Deciding to start a business is an unusual decision. It’s often considered irrational and yet for many it’s the best decision they’ve ever made. So we asked folks to think back to when they were starting their businesses and to tell us about their decision making process.

Bobby McMorris

In 2001′ I went to my first play, “God Don’t Like Ugly” by Carlton Hamilton, while visiting LA. I still remember the feeling because that is when the theatre bug hit me. I was like a kid in a candy store as I couldn’t sit still in my seat, I can recall being so excited that I purchased as much merchadise as possible to hold on to this awesome experience. I lived in the moment and didn’t want to ever lose that feeling. I wanted to go into the theatre business and said to myself, “I can do this, I will do this”, and I’ve been writing every since! After delving into different careers, I’m thankful to have found my true passion! Read More>>

Alberto Medellin

Starting my own business was about taking ownership of my future. I realized early on that working a traditional job would only take me so far — it would pay the bills, but it wouldn’t give me true freedom or allow me to build anything lasting for my family.
My thought process was both emotional and strategic. On the emotional side, I wanted to create a legacy — something bigger than just a paycheck. I wanted my time, my efforts, and my risks to benefit my family directly, not just a company. Read More>>

Imani Savoie

In the beginning stages of creating my business, my sole intention was to create a community of women that were on their spiritual healing journey. I felt alone and I wanted to build a community with women that had a similar story as me and desired feminine connection. This is how Mind Body and Movement was formed. As a yoga instructor and former dancer, I created offerings that included practices that focused on mental health and connection while also incorporating somatic movement intended to release stagnant energy and promote physical health. As Mind Body and Movement continues to grow, I always remain in alignment with the initial mission of spiritual wellness and community. Read More>>

Andrea Williams

thrifting has been a hobby since my childhood. I was always on the curvier side. As I got older, I would listen to women express how they couldn’t find trendy pieces in the thrift stores so I created a safe shopping space for curvy plus size thrifting. Read More>>

Amber Murley

The thought process behind starting my own business came from a mix of passion and necessity. I wanted to create a space where kids could play freely, imagine big, and build important social skills — while giving parents a place to relax, connect, and feel supported too. I saw a need for a play space that wasn’t just about entertainment, but about community. I realized if I wanted that kind of place to exist, I needed to build it myself. That’s what sparked the idea for Little Dreamers Playhouse. Read More>>

Don Johnston

Though I selected the “starting your own business” question, it fits so well with the “risk taking” question that I’m going to weave them together in my answer.

The biggest risk I ever took was leaving a successful career in industry and starting my own business. My journey and the thought process behind it is described below. Read More>>