Thinking through whether to start a business – whether to take the risk, whether to go out on your own – isn’t easy. So we asked some entrepreneurs we admire to tell us about how they thought through the process of starting a business.

Danny Doan

We wanted to create something that was fun and exciting for our family. We love the idea that this is great for all ages! Read More>>

KITURA SMITH

I love this question. It gives me the opportunity to share my story with others. My thought process behind starting my own business was really rooted in resilience and passion. For years, cooking was something I did to support my family and bring people together, but when life threw unexpected challenges—like job loss and the pandemic—I realized it was also my calling. Instead of letting those setbacks define me, I leaned into the gift passed down from my grandmother’s hands. I wanted to create something that wasn’t just about food, but about experiences, memories, and joy on a plate. Starting All About the Minis was my way of turning survival into purpose and building a business that could feed both stomachs and souls. Read More>>

Kea Monroe

My thought process on starting and growing my business is basically that I wanted to share my passion for massage in my own setting. I wanted to achieve this by setting my own schedule and applying information I have learned as an experienced massage therapist in my own practice. This allows me to preform and function better while providing quality services. Read More>>

April Black

I’m from a family of successful business owners. I knew at an early age I wanted to become a hairstylist and own a salon. Once I became licensed at 19, I worked hard to build a steady clientele. I was passionate about it. I knew the harder I worked, the faster I would get to that goal of owning my own salon. At 22 years old, I felt I had that solid clientele to be able to take that risk and go for it. Read More>>

Jenevi Gonzalez

I started Jenevi’s Pet Services because I’ve always had a natural bond with animals, and I knew pet owners wanted more than just a service. They wanted someone they could fully trust. I first worked with another small business, but I quickly realized their practices didn’t align with my values. There was a lack of transparency and honesty that didn’t sit right with me. That experience pushed me to start Jenevi’s Pet Services, built on professionalism, genuine care, and integrity. Read More>>