Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Vivek Baranwal

10 years ago I was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases, including Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis. I couldn’t exercise, eat a simple meal, or go out with friends without crippling pain & anxiety. This was particularly devastating because I loved being active. I have two little kids who love to rough house with me. I played football & coached college football. And my favorite way to bond with friends is to play sports and go out to eat. Read More>>

Artūras Asakavičius

I couldn’t believe that the event venue and vendor discovery and booking experience still felt like using the Yellow Pages. I thought this was not how the new generation is used to discovering and booking services. We want to see all prices transparently and immediately! This is why we love platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and flight ticket booking portals. I was strongly convinced that the market is ready for a modern solution, and that people want it. Read More>>

Johnny & Keli

We started Curated Wines after discovering a deep love for wine during Covid Lockdown. Tasting and learning became a joyful part of our bubble (pairing regions with food and stories).

Afterward, we chose to share that passion and create a space where others could learn, taste, and explore wine in the same fun, engaging way. Keli dedicated her time outside of her law practice to studying the Sommelier program, while Johnny left the film industry to ‘retire’ into the wine business. Read More>>

Scott Cobb

This is a great question. My thought process for starting a new business begins with inspiration around an innovative idea. The idea is connected to a willingness to help others and a desire to contribute to a better world.

I believe in creating the world you want to live in. Questions like “What problem does the business solve”, or “who is the audience I hope to serve”, are a part of it, but at the core I imagine delivering a unique experience to people and making difference. Read More>>

Ty Spellman

I have been an Entrepreneur for over 15 years while working my career job as a Union Carpenter so the goal was always multiple streams of income. During the pandemic I wanted to learn a skill that no one could take from me or control. I’ve always heard about the Foreign Exchange Market but in a negative light like most of us. It wasn’t until I started to see people I knew personally winning and reaching financial success is when I said okay I have to figure out how to learn this skill. Read More>>

Trevor James

Starting a touch and intimacy business wasn’t something I always planned. It was something I felt my way into.

I used to be an event producer and director, working on large-scale entertainment and corporate events. Think high-stress deadlines, endless logistics, constant travel, and never enough sleep. Read More>>

Hazel Sterling

One theme within my life that I recognized in early adulthood was that I had this inclination to be a positive contributor to my community by utilizing my strengths & gifts that were directly connected to what I was passionate about. I wanted to find true delight and live in purpose. A few of the things that I was/am “passionate about” are visual arts (my truest forms of expression where i can explore what words often cannot & capture different facets of creation), youth empowerment, education and engagement, along with community wellness.  Read More>>

Rebekah

My skincare journey began in middle school.

I had never learned anything formally, but I hated how my face felt when it burned under the sun. So with my own pocket money, I bought a sunscreen that cost about 3,000 won (around $2) and started applying it before going out for P.E. class. I didn’t even fully understand how it worked , I just knew I needed it. Read More>>

Fahad Salam

I wear different hats different times in my journey so far but most importantly when I wear a producer hat that leads me to believe in my abilities. I opened several doors on my producing hat on and one of the door is right now Lucky Production LA Inc. Where I am currently providing Video Engineering service with other film production services. This is the only place where I never get bored and learn something new every time whenever we craft. Read More>>

Mr.Jay Rosa

The thought process behind starting my own business was, at the inception of GoldenJRosa I definitely endeavoured to marry two of my favorite passions, Music & Business. Thus preceeding from my career as a professional tennis player, taking all the skills I learned off court, managing sponsorship/financial deals, scheduled meetings for preseason & in season.  Read More>>

Ryan Matthews

It really simple. Dogs have always been a savior in my life. When i was in the Army as a K-9 handler and while in Iraq with an explosive detection canine that dog (Zito) kept me and many other soldiers safe and alive. After my military service I thought the war was over. Then I disovered the war within my own my mind from extreme PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). That resutled in my shutting myself off to connecting and loving others. It found it easy to connect and have love for dogs at the time though. Read More>>

NICOLE DURAN

Survival and being independent. We were both working in the movie industry during COVID and then the writers strike happened and we found ourselves out of a job. A friend of ours needed help cooking food for an event so my husband Ryan cooked burgers and everyone loved them. We decided to start our popup after that and it’s been a hit ever since. I (Nicole) have worked in service industry most of my life so it felt familiar and comfortable plus we’re both big foodies so we fell in love with cooking for people. Read More>>

Annette Miller

I didn’t start with a grand business plan—I started with a message. I wanted women over 50 to see themselves represented, celebrated, and truly seen—not through society’s limited view of aging, but in a way that challenges outdated beliefs and reflects the vibrant reality of this chapter of life. Read More>>

Kayla Goddard And Julie Kijewski

Both of us came from corporate backgrounds and later transitioned into the start-up world, so we had the chance to experience a range of different business environments. Over time, we realized we had built a solid foundation of experience, resources, and connections, and it felt like the perfect moment to take that and build something of our own. We wanted the freedom to shape the kind of work we do, the people we work with, and ultimately create something that reflects our values and vision. As opportunities came to us, starting our own business felt like the natural next step. 

