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.

Shelby Alexandra

What was your thought process for starting your own business?

When I was growing up, my parents gave me the advice to “always work for yourself if you can, so you can make your own hours and never have anyone telling you what to do”. Of course, I didn’t quite realize that “making your own hours” meant working twice as much as someone with a 9-5 when you’re an entrepreneur! Regardless, the decision to start my own business felt natural once I knew I wanted to be an oil painter. I don’t really think there’s any other option for a painter, honestly! Read More>> 

Wynn

Before working for myself, I had the pleasure of being an artist’s assistant. It was an awesome job where I got to help out an incredibly talented oil painter. It showed me what being a full time artist looked like. If I could do this job for someone else, why not do it for myself? Read More>> 

Kevin Chu

The decision to start my own men’s health and boutique urology clinic came from both personal conviction and professional frustration.

As a urologist, I’ve taken care of thousands of men dealing with low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and fertility challenges. What I began noticing was a disturbing trend—too many men were being treated at clinics where the focus was more on sales than science. Read More>>

Pierre Galant

Coming form a government employee background and mentality, I felt the universe has gradually shed all the false idols of “security” I was once relying on. I Started working for the French government, to then become a teacher in a private school. to Real Estate agent, first as an employee then as an independent contractor, to no real estate content producer which is 100% freelance. I felt the move was gradual.  Read More>> 

Gabriel Bienczycki

I began my career as a dancer and choreographer, training at a National Ballet School in Poland and performing professionally in major theaters across Germany, Portugal, Canada, and the U.S. My passion for capturing movement soon led me to teach myself photography and filmmaking, initially to translate my stage work to the screen. Over two decades, this creative shift eventually led me to a career in film, rather than on stage. Read More>> 

Tashi Lee

It’s all about my journey, like in every aspect in my life. Nothing has ever been easy but somehow always ends up worth it. Read More>> 

Rene Nowell

I came from a swim background while growing up and into my adulthood. I decided to teach swim lesson out of my backyard pool to friends and family. Over the next 25 years my cliental grew exponentially just by word of mouth. All while raising my small children. I could no longer accommodate the number of swimmers (over 127 per day, 6 days a week) coming to me in my backyard pool. Our neighborhood/street also could not accommodate the parking for the parents. Read More>> 

Sabreen Ali

I am drawn to the freedom that having your own business affords. I like the idea of not having to wait on anyone else to actualize my vision. And that’s not to say that you don’t need people in your corner, but not having to be dependent on the validation of others to give you permission to start – it’s recognizing that I have the ability to create opportunities for myself so that others can eventually join. Having my own business gives me the courage and motivation to not wait until I feel ‘ready’, but to instead trust the process and put myself out there regardless. It truly pays off every time. Read More>> 

Eli Wulfmeier

I wanted to be a songwriter Read More>> 

Derrick Smith

For me, it really came down to a mix of conviction and creative instinct. I knew I had something to build — something that wouldn’t make complete sense to everyone else at first. That’s where faith came in. What might look delusional to others is often just vision in its early form.

I’ve learned that if you wait for perfect validation or unanimous support, you’ll stay stuck. Starting my own business was about trusting the process — showing up consistently even when the results weren’t immediate. I didn’t have all the answers, but I had direction, and that was enough. Read More>> 

Dr. Mathew Cohen And Dr. Roxanne Kruger

After working in a wide variety of hospitals—general practice, emergency, specialty, and relief work—we had the opportunity to see what worked well in different settings and, just as importantly, what didn’t. That experience allowed us to thoughtfully design a practice that combines the best elements we observed, while intentionally avoiding the pitfalls that can create stress for both patients and clients. Read More>>

Natalie Boyatt

The idea for bevee came from a real-life need—I was constantly juggling multiple drinks for my daughter and her friends, friends, or work meetings, and every single time, those flimsy cardboard drink carriers failed me. They’d tip, rip, or spill, and I kept thinking, there has to be a better way. That frustration sparked the idea for a reusable, durable drink carrier. Read More>> 

Hashim Thomas

After working in the entertainment industry for over 25 years—primarily in the art department where I helped craft the visual identity of sets through construction, painting, and set dressing—I developed a deep understanding of how to create spaces that feel authentic, intentional, and lived-in. When the industry experienced a slowdown, I began reflecting on how I could apply those skills in a way that wasn’t dependent on working for someone else. I wanted to build something of my own—something that allowed me to continue creating, but with full autonomy.  Read More>>

