Starting and growing a business is hard, but often deciding to start the business in the first place is even harder. We asked some successful entrepreneurs from around the community to open up to us about how they thought about starting a business.

Gloria Allorbi | Founder of Gloria’s Shito

My journey to starting my business was sparked by a month-long, insatiable craving for the authentic taste of my Ghanaian cultural cuisine. Frustrated by the inaccessibility at my local grocery stores, I realized there was a broader issue at play. This experience inspired me to create a solution not only for myself but also for the 2.1 million African immigrants who, like me, faced challenges in accessing their cultural cuisine in global food spaces and not seeing it celebrated in food media. I saw an opportunity to bridge this gap, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the richness of diverse culinary traditions. My business aims to not only provide accessibility to these flavors but also to showcase the vibrant and underrepresented culinary heritage of the African diaspora. Read more>>

Alyssa Muse | Artist + Animal Rescuer

I knew I wasn’t happy with the corporate legal career I’d been doing for years. Daily I’d beat myself up over the fact that I was spending my precious time working for companies that were hurting the earth and taking advantage of people (I was in oil and gas). So one day things came to a head with my monster of a boss, and I decided to quit. My body had long been telling me what my head wouldn’t. I had been having tons of panic attacks and losing weight, so it was beyond time to switch gears. I legitimately had zero plans, but I knew I’d figure it out. A few months before that I had made a few holiday ornaments with simple designs that sold immediately, so I knew there was something there. Read more>>

Valentina Formisano | Artist and Illustrator

There is no a really clear thought process behind the desire of beeing an artist: it’s more a sort of impulse, something that drives you in the right direction since you were young, at the beginning of your approach to the artistic applications; something that leads you in the right way, to a concreete path that has to be built step by step. Is not something that you planned from the beginning. Especially in Italy, the country where I was born and where I live, art careers are not really clear: there are no schools that prepares you for art-business but just Academies of Fine Arts, places where “art is for art”, just like as if art was not a real work but something with an “aura”, something that you do because you are a gifted person with something to express. But after a lot of years spent creating and painting and thinking, I moved to Rome where I could get in touch with a variety of galleries, museums and foundations that manage art and money between cultural events and market so I started planning my art-business with a more clear vision, Read more>>

Anna Butterfield | Founder & Jewelry Designer

It all began with my love for creativity and hands-on hobbies. Being an entrepreneur is about finding your niche and connecting with others who share your same passions. Jewelry has always fascinated me—I admired the work of designers but felt the urge to add my personal touch to certain pieces. So, during the lockdown of 2021, I started creating jewelry for myself and for loved ones to put in care packages that I would send. I intended to create meaningful and lasting pieces to show how much I cared for them and missed them. Read more>>

Gandhar Vamburkar | Graphic Designer

My journey with design started with just wanting to try out Illustrator. I started learning by myself and was instantly hooked. This curiosity and excitement led to learning software like After Effects, Blender 3D, Touchdesigner and using creative coding for motion and design on my own. While doing all this, I was working on my Engineering degree. During this time, I got introduced to Graphic Design and Publishing because of being the Secretary of the ‘Literary Club’ of our college. We had published the college magazine, conducted national level literary events and many other activities. I had to put on many hats, one of which was that of a graphic designer. Read more>>

Jack Oster | Founder of Product Pluto & Artist Manager

Starting Product Pluto came from a desire to throw high quality electronic music events with friends, and for friends. As a DJ and regular in the LA house and techno scene, I knew early on I wanted to be a part of the industry. In college, starting my own events company with my close friends that shared the same passion seemed like the best way to achieve that goal. We started out with desert events out in Joshua Tree, and the business quickly grew into the niche we seek to lead in Southern California and beyond. Read more>>

Risanta Xiaodan Li | Film Producer

My career journey has been filled with challenges, a seemingly inevitable part of everyone’s life journey. From being a dreamer who traveled across the globe to the United States in pursuit of a film dream, to completing my master’s degree, and then stepping into the professional world, every step was laced with uncertainty and challenges. However, it was these very challenges that ignited my passion for overcoming obstacles. The impact of the pandemic on everyone’s career was unprecedented. Facing massive layoffs and an economic crisis, everyone felt uneasy, including recent graduates like myself. In this context, I was compelled to rethink my career path. As a freelance producer, I was involved in the production of various types of films, commercials, and web series, which laid a solid foundation for me. Based on this experience and confidence, I founded my own production company—Loomlight Production. As a startup, we undoubtedly face even greater challenges, but this represents a pivotal turning point in my career. I am full of confidence in our future and look forward to welcoming more individuals who are passionate about filmmaking to join us. I believe that as long as we work together, the path ahead will be even brighter. Read more>>

