, the level of customer service that I saw from these shops was not very good. To me, when you’re in the service industry, customer service should be key. So I wanted to create a barber shop that was welcoming to all, friendly, gave off a neighborhood vibe and of course, gave great haircuts. Read More>>

James Bacchi

My thought process behind starting my own business began when I was twelve. Way back then somehow, I knew when it came to business, I wanted to call the shots. So, I started an onsite Car Wash Service and marketed it to the neighbors on my block. I even drew up a contract for weekly or bi-weekly service offering extras like simonizing and interior cleaning. Read More>>