We reached out to some of our favorite entrepreneurs and asked them to think back and tell us about how they decided to start a business. Check out their responses below.

Sharon Terry | NICU RN

I am a NICU nurse of 23 yrs and started NuBorn Kare when she noticed how many parents were struggling with their transition from the hospital to home and knew there must be a solution. Through NuBorn Kare, I have been able to offer my veteran industry professional knowledge and guidance so you can have the confidence and peace of mind knowing that you’re doing everything the best way for your baby. Read more>>

Allison Chavanelle | Watercolor Artist

I started my first business when I was in high school and have had multiple since. I loved having a side hustle for my creative outlet while I was working in the corporate world. But when the Pandemic hit, I was 7 months pregnant with my second child and was working for an international exchange company. About 80% of the company was let go so I turned my side hustle into my full time job and probably saved my sanity through it all. Read more>>

Leticia Barrios | Owner, Ixchel Market

I started Ixchel Market in early 2021, right as we were all coming off pandemic shut downs and everything was opening back up. I had lost my job due to the pandemic and was kind of in that space many of us found ourselves in of not really knowing what to do next. I have always dabbled in retail, vintage reselling, and the fashion industry so starting a retail based business felt second nature to me. Read more>>

Janese Maricelli | Marketing Consultant, Designer and Publisher

I have always been an entrepreneur. I have always sought out opportunities and ways to better my situation. After graduating with a degree in marketing and a passion for design, I went into the corporate marketing game. Once I understood that relationships are at the core of all business, I decided that who better to manage my relationships than me? I now own two different businesses and pride myself on having quality relationships with my team and my clients. Read more>>

Arquelle Gilder | Realtor & Entrepreneur

So basically I started my first semester of college in 2014 right after high school and after one semester had to drop out due to not getting any financial aide. working in fast food and retail really gave me an eye opening experience that this isn’t what I wanted to become for the rest of my life. Working for someone else, never being able to get ahead, Read more>>

Adra Johnson | Writer, Paranormal Investigator & Tour Guide

I’ve always been interested in history and the paranormal, but when I noticed the high correlation between paranormal tourism and historical preservation, I wanted to use my passion to contribute to that relationship. I’m now able to teach people the genuine history behind important places and how to explore alternate ways of learning about it, while benefiting various locations by bringing in visitors and telling their stories. Read more>>

Michael Wilson | Educator & Private Tutor

A strong dedication to education and community led to me starting The Think Tank Tutorial Services. The core value of our service at The Think Tank is to nurture today’s youth by providing additional educational opportunities and tutoring to students experiencing difficulty with class content. Services are provided for all ages and learning levels. Read more>>

Shannon Roberts | Owner/Artist

I have always enjoyed working for myself and the freedom that it has offered in the past. I lost my job like a lot of people during Covid, and to avoid just sitting around I began spending more on my hobbies. It soon became apparent that I really needed a way to get rid of all the stuff I was making. At this time, I was living with my dad who had health problems and taking care of him full time. Read more>>

Dasia Rayanna | Business Influencer & Mentor

The reason I wanted to start my own business is because I always knew there was a huge calling on my life, and I did not want any limitations placed on me. I have seen the finer things in life and also been around poverty. Because of this, I wanted to put myself in position to bridge the gap and be a possible solution to the wealth gap. Read more>>

Christina Dang | Boba Lover

I grew up surrounded by family members who are small business owners and was able to help out where I could in everything from retail to food services. Starting my own business was always something I was very interested in, but wasn’t really sure how or when I could start my venture. In 2018, I was helping plan my girlfriend (Kimy’s) bridal shower and was looking for ways to incorporate her engagement photos. Read more>>