Alaina Joy | Artistic, visionary & Gallery President

I founded Painted Thingies to develope myself and my art as a brand to participate in shows and galleries to be able to get to the point to open my own inclusive diverse space for all artists. I have now founded JAMM Gallery, which is having it’s grand opening in April of this year, with a vision to transcend artistic boundaries and foster a sense of connection. Drawing inspiration from my passion for pop and street art, I aimed to create a space that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. Through vibrant strokes and inclusive ideals, I aspire to use art as a catalyst for positive change, amplifying marginalized voices and fostering personal development. JAMM Gallery is not just an art space; it’s a platform dedicated to creating a brighter, more inclusive world through the limitless potential of artistic expression. Read more>>

Eric Moeller | CEO of Freewyld

Starting Freewyld wasn’t just about launching another business for me—it was about creating something truly unique and impactful in the hospitality space. The seed was planted during a disappointing stay in a tiny home community that promised an immersive experience but fell short due to its poor location and execution. That moment sparked a vision for Freewyld: to elevate short-term rentals into extraordinary, experiential stays that fully immerse our guests in the beauty of nature, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality in design, location, and experience. Read more>>

Amandine Azran | Founder: Amandine Sol Botanicals

I didn’t intend on starting my own business – I actually grew up in a very entrepreneurial family where each of my family members own their own businesses in the beauty and fashion industry. I grew up in this environment where you are tied to your business both emotionally, physically and financially – limiting down time, vacations, and seeing the ups and downs of this lifestyle. I adamantly refused to become an entrepreneur and instead decided to take the clearer path of law school. It was once this goal was achieved that I realized I didn’t actually want to be a lawyer but instead I found entrepreneurship calling me after we moved to The Farm. This point of inspiration made me realize I was always destined to start my own business and I found many of the necessary skills came easier to me than anything I had tried before. Read more>>

Sanja Oropeza | Ayurvedic Practitioner | Founder of Kevala Wellness and Ayurveda

I knew I wanted to have my own business when I was still in massage school and as the years passed this desire grew stronger and with a bigger purpose. It is important to me to create a safe space for our community and practitioners to heal, grow and serve. The healing process is vulnerable, and for the body and spirit to respond in a positive way we must feel safe, we must trust that we are in good hands. likewise our holistic practitioners need to be supported, protected and feel at home when holding space. For me this was top priority, but also, creatively offering space that engages all of our senses with unique offerings and a beautiful space! Read more>>

Emily Casas | Solo esthetician & esthetics educator

Before I knew what an esthetician ACTUALLY was, I thought it was just someone who massaged your face and called it a day. After going through school, receiving my license and starting my business…it showed me that there was SO much more than what I thought this was career was. I realized the common misconceptions of the esthetician world was lack of intent and passion. So upon starting my business, I wanted to not only use this as an opportunity to help people feel better in their skin through my services…but to also make connections and change lives along the way by changing beauty standards and offering education/insight about this industry when I can. I wanted my esthetician business to be *THE* place people can visit to be pampered, while also offering them a safe space. Read more>>

Diana Simpson | Brand & Shopify Designer

I wanted to start my own business because I wanted time and freedom. I knew going back to my 9-5 after maternity leave would put me in a bind both time-wise and financially. I wasn’t making enough as a banker and the job was draining me due to the work environment. Funny enough, I went to college for business management but never finished my degree. Running a business has always been on my mind but I didn’t know what kind of business I wanted to run. I tried offering VA services which included social media management. I quickly realized I didn’t like doing social media engagement and I enjoyed the design process so much better. Then I stumbled on a course on how to create a WordPress website and fell in love with web design. My business has evolved over the years. From offering VA services to now only offering brand identity packages and Shopify design. Starting a business is never easy but the key is to just start. If you have the drive and determination, you can make it happen. Read more>>

