It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Mónika Aldarondo Lugo | Our Latina Lens Founder & Photographer

Like many stories in the last few years, Our Latina Lens was born of a pandemic pivot. I had closed my portrait photography business for the foreseeable future in March 2020. As the incredibly grateful recipient of life saving organ donation, I knew that being immunocompromised made me more vulnerable than most and I had to pivot in a way that kept me safe. Read more>>

Ashley Chavez Miguel Ruvalcaba | Ashley Chavez (Co-Owner,Creative Director) Miguel Ruvalcaba (Co-Owner, CFO)

Amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself unexpectedly laid off from the hospitality industry. As I spent my days at home feeling bored and uncertain about what to do with my newfound free time, I stumbled upon an ad for a laser engraving machine. I shared the ad with my partner and we decided to make the purchase despite initial hesitation. Read more>>

Eva Acosta | Cake Designer & Educator

My business name is La Casa Dulce, which means “The Sweet House”, it just sounds and makes more sense in Spanish, which represents my cultural background. I wanted a business that represented comfort, sweet, love, quality taste, and that is everything you could find in a home. My sweet treats, bakes and cakes come from quality family recipes made with love, and that is what I hope everyone feels with every bite they take. Read more>>

Tiffany Chen | Founder & Brand Photographer

Initially, I knew I wanted to pursue product photography and that I wanted to worked with brands that had a similar ethos – values on sustainability and using natural non-toxic materials. However, that was still not niche enough to really stand out in the increasingly competitive field of product photography. Read more>>

Yumi Koshio | Baker, Japanese style sweets

My oldest son Eric who is an autism. When he was middle school, going to throw pain emotionally, physically etc, he seems a lot of pain, he wanted express himself but he couldn’t( he is nonverbal, can’t to talk), I was trying to keep him busy physically, let him play soccer, basketball, swimming (special Olympic),also trying to understand and study about autism. Read more>>

Kristin Pittman | Esthetician

KrisSkin’s was born out of a genuine passion for skin care, a strong desire for affective, affordable treatments, and making beauty personal. As someone who has always been fascinated by the world of skin care, I found myself constantly researching and experimenting with various products and treatments to improve my own skin. Read more>>

Megan Gallt | CEO

When I first decided to open a business I was planning to open a B&B with a bookstore. It has always been a dream of mine to have that safe haven to just read and relax. With us being a military family, that wasn’t feasible. I started Novel Grounds as more of a lifestyle blog, and then slow transitioned into making book items for myself. Read more>>