Many books on startups and business talk about how there are right and wrong reasons for starting a business. So, we asked a handful of successful founders about their reasons and the thought-process behind starting their business.

Sofia Arteaga

I was blessed to be hired by an amazing private practice even before graduating from physical therapy school. But deep down, I always knew I wanted to build my own business. The biggest reason I wanted to start my own practice was the restrictions I felt in traditional healthcare. I didn’t want to be limited to seeing patients for only 15–20 minutes at a time or have insurance companies decide when someone’s care should end. even if that patient still needed physical therapy to truly recover. Read More>>

Cynthia Cerrato

The thought process behind starting my own private practice was straightforward. I wanted to create a space for clients that fosters feelings of safety and healing in a unique way. I realized that this often doesn’t occur in a traditional office setting, so I decided to offer my services from home. My home, surrounded by greenery and wildlife, enhances the healing process and provides a comforting environment for my clients. Read More>>

Jamie Henderson

I have always enjoyed looking at pictures and remembering that certain moment, time and place. I also lost my brother when I was a teenager, and I was then left with only pictures to look at. I wanted to make sure that everyone could have something to look back to remember that special day and/or that special person. Read More>>

Sandeep Dhole

“For me, freedom is everything. Starting my own business wasn’t just about working for myself—it was about having the freedom to choose projects that matter. I saw a chance to make the world more beautiful and sustainable by designing with natural materials. Every building I create is a step toward a balanced ecosystem and a healthier planet. It’s deeply fulfilling to do what I love while making a positive difference.” Read More>>

Ida Folmann

Honestly, it all started with a deep product obsession. I’ve always been that person who talks about olive oil like some people talk about wine. I used to order 50-liter tanks from our farm just for my own kitchen, and friends would bring bottles to refill straight from the tap. I was constantly cooking with it, gifting it, and having long conversations about tasting notes and harvest seasons. Read More>>

Emily Katter

I started Embody Healing with the intention of spreading joy, peace, and love to others. My heart has always been drawn to supporting women—especially creatives and mothers—who, like me, have faced seasons of doubt, overwhelm, or struggle. Through this work, I want to help people uncover the deep healing available within themselves, so they can see that they already hold everything they need to create the life they desire. I believe that when we cultivate healing, peace, and joy within, it naturally radiates outward, touching our families, communities, and the world around us. The more people who feel whole and aligned, the greater the ripple effect of positive change we create together. Read More>>

Maha Afra

It was both very full of thoughtfulness but also it was this internal drive to start my own dance company. There were many reasons: I needed to communicate through dance but not only one style of dance, as many styles as possible. I was adamant on giving anyone a chance to perform, to experience being in a space in front of an audience. The space did not have to be your traditional proscenium stage that is common in Eurocentric cultures but any space. Read More>>

CHIA　ＬＩＮ ＫＯ

hope people in the community can often come to my café to chat, enjoy coffee, and find a sense of warmth and calm. I also want it to be a place where they can see exhibitions, and through art, deepen their understanding of life and their pursuit of it.” Read More>>

Julie Collins

My thought process came from a deep realization: there’s a huge gap in the wellness realm when it comes to the Latina community. For so long, wellness spaces have felt exclusive, like they were only built for certain people — and that never sat right with me. I wanted to bridge that gap. Read More>> 

Chris Thomes

After over two decades at Disney, I expected to find new opportunities quickly. What I actually encountered was a very different landscape, one defined by disruption and uncertainty. Traditional hiring slowed dramatically, and the industry I knew had undergone several seismic shifts, reshaping it. Read More>>

Anthony Wagner

I started Fiori to prove to myself that anything is possible if you fully commit, even without prior experience. I had no background in clothing, so I had to learn every part of the business from scratch. Along the way, I discovered a passion for creating a brand that golfers would be proud to wear both on and off the course. Fiori focuses on multifunctional pieces that seamlessly fit into daily life while offering a fresh way to represent the game. Our aesthetic reflects laid-back Southern California roots, elevated by subtle Italian elegance. Read More>>

Marc Faust

I’ve always been fascinated by how ideas and organizations can influence society, a perspective shaped early on by my love of history. I was intrigued by how leaders and movements throughout history were able to position themselves, communicate their vision, and inspire lasting change. Read More>>

Stephen McMahon

I didn’t invent the Blue Chirper with any thoughts about “starting a business”. I did it out of pressing necessity.

Back in 2022, during the BLM riots here in Santa Monica, our rear garage storage room, which had been our Laundry Room before the bldg was converted to condos, was broken into and robbed. We had 3 young families in our 7-unit condo bldg at the time, along with 4 older legacy homeowners.  Read More>>

Eibeth & Kennedy Garcia

My Partner and I have always had a deep love for coffee it’s been our thing since the very beginning. Some of our best memories together have been spent exploring hidden coffee shops, trying unique drinks, and just soaking in the vibes and feel of each spot. We weren’t just drinking coffee we were falling in love with the culture, the creativity, and the sense of connection it brings. Read More>>