Marin Milken | Founder, CEO, Chef & Food Equity Activist

In the midst of the pandemic, I found myself having read a million books, shared a million TikToks with friends, and walked hundreds of loops around the block – what else could I do? My older brother played video games with his friends online. This was not appealing to me, yet I understood why it was meaningful for him. He was thinking, creating and connecting with his friends. Since no one in my house is a good cook and we couldn’t order in, I started making dinner. What began as me teaching myself through YouTube turned into Zoom get-togethers where I taught groups of friends how to make the perfect latte, or tasty grilled chicken. They began cooking for their families. Then, my mom told our neighbors on our daily loop about my cooking. Somehow, I became the middle school chef who created a social connection activity for my friends – which ballooned into a social distancing gathering mechanism for our neighbors. Through these meals, I realized food’s power to bring people together – and that everyone should have access to these types of experiences and nourishment. But the more I read about how food shapes cultures, the more I also learned about food insecurity – how can people define themselves when they don’t have the access to the food they need to nourish themselves? What does a lack do for an individual/community/nation? Read more>>

Channon Anderson | Father & Business Owner

I’ve had an entrepreneurial my entire life. In high school I sold chips, juices, rice krispies, candy, etc. to make extra money so my mom didn’t have to spend her money. Although I’ve had multiple jobs in my lifetime, I always knew I wanted to own my own business. Aside from sharing my experiences through fashion, my two sons are definitely the biggest reason why I started Fully Loaded Los Angeles. I wanted to be able to show them that anything is possible through hard work, dedication and consistency. Read more>>

Monica Garty Juice | Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Mental Health Specialist, Educator, Consultant, Human

Several years ago, I initiated a Coping Skills Program at a large pediatric private practice in South Orange County, where I proudly work as a pediatric nurse practitioner. Truthfully, this endeavor was deeply rooted in my personal healing journey and the profound impact of my own therapist. Week after week, as my life began to make more sense, I was simultaneously reading and listening to everything I could get my hands on. My personal and professional life were undergoing a major transformation, evident by the clear shift in how I was connecting with own patients. I was eager (honestly obsessed) to share the knowledge and insights I had gained. Read more>>

Michael Kuluva | Fashion Designer

I started my namesake luxury brand MICHAEL KULUVA after being in the fashion industry with my other label Tumbler and Tipsy for over 12 years. When the pandemic hit, I knew the party aesthetic brand – Tumbler and Tipsy – needed to pivot and I needed to as well. I started the MICHAEL KULUVA brand in 2021 which has been authentic to my current lifestyle with having more quality pieces in my wardrobe over quanitity. Read more>>

Jerry Silverhardt | Manager/Producer

I was previously at a company for five years. I was no longer happy working at a this big company, and I thought it was time to restart and form my own business. Now, I had the experience and the knowledge I wanted to have in order to be successful and explore other areas of management. I represent dancers, choreographers, writers, and directors besides actors. Read more>>

Mik Raibon and Jenn Raibon | Wellness and Mindfulness Guides

We collectively have over 25 years of experience in corporate America – Mik as a consultant and marketer and Jenn as a corporate lawyer, both in private practice and as in-house counsel. During the pandemic, a period that we found incredibly introspective, we found a passion for wellness in the areas of Reiki, yoga, sound healing and more. We saw how these modalities and perspectives could be transformative for anyone and everyone. We wanted to be a resource that truly answered the dilemmas of work/life balance, burnout and dissatisfaction with tools that provided healing to every facet of the individual. Our company, The Inner Victory, does this through individual 1:1 sessions, group retreats and corporate wellness offerings. Read more>>

Edivaldo Fontes | Editor-in-chief at VLM Press and American Dream Magazine, Writer, Business Advisor and Web Developer

The decision to start my own business was born out of a deep-rooted passion, an unwavering commitment to addressing gaps in the market, and an unrelenting desire for autonomy. As an industry expert, I have spent years honing my skills and expertise, and in doing so, I have developed an acute awareness of the unmet needs within the industry. Read more>>

Rachael Rae Robertson | Animal Caretaker

I’ve been around animals of all shapes and sizes since I was born, and so I see them like family, and think they should be treated as such. My first job in college was at a doggy daycare, and I remember watching the owners tell their customers exaggerations like “your dog was in the play yard all day!” or “your dog had a great time” when they, in fact, did not. It pushed me to starting my own animal care business where I could ensure transparency and safety went hand-in-hand with your pet having fun. My clients always receive an honest and detailed report of their pet’s time with me, and I’ve found this gives them the peace of mind that every pet owner deserves when they trust someone to care for their furry family member. Read more>>

Sheel Yerneni | Founder of Svarini

Ideal lifestyle- I knew eventually I would need flexibility and freedom be able to go anywhere or do things on my own time table. The 9-5 work day or working for someone else wasn’t conducive to this and climbing the corporate ladder did not bring me any closer to this goal so I got out early, knowing that any time I invested in building my career should lead to toward my ideal lifestyle as well. Read more>>

Autianna Wilson | Internationally known as the Optical Goddess. I am a licensed optician, eyewear stylist and eyewear designer.

