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.

RAJAS NIKUMBH | Young Digital Creator & Entrepreneur

Well, in all honesty, I have had the notion of starting my own business ever since I enrolled in college, if not earlier. I recall a time when I moved to another city by myself for my graduate studies. Although my family provided financial support for food and lodging while I was away, as a teenager from a typical middle-class Indian family, I always aspired to alter those circumstances and live the life of my own desires. It was during those times that I would generate ideas to realise my own aspirations and dreams, which were indeed dire. and initially instructed a handful of well-known individuals via Zoom, which grew to more than 1800 pupils worldwide in paid and unpaid sessions pertaining to the content, marketing, video, design, and branding industries. Read more>>

Rodney Warner | Founder & Lead Strategist at Connective Web Design

Starting my own business was about taking my years of learning and turning them into something real. After gaining valuable experience from mentors, I quickly moved to establish my own web design agency. I focused on building a strong online presence to showcase my abilities, starting with my own website. Building a client base didn’t happen overnight. I honed my skills further by creating a specialized SEO site and took on initial projects from friends and family. This phase was quick but crucial—it built my portfolio and gave me the confidence to approach local businesses. Read more>>

Jessica Jones | Entrepreneur/Youtuber

The thought behind building my own business was breaking generational curses. I have endured so much throughout my 30 years of life, that ultimately I wanted to be the best in this life. Being given several creative talents, I wondered why not use what the universe gave me naturally to be able to supply myself the means to live the life I desire. Read more>>

Danielle Nakeia | Freelancer

As a freelancer in the social media or graphic design field, my thought process centered on leveraging my passion and talents to create a business. I aimed to offer unique and creative services, build a strong online presence, and establish a niche to stand out in a competitive market. Setting clear goals and creating a solid portfolio were essential steps in showcasing my skills and attracting potential clients. Read more>>

Steph Coulter | Designer & Wedding Specialist

Starting Lily in June was a journey rooted in passion and the desire to create meaningful, beautiful experiences. The thought process was driven by two core elements: a deep love for design and a personal mission to infuse life’s significant moments with unforgettable beauty. Firstly, my passion for design and floral artistry was the spark. I saw an opportunity to bring a unique perspective to wedding and event design, blending traditional elements with innovative, personalized touches. This passion was about more than just arranging flowers; it was about curating stories and creating atmospheres that resonate deeply with individuals and their guests. Read more>>

Jamie Horton | Owner, Boards are my Jam

I have always had a passion for hospitality, and for making people feel welcomed, invited and known. I would do this with small dinner parties, my own family, or larger parties. There was no gathering too small to make it special. So as I began making boards for my own family and friends, people began reaching out to me to make boards for them. While at the time, I wasn’t thinking this would be a business, I had one friend who asked me to do a board for a party for her family. From there, I started sharing this possibility of a business with friends, and was surprised by how many people were eager to have boards at their parties, too. Now looking back, I can’t believe it has been three years of Boards are my Jam! Read more>>

Emma Hamblen | Hair Stylist & Educator

I wanted to create a space that felt safe for myself and my clients. I’ve always worked in larger salons with old school views of how a salon “should be” and it never felt right. I knew I loved doing hair but the way we managed clients and staff needed to change. Read more>>

Randy Lee Woods | Grateful Texas Artist, Tattoo Studio Owner & Friend

I think the desire to work independently sparked early on in grade school. Since I was 9 or 10 years old I mowed yards and did odd jobs whenever I could to make my own money. Once I’d hit my teens I knew following orders was not for me and that I’d participate in doing it much less once I was out of school with full control over my life. I think that, combined with the entrepreneurial spirit I’d witnessed consistently from my father growing up- going into business for myself one day was inevitable for me to attempt and I always kept my eyes peeled for a way to try. Read more>>