Stephanie Griffith

The idea really came from a moment of pure emotion. I remember getting into bed one night, feeling overwhelmed and almost in tears, realizing that my favorite sheets, the ones I had slept on for nearly 20 years, were no longer being made. I just couldn’t accept that. I knew I had to do something, or I might never sleep the same again. So, I started researching and eventually found a manufacturer who could help me recreate them. When I told my husband I was placing a production order for 1,000 sets in queen and king sizes, he thought I was crazy, but at least, he joked, we’d never run out of my favorite sheets again. Read More>> 

Rhea Ray

It all started with this huge aha moment. I had just finished composing a classical piece on the piano, and later, while driving, I suddenly had this vivid, almost cinematic vision of a full orchestra playing it. I could hear everything—the strings, the horns, every detail—and it hit me: music isn’t just something I do. It lives in me.

In that moment, I realized I can’t hold back and I need to share it. It’s not just something I do—it’s who I am. That’s when I knew I needed to build something of my own, where I could express my voice, my sound, and my passion without limitations.  Read More>>

Doretta Ellsworth

Initially, my thought was, there are less talented people out here being successful. I’m smart, I can be successful too! I have always wanted to run my own business and manage my own time. When I was working in corporate as an Account Manager, we were encouraged to manage our books-of-business as if they were mini-businesses within the company. I had my assigned clients and territory and I fully managed my P & L’s, hired and trained staff, interfaced w/my clients, etc… I took full ownership of my position and responsibilities and figured, if I’m successful here, I can totally do this on my own. Read More>>

Stas Grant

I wanted to see what I was truly capable of—what I could build when the results depended entirely on me. That challenge, that responsibility, really motivated me to take the leap. Read More>> 

Justine Almaraz

For me, starting my own business wasn’t just a career move, it was a soul-level decision. I wanted to create something that didn’t exist yet: a space where tattooing could be deeply intentional, artistic, and healing all at once. That vision became Earth Altar. I was guided by a desire to redefine the tattoo industry from the inside out, to elevate it with integrity, beauty, and inclusivity, while providing both clients and artists with a safer, more conscious experience. I knew that if I wanted to work in a place that felt sacred, where art and energy could coexist in their highest forms, I’d have to build it myself. Read More>> 

Jiajun Cheng

Our journey to establish our own venture was driven by a deep desire to push our boundaries and transform lives through our passion for architecture. We sought to challenge ourselves by stepping beyond the familiarity of our comfort zones, embracing the unknown to unlock our full potential. With our expertise in architecture, we aimed to revolutionize users’ living conditions, creating spaces that inspire and elevate everyday experiences. Through meaningful collaboration with our partners, we committed to a path of continuous learning, growing together to achieve our shared vision. Read More>> 

Taylor Simmons

The idea for my business really started during one of the most difficult seasons of my life – while I was struggling with infertility. During that time, a lot of tears were shed and a lot of googling was done. I found myself going down rabbit holes researching reasons behind my unexplained infertility diagnosis and of course, the number of hormone disruptors that are in our everyday products, especially products we put on our bodies and in our homes along with all the toxic ingredients was a big one. Read More>> 

Momodou Saho

Starting Jollof & Wollof Kitchen wasn’t just about entrepreneurship, it was about returning to my roots. After decades in fine-dining restaurants across the UK and US, I reached a point in my career where I wanted to create something more personal. I’ve spent years mastering European and Western cuisine, leading high-profile kitchens, and creating luxurious dining experiences. But the flavors I grew up with were calling me back. Read More>> 

Amanda DeRemer

My postpartum course was challenging to say the least. After a near-fatal delivery, an ICU stay, and 3 hospital readmissions, when I was finally cleared to workout I didn’t know where to begin. I have been an athlete my entire life and movement has been my therapy. As a new mom, traditional workouts felt out of reach and I felt mom guilt creeping in whenever I choose to take time for me.

I craved a way to move that felt intentional, realistic, and included my baby. I started sneaking in movement with my mini whenever I could – tummy time planks, stroller lunges, baby carrier squats, and even high chair barre. I finally started to feel and look like myself again while bonding with my baby. Read More>>