The thought process behind my business was rooted in creating an immersive eyewear experience centered around curiosity and wonder. Unlike traditional optical stores, which often prioritize quick sales over the deeper significance of selecting eyewear, I aimed to slow down the process. Recognizing glasses as not just a facial accessory with functionality but a personal investment and expression of individuality, I wanted to provide a space where customers could explore and reflect on what truly brings them joy and comfort. Drawing from over a decade in the optical industry, I envisioned a space dedicated to personalized, curated service. Opting to exclusively carry independent, handmade eyewear brands further underscores my commitment to uniqueness and originality. By offering lines not widely available in the US, I provide customers with an unparalleled, distinctive experience that sets ELA apart from mainstream options. Read more>>

Hayley Mackanin | Hair Specialist and Master Barber

Being in the industry for over 10 years, I’ve always dreamed about having my own space and branding. I’ve worked in a lot of different types of places, from full service salons to barber shops and I wanted to make a branding and business that everyone felt comfortable going to. That’s what I’ve tried to do with the Hair Hunny branding, and having a space to be able to showcase a level of barbering and hair styling that allowed for everyone to come and know they’re not only going to be leaving happy with their service but also eager to return. Read more>>

Eric Davis | Entrepreneur & College Student

I’ve always had a creative mind and the skill set to be an entrepreneur. I also had trouble finding activewear that caught my eye and was affordable. Starting my business allowed me to combine my creative mindset and entrepreneurial aspirations. Read more>>

Remi & Lori Chagnon | Founders of Walk In HIs Footsteps

Since I was in the digital advertising space for the last 20 years I really didn’t have a clue where to start. However, it was when I was at a low point in my life that this unique Idea came to me. Before I get into the process of starting this business let me share a little about myself. I was a full-time, single parent of three (amazing kids), which was also financially and emotionally stressful. I was at an extremely low point spiritually in my life. Seems like when you try to do everything yourself and chase the things of this world, things just fall apart. Read more>>

Allison Herrera | Wedding + Family Photographer

My business all started (officially) when I was pregnant with my first child. I was in college for a business degree with the intention of going into a marketing career but photography had always been a part of my life. I have always been drawn to art in general and it’s something I’m passionate about. I had already been doing photos for friends/family as well as some referals so I figured this was an opportunity to build a career for myself in something I love and be home with my new baby as much as possible. Read more>>

Kai Matsukuma Matsukuma | Founder of Sango

I really wanted to create a brand that gave me the freedom to create what I want and on my own terms. I’ve worked at creative advertising agencies for 6 years and it was a great experience working with amazing brands such as Google, YouTube, Netflix, HBO, Logitech, and others. However, it was always so restricting having to take the clients requests and more than likely, take the safe route. And after working with so many different brands and with such brilliant people on various projects, I felt it was time to start something of my own. I was over saying, “What if…” and eager to just do it. All I knew going into it was that I wanted a platform to create whatever I wanted and creatively tell stories through several mediums. Then it happened, Sango was born. Read more>>

LaDonna Oby | Artist and Creator

My main though process about starting my business was sharing my passion and leaving a legacy behind my daughters could be proud of. Being my own boss is living a dream. I been working since the age of sixteen and found myself in the regular day to day of normal for many. I never wanted that for myself. I went to college worked two jobs but then I found out my grandmother who practically raised me was sick. I moved back home still trying to attend school and work two jobs but after her death life really took over and years went by. My first daughter came. More years went by I got married and had my second daughter. When that didn’t work out again life took over. Being a single mom of two put me in survivor mode but still wanting to leave a mark on the world. Mind you I haven’t created anything for years until I was challenged by a friend. When he asked ” What are you doing? Your talent deserves better than to be a part of your past.” From there I started drawing, then painting. A few friends commissioned work but one asked how far did I want to go and had I thought about starting a business. The Weeks went by with thoughts about what I had to offer and what name would I use. I felt comfort in being able to stand behind Read more>>