Niki Marrè

The most honest answer is that there was a fire inside of me that wouldn’t let me not start my own business! I also never looked at my work as just a business. It felt like, and is a mission– this is what gave me the energy, courage, and endurance to move through everything that I had had to, to launch my offerings. There was a practical piece too. I was in a place in my life where I knew I was likely going to become a single mom, and needed to create income that gave me the freedom to continue being as present for my son as possible. Read More>>

Aeson Buado

At first it was about creative freedom. I wanted to build something that aligned with how I saw the world, to document real moments in a way that felt honest, relaxed, and meaningful. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling, especially the in-between parts most people overlook. Starting my own business gave me the space to connect with people on a deeper level and turn that into work I actually care about. It wasn’t just about photography. It was about creating something that felt personal, intentional, and sustainable long term. Read More>>

Jéssica

Starting Oceano, my thought process was to highlight my passion for jewelry and my passion for my Brazilian culture. My culture is all about being vibrant and creative and I wanted to share my eye for creativity and design. I thought, “maybe if I can make this into a small business and possibly watch it grow slowly it’ll all be worth it” and it absolutely has been. Read More>>

Lola Miche

I started my photography career in the entertainment world—working on film sets, capturing actors, musicians, and live performances. Back then, I had an employer and never really considered starting a business. I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs, so the idea of running my own thing felt far off. Read More>>

Wendy Scott

The motivation behind launching my own business is to gain more control over my personal and everyday obligations. After spending over 25 years in the corporate world and contemplating early retirement, I’ve decided to explore my talents and see what I can build independently. Creativity has always been my forte, and I excel at coordinating and organizing any task I take on. I often plan my own birthday celebrations, and friends and followers on social media frequently ask if I work as a travel agent or if I can assist them in planning their trips and activities. Read More>>

Sasha Sounds

My journey into ASMR started very personally. I’ve used it for years to help me sleep, manage stress, and create calm in a noisy world. Over time, I realized how powerful it was not just for me, but for so many others looking for peace, rest, and comfort. That’s what sparked the initial idea, to create the kind of content I wished existed more of. Read More>>

GNAR

Starting my own brand was inspired through skateboarding and street wear culture. Growing up, I was constantly watching skate videos and saw how pro skaters would branch off from skating to creating their own brands like Baker and Hookups. I wanted to pursue a similar route where I could create my own graphics and be able to throw them onto any type of products. Read More>>

Kira

I started BY KNA because I knew what it felt like to crave comfort and confidence — and not always know where to find it. I wanted to create a brand that gave women more than just beauty services or home décor — I wanted to give them an experience that made them feel safe, seen, and supported. That vision came to life with my first spa location, FACED by KNA. Read More>>

Ava Duel

The idea really took shape in my dorm room around 1 a.m. I’ve always worn hoodies because they make me feel safe and grounded (almost like a wearable security blanket). I also have sensory sensitivities, so I’m extremely particular about the clothes I wear. A lot of that ties back to being neurodivergent and needing specific textures and fits to feel truly comfortable. Once I became more aware of this about myself, it was incredibly freeing—and it made me wonder if others might feel the same way. Read More>>

Laura Ghiacy

Prior to Covid I was working in multiple gyms all over the West side, when they closed due to Covid I had lots of clients looking for training but no where to go. Luckily we had converted our garage to a gym in Feb 2020 so I was able to start my online personal training business and then migrate to in-person training when it was safe to do so, Read More>>

Brian Morris

I’ve always loved helping others grow and succeed. But over time, I realized my own value—my experience, my vision, my commitment—deserved that same energy in return.

I didn’t start my business to chase status. I started it to create from the heart, to build something sustainable, and to make sure my work was respected, not just used. I wanted freedom, truth, and enough support to keep creating with purpose. Read More>>

Michael Lopez

I was getting fired from doing everything else so I decided to start my own business and do it the way I wanted to do it. I wanted to have fun doing what I enjoy and I want every single person who walks thru my doors to feel like they are appreciated and welcomed. I was extremely scared about starting my own business but I knew I would live with regret if i didnt. Read More>>

Yohai Ben David

It was a combination of a few reasons:

1. I wanted for a very long time to be a business owner. I care a lot more when I have ownership over projects, as opposed to being an employee who simply completes tasks assigned through an office system.
2. I have gained enough experience and become sufficiently skilled to manage projects from start to finish. In architecture, unlike many other creative fields, hands-on experience and apprenticeship are critical. Read More>>

William Spinner

Growing up in Los Angeles, I’ve always wanted to be a boss. In this city, you’re either someone who owns something or someone who doesn’t—and I’ve been on the side that didn’t. I’ve been broke, hungry, depressed, and that kid wearing the same pants five days in a row. I’ve worked jobs as an employee, but I always knew deep down that my life was meant for more. Read More>>

Michael Cannon

I studied photography in college with plans to become an art teacher, but by senior year I realized I didn’t want to be in a traditional classroom. I wanted creative freedom. Like many photographers, I started out doing weddings because it felt like the default path. But it didn’t bring me joy. I discovered that working in the studio, shaping light and setting a scene, was what really lit me up. Read More>>