It takes a lot more than an idea to build a business, but there can’t be a business without the idea. So we asked folks who’ve built wonderful businesses to tell us about how they came up with the idea in the first place.

Erinn Camille | Boutique Owner

I came up with the idea of my online boutique “Leopardess” because it has always been a dream of mine to own my very own boutique. Since a child I always loved shopping and would wear leopard print at any chance I could get. By the time I entered high school I was known for constantly wearing leopard print. Read more>>

Logan Shanklin | Creative & Designer

I have always had an admiration for fashion and knew that one day I would want to start a brand of my own. It wasn’t until last year during lock down, that I decided to work towards it.When things started to open back up, I decided to sign myself up for sewing classes. Read more>>

Esmeralda M Perez | Balloon Decor

I came up with the idea to use balloons as a medium for creativity when I became a Mom 8years ago. I realized I had a passion for creating beautiful birthday spaces for my children and the entire event planning process was super satisfying to me. Read more>>

Jocelyn Nguyen | Techrepreneur, Founder of Vivefi & Fashion Model

I’ve had many side hustles in the past, like selling stickers, freelance modeling, and social media consulting. It wasn’t until the lockdown in 2020 because of Covid, where I started to question myself, “what is it that I am really good at but also can never get tired of?” And I knew it was bringing an idea to life, especially creative projects like creative directing photoshoots. Read more>>

Marie and Janet Our Silent Voice | Co-Founders of Our Silent Voice

As writers, we were interested in perfecting our craft. We met in a poetry class that was innovative and challenged us both to stretch our skills. There we discovered a common interest –how often the poems we read in class were about some kind of trauma.  Read more>>

Vonteyah Davis-Joseph | Self taught Baker Vonteyah

I started my business to help women embrace their femininity. I noticed our society plays on hyper masculinity and often plays on women’s insecurities about what makes her a woman. Her beauty is called into question if she isn’t a certain size, doesn’t present herself in a certain manner, or have a certain lifestyle. My brand recognizes beauty in all women of all walks of life. Read more>>